Episode #8
The History & Value Of The Calvary Chapel Church Planting Manual
In this episode of the Cultivate Church Planting Podcast, Brian Kelly sits down with longtime pastor and church planter Bruce Zachary to discuss the story behind the Calvary Chapel Church Planting Manual. Bruce shares his remarkable testimony of coming to faith from a Jewish background, his years serving under Pastor Chuck Smith, and planting Calvary Nexus over 30 years ago. The conversation explores why biblical preparation matters, how the Church Planting Manual came into existence, and why thousands of pastors around the world have found it to be an invaluable resource. They also discuss the mission of the Calvary Chapel Cooperative, the importance of mentoring and coaching church planters, and practical ways churches can better equip the next generation of leaders. Whether you’re considering planting a church, currently leading one, or simply interested in healthy ministry leadership, this episode offers practical wisdom rooted in Scripture and decades of experience. Key Points • Bruce Zachary shares his testimony of coming to Christ through Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. • Lessons learned from over 30 years of church planting and pastoral ministry. • Why the Church Planting Manual was written after recognizing the need for better preparation. • The difference between biblical church planting principles and business-driven growth strategies. • How Pastor Chuck Smith encouraged the manual’s widespread distribution. • The structure and purpose of the Church Planting Manual. • Why intentional training and mentoring improve long-term church planter health. • Common reasons church planters become discouraged and how to address them. • The vision and purpose of the Calvary Chapel Cooperative. • How Cultivate Church Planting supports pastors before and after launch. • Encouragement for aspiring church planters to pursue training, mentorship, and healthy expectations. • The importance of building gospel-centered churches around the world. ***** The Cultivate Church Planting Website: https://cultivatechurchplanting.com Calvary Chapel Cooperative: https://calvarychapelcooperative.com
