Prayer Room

                         Our MISSION and HISTORY in the Ojai Valley

Pastor Dan, Shelley, Aaron, Karenna      Andrew, Aubrielle Nelson  Our Mission To communicate the gospel of Jesus Christ and His love to His precious people and to give each person the opportunity to learn and live God’s Word. Our desire is to be faithful with what we are given to do in ministry.   For us, that means providing opportunities for diligent study of the Bible, encouraging true spiritual worship out of a grateful heart for His love, sharing God’s message of salvation, and following Jesus’ example of humble service to others. Our History Calvary Chapel of the Ojai Valley started as a Bible Study group in June of 1998. When Pastor Dan & Shelley were preparing to go into a church-planting mission, they had no idea that it would be in the Ojai Valley.  With Shelley’s parents living in Ojai since 1984, they temporarily moved to Ojai in October ’97 while waiting for details to be accomplished concerning a one-year study program at Jerusalem University College in Israel.  In January ’98, when it seemed that the Lord had closed the door to Israel, a new door would be opened which would later become Calvary Chapel of the Ojai Valley.  With Israel plans recently closed, and not knowing clearly what the Lord’s plan would be, Dan & Shelley decided to make plans to hold a community Bible Study.  The Ojai Recreation Department agreed to allow use of the Jack Boyd Community Center and the Ojai Valley News agreed to put a flyer in the local newspaper.  On June 1, 1998, almost twenty people showed up for the first night and the Ojai Valley Bible Study was formed.  They studied John chapter 1.  Each week, the Lord brought people to the Bible Study, which would enable both the beginnings of ministry in the valley and a source of encouragement to continue forward.  After finishing the Book of John, the group decided to continue into the Book of Galatians, then Ephesians, then Colossians, straight through Revelation.   A Saturday morning Bible Study was also added in Oak View at the Community Center where the Book of Acts was studied.  Later the Monday night Bible Study would be moved into the Nelson’s home.  Having spent time in meeting and prayer with other Calvary Chapel pastors and local Christian pastors in the valley, Dan was encouraged to start Sunday morning services.   On Easter 2000, our first Sunday morning service took place as Calvary Chapel of the Ojai Valley at the Oak View Community Center.  It was a true blessing to all of us.  Many churches and individuals had helped participate in the outreach through prayer or by providing equipment and supplies.  The Lord took care of all of our needs, from the sound system to children’s ministry supplies.  Most important, the Lord sent wonderful people to partner in this outreach ministry.  Since we began, we have been blessed to partner with other Christian churches in the community and Ventura County to provide local outreach, conferences, and special events.  We believe that our Lord is glorified as the Body of Christ is united is the most important thing.  In 2008, we will be celebrating our 10-year anniversary as a Christian ministry and our 8-year anniversary as a local church.  At that time we will have gone through the entire New Testament, plus the 12 Minor Prophets, Genesis, Exodus, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Ezra, Nehemiah & Ezekiel chapter-by-chapter verse-by -verse.  It is a privilege and a life-changing lesson to be involved in the Lord’s service.  We have been blessed in so many ways since we began and are completely excited about the future of this church plant ministry.  We thank you for your partnership and continued prayer for everything that is done through this ministry and everywhere that proclaims the message and love of our Lord Jesus Christ. Top