Chuck Smith: Father To A Generation That No One Wanted

Matthew 25:21
His master replied, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!"

Just saw on line where Pastor Chuck Smith had died. Another one has left here to receive his rewards, and what rewards he will receive. Traded in the mortal coil of this world for a better model. Jealous in one sense, but totally realize that my time will come eventually.
Father to a generation of kids that no one wanted. Hippies and druggies...found Jesus in the church known as Calvary Chapel Costa Messa, and Chuck Smith became a voice of reason to point them to Jesus.

One of my most favorite stories Chuck told, was how the older members of the church were upset by this sudden influx of kids. A group went to Chuck to complain about them, and the best they could come up with was "We need to keep them from coming here because the rivets on their jeans are scratching up our pews. Chuck assured the group that the problem would be dealt with. The next Sunday when everyone showed up at the church, all the pews had been taken out and chair put in place. Problem solved. 

Danny Daniels shared a story one time about how all this church stuff was new to most of the kids who showed up at Calvary Chapel. The pews use to have holders for the song books and each holder had two little holes drilled on each side. If you've been in church (especially a traditional church) for any length of time, you know that the holes are where you put the small glass after you have finished with communion. Well, Danny and friends didn't know. Since they didn't wear shoes or if they slipped their sandals off, they thought they were "toe-holds" where you stuck your toes. This way you could be comfortable and balance A Bible and a notebook for taking sermon notes. Such were the dynamics of these early days of the Jesus People movement.

As with any movement, there was controversy and accusation. Through out it all Chuck Smith was a presence that only wanted to love the kids.  Chuck simply believed that a pastor should teach the word of God, and teach the word of God he did. He taught straight through the Scriptures, only to turn around and start over.  No need for any frills or pop psychology. Just the word.

The video I chose to attach to this posting is from the group LOVE SONG.
Such groups a Love Song, Sweet Comfort and many others, got their start from running into Chuck Smith. Calvary Chapel was the launch pad for what we now call Contemporary Christian Music. Although I prefer the name given to such music by Stephen Chapman of Dogwood. He referred to it as "Journey Music", cause we're all headed home. So I celebrate what God has accomplished through Chuck's life and ministry.



God on you....
mb