Our History

“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” – Acts 2:42 

​Calvary Chapel Orlando began when a group of Disney musicians moved from Southern California to Orlando in the early 1980’s.

With roots in Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa they formed a Bible study with a similar philosophy here in Orlando. As the small group began to grow, they realized God was doing something more, and began their search for a pastor.

In the winter of 1989, God blessed them by calling Pastor Gib Allen to move his family from Calvary Chapel Santa Barbara to become the founding pastor of Calvary Chapel Orlando.

Pastor Gib’s commitment to teaching God’s Word and serving His sheep raised up a mature, thriving congregation that loved Jesus deeply. From its humble beginnings meeting in Hauck Hall at Rollins College to its purchase of our current 24,000 square foot facility off Lee Road, the Lord used Pastor Gib to preach the truth of Jesus Christ faithfully to our community and the world.

After serving loyally for 25 years, Pastor Gib announced his retirement in February of 2014. With the desire to see God continue the great work He’d done since 1989, the leadership team formed a thirteen-member committee to search for a new pastor.
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In July of 2014, this committee invited Pastor Will Ramirez to lead Calvary Chapel Orlando through the next season of ministry. 
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Our Present

“One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after. That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in His temple.” ​– Psalm 27:4 

When Pastor Will arrived, he explained that the church would move forward, but its focus would still remain firm. Calvary Chapel Orlando would continue to teach the timeless truths of God’s Word from Genesis to Revelation in order to reach our community and world with the love of Jesus.

     “The question we face today is where do we go from here? It’s a simple answer. We’re going to walk with Jesus.” – Pastor Will

To do this Calvary Chapel Orlando’s goal would be One Necessary Thing. To know Jesus better each day and to make Him known by living the Gospel out practically in our community.
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Since then, Calvary Chapel Orlando has continued to thrive as a flourishing congregation that seeks to LEARN about our Savior, LOVE one another, GROW by His Spirit, and GO to a world that desperately needs God’s grace.
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Our Mission

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do....I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 3:14

“Have not I commanded you? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be dismayed: for the Lord your God is with you whithersoever you go.” – Joshua 1:9.

Orlando is among both the largest (and unhappiest) cities in the United States. The fields are indeed ripe unto harvest. Our heart’s desire at Calvary Chapel Orlando is to be laborers in these fields so that the Lord of the Harvest might do His great work.

For this reason, you’ll notice four emphases at our church.

​Learn - We believe that God has revealed Himself to us through the Bible. Therefore, we spend a large amount of our time studying His words, in order that we might learn who He is, how much He loves us, and how we can love Him back.

Love - We believe that God is the initiator in our relationship. That He died on the cross for our sins to reconcile us to Himself. That responding to His loving sacrifice through repentance and faith brings us into a right relationship with Him and one another. As a result, we seek to love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind, and to love one another unconditionally.

Grow - We believe that learning about God’s Word changes us. That through applying what it teaches to our lives, we will become more like Jesus. We believe God’s agent of change is His Spirit, therefore we provide opportunity for His Spirit to change us every time we gather.

Go - We believe that experiencing God’s love, learning His Word, and applying it to our lives will give us a burden for every human being. As such, our goal is to leave these four walls regularly and give our lives away like Jesus did in order that more might come to know Him.

As this body of believers enters its fourth decade, God continues to lead us in new directions and is pouring out a fresh vision. He is our shepherd, and we look forward to what He will continue to do.
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“What awesome things might God want to do through us? We know He wants to reach people. We know He wants to save souls. We know He wants to heal the broken-hearted. So, why not us? Let’s be strong and courageous and see what God will do.” ​– Pastor Will