If you are searching for a Calvary Chapel Bible College, Calvary Bible Institute, or Calvary School of Ministry, you may be asking a simple but important question: Where can I grow in God’s Word and prepare for the ministry or calling the Lord has placed on my life? For generations, Calvary Chapel has emphasized biblical teaching, a personal relationship with Jesus, and practical preparation for Christian service. That commitment has produced Bible colleges, institutes, schools of ministry, and other educational opportunities throughout the history of the Calvary Chapel movement. Today, students can also pursue fully online accredited Christian education through Calvary Chapel University.
A History of Biblical Education in Calvary Chapel
Biblical teaching has been central to Calvary Chapel from its earliest days. When Pastor Chuck Smith began serving at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa in 1965, the Lord used a simple commitment to teaching through the Bible to reach a generation hungry for truth. During the Jesus Movement, thousands came to Christ, and many wanted to go deeper in Scripture and prepare for Christian service. That desire eventually helped lead to the establishment of Calvary Chapel Bible School in Twin Peaks, California, in 1975. The school focused on intensive Bible study, spiritual growth, and preparation for service in the local church. It later became known as Calvary Chapel Bible College, serving generations of students preparing for pastoral ministry, missions, church leadership, and Christian service. As Calvary Chapel churches multiplied, opportunities for biblical training multiplied as well.
Calvary Bible Institutes and Schools of Ministry
Today, ministry preparation within Calvary Chapel takes many forms. A Calvary Bible Institute may provide intensive Bible study, discipleship, and practical ministry experience. A Calvary School of Ministry may offer local church-based training for those preparing for pastoral ministry, missions, leadership, or other areas of service. These programs can provide valuable opportunities for Christian growth and preparation. But every student’s situation is different: some can relocate and pursue residential Bible college training, but others are already serving in a church, raising a family, working full time, or involved in ministry where the Lord has placed them. For those students, online Christian higher education provides another path.
Calvary Chapel University: Biblical Education Wherever God Has Placed You
Calvary Chapel University is a fully online Christian university committed to helping students grow in their knowledge of God’s Word and prepare for lives of faithful service. CCU has its own history within the broader Calvary Chapel movement. The university began in 2000 and later became Calvary Chapel Teachers College. As requests grew for additional biblical and ministry education, the College of Biblical Studies was established, and the institution became Calvary Chapel University in 2009. In 2011, CCU came under the leadership of Pastor Chuck Smith, founder of the Calvary Chapel movement, during an important season in the university’s development. Calvary Chapel University and Calvary Chapel Bible College are separate institutions with distinct histories and educational models, yet both reflect Calvary Chapel’s longstanding commitment to Scripture, discipleship, and preparation for Christian service.
Study the Bible. Prepare for Ministry. Keep Serving.
One advantage of studying at CCU is that students can continue serving while pursuing their education. Courses are offered 100% online, meaning a pastor can continue serving a congregation, a ministry leader can continue leading, a missionary can study from the field, and a parent can remain present with his or her family. A student involved in a local church can continue learning and serving while pursuing a degree. At CCU, education does not have to pull students away from ministry; instead, we want to help students grow deeper in God’s Word while becoming better equipped for the calling He has placed on their lives.
Biblical Studies Programs at Calvary Chapel University
Through the College of Biblical Studies, students can pursue educational opportunities at several levels, including:
- Certificates
- Associate degrees
- Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies
- Master of Arts in Biblical Studies
- Master of Divinity
- Doctor of Ministry
Depending on the degree program, students may also pursue specializations such as Biblical Leadership, Biblical Counseling, Christian Education, Women’s Ministry, Youth Ministry, Biblical Theology, and other areas of Christian service. Whether you are beginning your education or continuing into graduate or doctoral study, CCU offers opportunities to grow academically, spiritually, and practically.
Accredited Christian Higher Education
Students comparing Calvary Chapel Bible College, Calvary Bible Institute, Calvary School of Ministry, and Christian universities should also consider the kind of education they need. Bible institutes and schools of ministry can provide excellent discipleship and ministry preparation, but students who need an accredited college degree have another option: Calvary Chapel University. CCU is institutionally accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS), an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Students can therefore pursue accredited Christian higher education while studying from a biblical worldview.
What Is Your Next Step?
Maybe the Lord is calling you into pastoral ministry. Maybe you want to become better equipped to serve your local church. Maybe you have already attended a Bible institute or school of ministry and are ready to continue your education. Or, perhaps you simply want to know God’s Word more deeply and prepare for wherever the Lord leads next. There are many valuable paths to biblical training, and we encourage students to prayerfully consider the opportunity that best fits their calling and season of life. If your search has led you to consider accredited online education, we invite you to explore Calvary Chapel University.
You do not have to put ministry on hold to continue your education.
Grow in God’s Word. Prepare for His calling. Serve where He has placed you.