

A Venture in Faith: The History and Philosophy of the Calvary Chapel Movement
2007 · 121 min · Documentary
A Venture in Faith is the true story of Chuck Smith's obedience to God's calling and the great movement of God's Spirit as the result of the obedience. In his own words, Chuck Smith details the beginning of the Calvary Chapel movement and sets down the Biblical, spiritual principles of ministry that have kept the movement a fresh, unique, and vital part of the modern church. Comments and observations by many respectful church leaders make this documentary a living segment of church history.
Why it's worth watching
This documentary provides a historical and spiritual look at the founding and growth of the Calvary Chapel movement through the ministry of Chuck Smith. It examines the Jesus People Movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s, illustrating how simple, verse-by-verse Biblical exposition transformed modern church history. Believers gain insight into foundational principles of ministry centered on simple faith, reliance on the Holy Spirit, and commitment to the Scriptures.
What it praises
Faithful obedience to God's calling, verse-by-verse biblical teaching, reliance on the Holy Spirit, and reaching the lost with the Gospel.
For discernment
This historical church documentary presents an uplifting and deeply Christian narrative focused on biblical ministry and modern church revival. Viewers should note that the film discusses the cultural context of the 1960s counterculture—including references to the drug use and spiritual search of the hippie era—to demonstrate the contrast of God's redemption. There are no gratuitous depictions of sin or moral compromises presented as aspirational; the focus remains consistently on Jesus Christ and scripture-centered worship. It serves as an edifying resource for understanding modern evangelical history while maintaining spiritual discernment.
- SubstancesBrief historical references to the 1960s drug culture and hippie lifestyle as context for the Jesus People Movement.
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Cast

Chuck Smith Sr.
Himself
Raul Ries
Himself
Chuck Girard
Himself

Chuck Missler
Himself
Greg Laurie
Himself
Don McClure
Narrator
Mike Macintosh
Himself
David Hocking
Himself