Denominational Distinctives — CCA, CC Global, and Independent

The Calvary Chapel family tree includes several branches: Calvary Chapel Association (the original, largest network), Calvary Chapel Global Network (focused on church planting and international missions), and numerous independent Calvary Chapel churches unaffiliated with either network. Each branch holds to the same core distinctives — verse-by-verse teaching, worship-based preaching, church autonomy — but differ in structure, governance, and global outreach focus. This article traces the history from 1949 Santa Ana to the present-day 388 eastern US churches plus the global network. Whether you''re looking for a church that holds to traditional Calvary Chapel distinctives or exploring the wider movement, this guide helps you understand the distinctions and choose a church community that matches your spiritual preferences.