A new Calvary Chapel Church has opened on Railway Rd, Hastings. Photo / Ian Cooper
A new Calvary Chapel Church has opened on Railway Rd, Hastings. Photo / Ian Cooper
The hippies and surfers of Hawke's Bay have a new way of worshipping God after the arrival of a new Calvary Chapel Church in Hastings.
The new church on Railway Rd opened its doors to the public for the first time on Easter Sunday, offering a unique religious experience.
PastorEric Flores hails from California – the birthplace of Calvary Chapel – and said the church offer a "different" take on a traditional service.
"We're non-denominational and have a very casual relaxed environment, with lots of live music, spirit-filled worship and genuine friendly people," he said.
"We established in the 1960s and our first worshippers were hippies and surfers and a little of that ethos carries into our services today."
American pastor Chuck Smith founded the ministry at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, California, in 1965 with just 25 people, going on to welcome those from all walks of life without judgement.
The Hastings church is the eighth Calvary Chapel Church in New Zealand. Others are in Auckland, Wellington, Whangārei, Christchurch, Hamilton, Waimate, and Mount Maunganui.
Pastor of the new Calvary Chapel Church in Hastings, Eric Flores (middle), helping attendees at the first service on Sunday. Photo / Ian Cooper
Flores, who was most recently involved with Calvary Chapel Church in Whangārei, said a large contingent of members travelled from other regions to help celebrate the launch in Hawke's Bay.
"Calvary Chapel Church is different, but our team is looking forward to sharing fellowship in our unique way of worship," he said.
"We're inviting anyone who is curious about Christianity and wants to know about Jesus, or who is looking for a different way of connecting, to come along."
The church has more than 1700 congregations worldwide.
Pastor Smith, who died in 2013, has been criticised for drawing connections between disasters including earthquakes and the September 11 terror attacks and divine wrath against homosexuality and abortion.
Flores, who has Aztec heritage, has been with Calvary Chapel Church since May, 1997 and has been preaching the gospel, teaching the Bible and serving in ministry since October, 1999.
Having graduated from Calvary Chapel Bible College in May 2002, Flores said he looks forward to starting his journey in Hawke's Bay.
"I've been in Hawke's Bay for two months getting ready. My heart has started to get big and grow for the local people," he said.
"I'm excited to lead Calvary Chapel Church in Hawke's Bay and really getting to know the people of Hastings."
