About CCBC - Calvary Chapel Bible College

Our story

Our Founder

In the late 1960’s, Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa was the epicenter of the Jesus Movement in Southern California. Pastor Chuck Smith, along with his wife Kay, welcomed new followers of Jesus Christ from the hippie counterculture. They hosted contemporary worship gatherings with expositional, through-the-Bible teaching by “Papa Chuck.”

In 1975 “Calvary Chapel Bible School” began as an intensive Bible study program for those who desired in-depth training in the Bible, preparation for service in their local church ministries, and a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. From this school came many pastors & teachers whom Pastor Chuck sent around the globe to start Calvary Chapel churches.

The work of CCBC continues in loving memory of Pastor Chuck (1927-2013) and his vision for CCBC to be a place where young people could lay a strong foundation for their lives by getting to know God through His Word and developing a servant’s heart for the world God loves.

Campus History

“Calvary Chapel Bible School’s” first campus was in Twin Peaks, California, located in the San Bernardino Mountains east of Los Angeles. In 1989, the school began offering associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs and its name was changed to “Calvary Chapel Bible College.”

In 1996, the College moved to the Murrieta Hot Springs campus where it continues to operate today, welcoming students from near and far who want to grow in their knowledge of God and His Word as they prepare for life, work, and ministry.

The Bible College continues as a ministry of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, which is led by Senior Pastor Brian Brodersen and the CCCM Board of Trustees.

Foundation & Mission

Biblical Foundation: Our mandate comes from Jesus Christ Himself, who commissioned his followers to: “Make disciples . . . teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:19-20). As a ministry of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, CCBC functions in furtherance of the Church’s purpose of “Engaging in God’s mission to renew all things through Jesus.” CCBC is a branch of the teaching ministry of the Church.

Our Mission: Calvary Chapel Bible College exists to train and develop men and women of all ages, backgrounds, and nationalities into Christlike disciples and servant-leaders who know God through His Word and are equipped by His Spirit to serve Him in every area of life, for the glory of God.

Affiliation and Doctrinal Statement

Core Values

Word

Through Spirit-filled, excellent teaching, develop learners who understand and are personally committed to the gospel of Jesus Christ and the teachings of the whole Word of God as a foundation for all of life, and are able to explain and defend these teachings with grace and humility, with no reason to be ashamed.

(Matt. 7:24; 1 Tim. 4:16; Rom. 1:16; 2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16-17; 1 Pet. 3:15)

Character

Through modeling and mentorship, help students mature in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, forming Christ-like habits, values, and character that prepare them to navigate the challenges of the modern world.

(Romans 8:28-29; Phil. 3:17; 2 Pet. 3:18; 1 John 2:6; Dan. 12:3; Matt. 13:43; Phil. 2:15)

Practicality

Through experiential service and hands-on learning, enable students to develop work-related knowledge, skills, and teamwork abilities, applying biblical learning practically in a variety of work and ministry settings.

(James 1:22; 1 Thess. 4:11-12; Hag. 2:4; Neh. 4:6; Col. 3:23)

Servanthood

Through instruction and training, prepare servant-leaders who appreciate the dignity of labor and demonstrate a servant’s heart by leading with biblical values, Christlike character, and practical excellence in their families, churches, communities, workplaces, and all other mission fields of the world.

(Luke 22:26-27; Mark 10:45; John 13:13-15; 2 Thess. 3:7-10)

Wisdom

Through integrative and collaborative courses, develop well-informed students who love truth, beauty, and goodness; who think biblically and reasonably, reflecting the mind of Christ concerning all areas of life within God’s world, discerning truth from error under the guidance of God’s Word and the Holy Spirit.

(Rom. 12:1-2; Col. 1:15-17; 2:3; 1 Cor. 1:24; John 16:13; 1 Cor. 2:16; Acts 17:11; 1 Thess. 5:21)

Spirit

Through feedback and encouragement, help students discover and use their spiritual gifts and find their unique calling within God’s plan, trusting in the Holy Spirit’s enablement, and living in expectation of Christ’s return and the life to come.

(Eph. 4:1-16; Rom. 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 12:1-31; Acts 1:8; Eph. 2:10; Phil. 3:20-21; Titus 2:13)

Relationship

As a growing, worldwide community of teachers and learners who have been redeemed by the love of God in Christ, develop worshipers of God who love Jesus Christ, love His Church, and show His love to each other and the world, all for the glory of God.

(John 13:35; 1 Cor. 6:20; Rom. 15:4-7; Phil 1:27)

Learning Objectives

Based on the above institutional mission, vision, and values, our educational objectives for all programs are “to provide Christ-centered, biblical education; to strengthen the Body of Christ, through the light of God’s Word, for service in the world.” These objectives of
“strength, light, and service” guide all aspects of our teaching and learning.
Institutional Learning Objectives (ILOs)
Strength involves God’s grace (empowerment), development, and formation of character.

ILO 1: All students will be equipped to develop the character of Christ.
Light includes revelation, knowledge, and illumination.

ILO 2: All students will be equipped to reflect the mind of Christ.
Service results from caring relationships, action, and applied skill.

ILO 3: All students will be equipped to show the love of Christ.