Unpacking the Roots of Worship in the Jesus Movement: An Interview with Pastor Chuck Smith and Nephew Chuck Fromm

In this intimate conversation from 2005, Chuck Fromm, founder of Worship Leader Magazine and former Maranatha! Music CEO, interviews his uncle, Pastor Chuck Smith, founder of Calvary Chapel, discussing the early days of the Jesus Movement and the pivotal role of music and worship in shaping the movement. The interview provides insights into how simple worship songs led to the birth of a worship culture that would ultimately give rise to Maranatha! Music and contemporary Christian music.

A Spontaneous Beginning

In 1969, Calvary Chapel became the epicenter of the Jesus Movement, and much of this was fueled by a deep connection to worship music. According to Pastor Chuck Smith, worship began to take form during the early days with spontaneous songs led by individuals like Rick Founds. “Rick would come in and say the Lord gave him a song, but he’d often forget the words,” Smith recounts with a smile.

“We’d have to hold them up for him, but that kind of spontaneity was what the Spirit was doing.”

The seeds of this new worship culture were planted in the informal gatherings of young believers who felt a deep desire to connect with God in a personal way. This free-form worship laid the groundwork for more structured expressions of praise and worship that would later define the movement.

The Impact of LoveSong

In the same vein, Pastor Smith reflects on his first encounter with LoveSong, one of the most influential bands to emerge from Calvary Chapel. The band, originally from Laguna Beach, approached Smith with a request to share their music at one of the church’s Monday night Bible studies.

“I said, ‘Well, I’d like to hear it first,’” Smith recalls. After hearing their performance of “Welcome Back”, he knew it would resonate deeply with the congregation. That night, Love Song performed for the youth, and the response was overwhelming. Smith explains, “They realized their music could be used in church for worship. That inspired other bands like Children of the Day, The Way, Mustard Seed Faith, and Gentle Faith to form their own groups.”

It was this catalytic moment that revealed the potential for rock music to not just entertain but lead people into worship.

The Birth of Maranatha! Music

As the movement gained momentum, Calvary Chapel found itself at the forefront of a burgeoning Christian music scene. Many churches were hesitant to welcome the contemporary style of music, and musicians faced financial hardships traveling to perform. Pastor Smith realized something had to be done. “They would drive 500 miles to perform, and the pastor would give them five bucks to cover their expenses,” Smith explains. In response, Calvary Chapel created Maranatha! Music.

“We put together the first Everlasting Jesus Music Album, a sampler of different groups, to help them raise support by selling albums during their travels,” Smith says. This simple idea birthed a music label that would shape the future of contemporary Christian worship and music.

Concerts as Worship

Music was not confined to the walls of the church, though. In the early 1970s, Calvary Chapel began holding large-scale concerts, drawing thousands of young people to worship through music. Smith fondly remembers the Everlasting Livin’ Jesus Music Concert, held at Wilson High School in Long Beach. “It was so well-attended that we had to open the gym for overflow,” he recalls. “I remember leaving that night and seeing groups of kids standing in the streets praying together. It was one of the most powerful movements of the Spirit I’ve ever seen.”

The concerts were transformative, providing not only a space for worship but a powerful witness to the broader community. Soon, Saturday night concerts became a fixture, filling up a massive tent on the grounds of Calvary Chapel in 1972.

Leadership in Worship

Fromm and Smith also discuss the formation of leadership among worship artists in the movement. With the guidance of leaders like Pastor Smith and the example of bands like Love Song, young musicians learned that their talents could serve the Church. Smith’s vision for worship leadership through Maranatha! Music was to provide an avenue for musicians to minister sustainably, combining ministry with the practical realities of life on the road.

The Legacy of the Jesus Movement in Worship

As the interview comes to a close, Fromm reflects on the lasting impact of the Jesus Movement on modern worship. “What you saw going on around Love Song is now happening in churches all over. It’s like repeating itself,” he notes.

Smith agrees, observing that the creative spirit of the early days continues to inspire worship leaders today. “Their potential is awesome,” he says, reflecting on the younger generation of worship leaders and musicians.

In many ways, the legacy of Calvary Chapel’s worship movement is still unfolding, as contemporary Christian music continues to be a driving force in churches across the globe.

— — — — — —

Books from Pastor Chuck Smith

Books from Chuck Fromm

Our Devotional Podcast

*Our website is supported by our users. We sometimes earn affiliate commissions when you click through the affiliate links on our website. Contact us with questions.

What's Your Reaction?

Helpful

Lexi Fromm

Lexi Fromm has an MA in Education and is the President of Worship Leader. Her professional experience includes working on initiatives related to industry innovation, media communications, learning & development, culture building, organization design, technology adoptions and HR operations. Alexandra has consistently demonstrated the ability to adapt quickly and has headed the successful transition of leadership of WL Media, the magazine, the conference, and all things Worship Leader from Chuck Fromm, the founder, into this new partnership under the Authentic Media banner. Her excellent relational skills and determination for change has already had a lasting impact.