In 1977, Pastor Jon Courson founded the Applegate Christian Fellowship church in Southern Oregon with a congregation of twenty. The church grew over the years to include approximately 7,000 people. Jon is now pursuing his passion to raise up young men as pastors for the next generation and has established a Pastor Training School. In addition, Jon speaks nationally and internationally at numerous churches, conferences and retreats. Jon's Searchlight ministry includes a radio program where his Bible teachings are aired on more than 400 radio stations daily. He is the author of A Future and A Hope, A Day's Journey, A Place For You and A Pillar By Day.
In 1965, Pastor Chuck Smith began his ministry at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. With a sincere concern for the lost, Pastor Chuck made room in his heart and his home for a generation of hippies and surfers; generating a movement of the Holy Spirit that spread from the West Coast to the East Coast, bringing thousands of young people to Jesus Christ. His simple, yet sound, biblical approach draws 25,000 people weekly. Pastor Chuck has extended his teaching nationally through The Word for Today radio program, as well as internationally over the Internet at www.calvarychapel.org.