About Us
Our History
Woodlawn Chapel is a direct outreach of Parkland Chapel in Farmington, MO. Parkland Chapel is a non-denominational church affiliated with Calvary Chapel Fellowships. Calvary Chapel is a non-denominational, evangelical Christian church. It began with twenty-five people in Costa Mesa, California, in 1965 led by Pastor Chuck Smith. Pastor Chuck Smith was a key minister to the youth in what is called the “Jesus Movement” of the 1960s. As he reached out to the youth of the counter-culture the hippies, drug users, and those rebelling against old traditions–many of those young people accepted the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Through Pastor Chuck’s simple, direct teaching of the Bible, God gave the increase and thousands of people gave their lives to Christ.
From this first Calvary Chapel many men were trained to expositionally teach the Bible and then went out to plant new churches. Parkland Chapel is one such church. These churches in turn raised up new pastors and church planters. Today there are over 1,800 Calvary Chapels throughout the United States and around the world. Woodlawn Chapel, as a new “church plant”, began as a Fellowship in the Fall of 2020.
Our Beliefs
What is it that makes Woodlawn Chapel, and churches born of the Calvary Chapel movement, different from other Bible-believing, evangelical churches?
It is important to have an understanding of the unique work that God has done in our fellowship of churches. If a Calvary Chapel is exactly like the church across the street, it would be better to simply merge the two. But, if there are distinctives that make us different, then we have a unique and special place in the plan of God. Certainly there are churches that share many of our beliefs and practices. However, God has done a wonderful work of balance in the Calvary Chapel movement and that balance is the primary difference.
There are many who believe in the gifts and the ministry of the Holy Spirit, but they don’t have a strong emphasis on Biblical teaching, nor do they look to the Word to guide their experiences with the Holy Spirit. There are many who place a strong emphasis on teaching the Word of God, but they don’t share the view that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are available and valid today. At Woodlawn Chapel our desire is to provide the balance of solid biblical teaching with an heart open to the work of the Holy Spirit. It is this balance that has made Calvary Chapel a distinct and uniquely blessed movement of God.
For a comprehensive study of our doctrine, church government structure and style of worship please see the following brochure:
Calvary Chapel Distinctives
Our Practice And Pattern
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine (teaching) and fellowship, and in breaking of bread (communion), and in prayersand the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42,47)
We believe this simple pattern, outlined in Acts 2:42, provides a healthy model for the church today. As is true of each believer, each church family should have a specific and unique ministry area. Foundational to our fellowship is the constant and unwavering commitment to prioritize the following aspects of church body life.
Teaching
The Bible is Gods Word (I Tim 3:16). We teach the greatest book ever written, cover to cover, book by book, chapter by chapter, and verse by verse.
Fellowship
The mark of a disciple of Jesus Christ is love one to another (John 13:34-35). During our meetings we encourage interaction, prayer and assistance for one another as brothers and sisters.
Communion
Communion (along with baptism), is an important element in our spiritual life (Luke 22:17-20). We provide regular times to reflect, remember, and rejoice in the sacrifice of our Savior.
Prayer
Jesus said “Pray Always!” (Luke 18:1). We are committed to regular times of prayer for thanksgiving, direction, and intercession. The best way to learn to pray is to pray!
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