Calvary Chapel of Fort Lauderdale is one of the largest evangelical churches in the United States. According to the Hartford Institute for Religion Research, it is the largest megachurch in Florida, with approximately 18,000 worshipers attending on average.[1] Founded in 1985 by Bob Coy, it is affiliated with the Calvary Chapel movement. In 1999, the church relocated into a 75-acre (300,000 m2) tract of land formerly owned by Harris Corporation, which now has a 3,700 seat sanctuary, children and youth ministries, and includes a skateboard park.
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The church offers five satellite church locations: in Plantation, FL, Hollywood, Boca Raton, Tavernier, and their newest church in Sandalfoot. Combined, these five locations minister to over 3,500 on a weekly basis via internet simulcast.[2]
Among the guest speakers that have preached at CCFL include: Billy Graham, Franklin Graham, Chuck Smith, Benjamin Netanyahu, Greg Laurie, Joni Eareckson Tada, Luis Palau, Charles Stanley, Kirk Cameron, Jon Courson, Ravi Zacharias, Tony Evans, and Max Lucado.
4KIDS of South Florida
Developed to meet the needs of children in Broward County's foster care system, 4 Kids of South Florida was created to give potential foster parents, sponsors, and prayer warriors the opportunity to get involved.
His Caring Place
The mission of His Caring Place is to provide the opportunity for single, young pregnant women to complete their pregnancy and to establish a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
ActiveWord
A broadcast ministry of Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale. The Active Word website allows users to download the latest sermons, obtain related resources, and read daily devotionals from Pastor Bob Coy.
In October of 2003, Calvary Chapel sued Broward County for $1.00 for its initial refusal to allow the church to display a large cross and sign reading "Jesus is the reason for the season" in a 2-mile holiday lights attraction at Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek, FL which drew around 250,000 visitors each year.[3] Calvary won the suit in November and was allowed to display the message.[4]
Calvary has long been a major contributor of volunteers and donors to Our Father's House Soup Kitchen in Pompano Beach.