Delivering Members to the Message

In the late 1960s, the first Calvary Chapel was started in Costa Mesa, California, as a small nondenominational church of 25 members, led by Chuck Smith. The Lord blessed that small group, and now Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa is home to some 30,000 believers.

From the beginning, Calvary Chapel has been focused on leading people to Christ and discipling them so that they can go out into the world and lead others. The Lord has blessed this commitment, and Calvary Chapel has grown to 850 churches in North America and almost 200 churches in South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.

Part of Calvary Chapel's discipling ministry is "The Word for Today," which publishes Bible study books and tapes all over the world; KWVE, which broadcasts God's Word to all of Southern California; and Calvary Chapel's Bible College, which provides Bible education to thousands at its home campus in Murrieta, California, and more than 20 extension campuses worldwide.
 
Calvary Chapel FTL is located in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and the church is home to more than 18,000 members. The campus sits on 73 acres, the size of which makes it difficult for members of the congregation to travel from their cars to the worship facility.

“We originally had modified golf carts, which were donated, to transport our members on campus,” said Joe Castiglione, director of facilities. “When the golf carts no longer met the need of 5,000 people, plus vehicle traffic on Sunday and 2,800 vehicles on Saturday evenings, we searched the Internet for different means of transportation.”

Through their research, the church found Trams International, www.tramfactory.com, a company that manufactures state-of-the-art, purpose-built vehicles, with eight models from which to choose.

“Trams International offered the most passenger-friendly people mover system,” Castiglione said. “After seeing some of their units in service, our executive pastor, Mark Davis, visited the plant in California, and the rest is history. Additionally, the testimony of their clients consistently rated high and favorable.”
 
The church had specific needs when searching for an on-site transportation system for its members.

“As you know, in a church, you will have children, babies, moms, dads, grandmas and grandpas, so we needed a low, open-entry tram,” said Castiglione. “Also, we wanted a transportation system that would protect the passengers from the weather and give us the opportunity to welcome them to Calvary Chapel with voice and music.”
 

In their research for a company to provide the sort of transportation they needed, the church looked for a relationship that extended beyond just a company supplying them with vehicles.

“On any given weekend, we will have 20,000+ come worship here, so we were searching for not only a vehicle, but a company that understood our needs,” he said. “The Tram International team not only was that team, but they shared their heart and vision. They asked the right questions to meet our needs. There was no push to sell, just a willingness to help and make it a good experience.”

The church immediately reaped the benefits of the tram system.

“We have been able to reduce the walk, which ranges from a quarter of a mile to half of a mile, to just steps,” Castiglione said. “Also, the trams help ensure that the service starts on time.”

The church has three sets of trams that run continually, with each tram holding 46 people. The wait between trams is around 45 seconds. Volunteers do the driving and hosting. 

Castiglione has several suggestions for churches considering this type of endeavor.

“First, make sure your volunteer base is there,” he said. “Then, one of the most important things is to have a person assigned to service the trams and train the volunteers. He/she needs to be given the proper tools and equipment to service the vehicles. Additionally, have radios on all trams and one at a base station. Have correct signage as to tram stops.”

Just as you would your buses and vans, which leave your church campus, it is important to maintain the vehicles for optimal performance.

“Be sure fuel as needed, wash weekly and keep records of repairs and service,” Castiglione said. “In doing so, the trams' lifespan will double.”