Who among us does not enjoy the culinary delight of dining at a fine restaurant? Well-chosen and well-prepared food, great service, and pleasing ambiance all combine to enhance the pleasure of dining out. With this in mind, we at Calvary Chapel have made it our number one priority that God’s people would feast upon His word; in essence, that we might become a place where “the sheep like to eat”.

The first thing you notice in most restaurants is that they have prepared a menu with various courses, beginning usually with appetizers and drinks, and ending with dessert. This is very similar to what we are experiencing as we gather on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings, coursing through the Word of God.

Because we believe that the teaching of God’s Word is the major catalyst for life change, our teaching menu is well thought-out, with the goal of bringing all the saints to a place of maturity in their walk with Jesus Christ. Because larger congregations have individuals in various stages of their spiritual walk, I try to remember this thought: that every message should have milk for the young, meat for the spiritually mature, and most important, the manna that each of us needs each and every day. To accomplish this, we have different styles of teaching. Sunday mornings have been designed so that the teaching is topical within a text. Though we are moving through a particular book of the Bible, we may not comment on every verse or even each chapter, instead focusing on the heart of what the passage is speaking about. Wednesday nights are more casual, as we study the Scriptures verse by verse, usually two chapters per night.

Several times within a given year, as the Lord would lead, we will also teach a Sunday morning “series”- groups of messages on a particular topic that will challenge us as individuals and as a fellowship in a particular area. Past series have dealt with the will of God, praise and worship, giving, relationships, the Holy Spirit, and vocational work.

Because my family is in the restaurant business, I understand that great food doesn’t just appear on the table. Whenever you have had a great experience dining out, rest assured someone has put in many hours of preparation. Likewise, when it comes to the Word of God, the standard is no less. Anyone who teaches from our pulpit should be well prepared, a workman who has labored in study and prayer, hearing from God and discerning His will for the people. To enhance this we try to bring in guest speakers, not only at our fellowship, but also at selected events and retreats, in order that we might partake of the fullness God has to offer. (Eph 4:11)

We are committed to teach “through the Bible”, eventually taking everyone from Genesis to Revelation. Hopefully your experience at Calvary Chapel is one of being well fed. We will continue to pursue balance and excellence in this area in order that you might be blessed in your church experience. Though a restaurant’s ambiance and service are great, it is usually the food that has us coming back to our favorite places. Jesus proclaimed that He had food that would never perish. In other words, we just keep coming back for more and more, feasting upon His table and enjoying the bounty of the Lord. We are a blessed people.

Just remember the chilling words spoken by the prophet Amos to the people of Israel: "Behold, the days are coming," says the Lord GOD, "That I will send a famine on the land, Not a famine of bread, Nor a thirst for water, But of hearing the words of the LORD.” (Amos 8:11)

Bob Guaglione
Pastor, Calvary Chapel of Delaware County