When people think about Chuck Smith and the Calvary Chapel movement, one thing often comes to mind: the Bible. Pastor Chuck’s commitment to teaching God’s Word chapter by chapter and verse by verse became a defining characteristic of Calvary Chapel. The Lord used that simple commitment during the Jesus Movement and in the decades that followed to reach people worldwide. But biblical teaching was never meant to end with listening to a sermon—under Pastor Chuck, believers were encouraged to know God’s Word for themselves, grow in their relationship with Jesus, and become equipped to serve others. That commitment helped create a lasting legacy of biblical education throughout Calvary Chapel—a legacy that includes Calvary Chapel Bible College, Calvary Bible Institute, schools of ministry, local church training, and Calvary Chapel University.
Chuck Smith and the Beginning of Calvary Chapel
Pastor Chuck Smith began serving Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa in 1965. During the years that followed, God began doing a remarkable work among young people in Southern California. Chuck and Kay Smith welcomed members of the counterculture into the church, many came to faith in Jesus, and Calvary Chapel became closely associated with the Jesus Movement. The ministry centered on a commitment to God’s Word, and Pastor Chuck became known for teaching through Scripture in a clear and understandable way. His desire was not simply to address selected topics, but to teach the whole counsel of God. As people grew in Scripture, many also sensed God’s call to pastoral ministry, missions, church planting, and Christian leadership, but they needed equipping.
Calvary Chapel Bible College and Ministry Training
In 1975, Calvary Chapel Bible School opened in Twin Peaks, California. Its purpose was straightforward: provide students with in-depth biblical training, prepare them to serve in the local church, and encourage a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. The school later became known as Calvary Chapel Bible College, serving pastors, missionaries, church planters, ministry leaders, and Christians who simply wanted to know God’s Word more deeply. As the Calvary Chapel movement grew, so did opportunities for biblical and ministry education. Many local churches developed Bible institutes, schools of ministry, internships, and other forms of practical preparation. Today, those opportunities continue through ministries such as Calvary Bible Institute and various Calvary School of Ministry programs that combine biblical teaching, discipleship, leadership development, and hands-on service. Different programs serve different students, but the underlying conviction remains familiar: Christians should know God’s Word and be prepared to faithfully serve His Church.
Chuck Smith and Calvary Chapel University
Calvary Chapel University’s own history is also connected to Pastor Chuck Smith and the broader Calvary Chapel movement. CCU began in 2000 and later became Calvary Chapel Teachers College, serving Christian educators through online education. As interest grew in additional biblical and ministry training, the College of Biblical Studies was established, and the institution became Calvary Chapel University in 2009. In 2011, CCU came under the leadership of Chuck Smith, founder of the Calvary Chapel movement, during an important season of the university’s development, and today, CCU’s connection to Pastor Chuck remains a meaningful part of its history.
Today, the university continues seeking to equip students to know God’s Word, grow in their relationship with Jesus, and faithfully serve the Church.
Continuing the Commitment to God’s Word
Much has changed since Calvary Chapel’s early years. Students today can study Scripture, access Bible teaching, and complete Christian degree programs from nearly anywhere in the world. The tools have changed, but the need remains — the Church still needs Christians who know God’s Word, pastors and ministry leaders who can handle Scripture faithfully, and believers whose education strengthens both their understanding and their walk with Jesus. That is why biblical education continues to matter. At Calvary Chapel University, we want students to grow in their knowledge and understanding of God’s Word while becoming better prepared to serve God and love others. That goal reflects something Calvary Chapel has valued from the beginning: biblical knowledge should lead to Christian maturity and faithful service.
Biblical Education That Fits Your Calling
For many students, leaving their church, family, job, or ministry to attend a traditional residential college is not possible, and it may not be necessary. Calvary Chapel University is 100% online, allowing students to remain where God has placed them while continuing their education:
- You may already be serving on a church staff
- You may be leading a ministry
- You may be preparing for missions
- You may have attended a Calvary Bible Institute, Calvary School of Ministry, or another Bible training program and now want to continue your education
CCU offers a pathway for students who want to keep serving while pursuing accredited Christian higher education.
A Continuing Calvary Chapel Legacy
The history of biblical education within the Calvary Chapel movement spans generations, and we are thankful for the heritage the Lord has given us. But, our focus is not simply on looking back. Another generation needs to be discipled, pastors and ministry leaders need to be equipped, and Christians want to grow deeper in God’s Word. If the Lord is leading you to continue your biblical education, we invite you to explore Calvary Chapel University’s fully online College of Biblical Studies and discover how you can pursue an accredited Christian degree while continuing to serve where God has placed you.