Photos courtesy Calvary Chapel University

Students from all walks of life—who are seeking a Christ-centered higher education to help them grow in ministry, education, or personal faith—have found that the fully online Calvary Chapel University (CCU) gives them the tools and flexibility they need to spread the love of Jesus and proclaim the Word wherever they go. Whether it's in the mission field, children's ministry, starting a Christian school, pastoring a Calvary Chapel church, or working in a secular job, CCU meets students where they are to enhance and grow their ministry.

“The courses at CCU are effortlessly transferable to all ministry,” said Brenda Levenworth, women’s ministry director at Reliance Church in Temecula, CA. “Every course I complete, I’m astonished at how it improves my ministry. The modules don’t distract or take me away from ministry ‘until I finish school.’ Quite the contrary, studying at CCU is the perfect partner with ministry that makes it more alive, and certainly adds depth and value.”

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

For 23 years, in various shapes and forms, CCU has supported more than 4,000 ministry students, particularly those who are part of the Calvary Chapel movement. CCU has been housed in several different Calvary Chapels including Calvary Chapel (CC) Fort Lauderdale, FL; CC San Diego, CA; CC Downey, CA; and even spent a season directly under Pastor Chuck Smith at CC Costa Mesa, CA.

CCU is nationally accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS). This accreditation ensures that the university meets rigorous academic standards and provides students a quality education. The leadership and instructors at CCU such as David Guzik (M.Div. CCU), Ed Taylor, and Skip Heitzig help the university maintain its focus on being distinctly Calvary Chapel. CCU offers ministry certificates as well as graduate and undergraduate degrees in Biblical Studies, Christian Education, Ministry Leadership, Women's Ministry and Youth Ministry. CCU is also developing a doctorate of ministry program.

One of the standout features of CCU is its tight-knit community. Students, faculty, and staff come together to support, encourage, and pray for one another. This sense of community is what helps set Calvary Chapel University apart from other online institutions. CCU’s team of experienced faculty members are knowledgeable in the Scriptures and passionate about mentoring students, bringing a wealth of real-world ministry experience to the classroom and ensuring students are well prepared for whatever the Lord has for them.

Rick Cleveland is about to graduate from CCU with his bachelor’s degree, an idea that seemed like a distant reality since he had not done any college work since 1985. But In 2016, he started taking courses with CCU. His wife, Sheila, started taking courses there a few years later. When Rick earned an associate degree from CCU, he was able to use it to navigate a career change and start substitute teaching in local public schools. He was recently offered a full-time role with the school district, something that would have not been possible without a college education.

Rick offered this encouragement: “For anyone considering going to CCU, especially those not in ministry or who haven't done prior college work and may feel intimidated … don't be. CCU works with you. Everything's online, and I haven't found a teacher who ignores any student. You reach out, and they'll reach back. The classes allow you to work at your own pace throughout the week, which is one of the many nice features. Unlike traditional colleges where you have to physically attend classes, at CCU, you can work a full-time job and still succeed in your studies. It's set up for your success."

Hope Belmont is a CCU graduate serving the Lord in missions at Calvary Bible Institute Peru and CC Trujillo in Huanchaco. Fresh out of high school, Hope's first mission was to Haiti. It was there, amidst the challenges and God-moments of a mission trip, that the Lord planted the seed of missions in her heart. This helped Hope to overcome some of her fears, so she soon went to Mexico, where she served for three years at an orphanage and daycare. While serving in Mexico, Hope felt the need to further her studies. She discovered Calvary Chapel University through Calvary Chapel Magazine and enrolled in the Biblical Counseling Certificate Program.

The CCU online format provided Hope with flexibility to balance her studies with her mission work. The certificate program equipped her with tools and knowledge to better serve and connect with her designated communities. November 2019 marked a significant turn in Hope's journey as she moved to Peru. Arriving just before the global pandemic brought the world to a standstill, Hope witnessed growth in the local church and school amidst challenging times. Her ministry role in Peru expanded to co-leading a small group of girls, where she used many of the tools that she gained from her studies at CCU.

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-12

Tabitha Lee's spiritual foundation was laid early by being raised in a church that became a Calvary Chapel. Her parents were missionaries with Child Evangelism Fellowship. She was immersed in children's ministry from a young age, leading her to joke that she had no choice but to be part of it. By age 12, she was already teaching other children about the Gospel. After high school, Tabitha attended Calvary Chapel Bible College in Murrieta, CA, for a couple of years. She continued her education at Liberty University and later felt drawn to Calvary Chapel University, where she completed her M.A. in Biblical Counseling.

While working full-time as a children's director, Tabitha began her studies at CCU. The online format, with its eight-week classes, allowed her to deeply immerse herself in one class at a time. This structure not only facilitated her learning, but also enabled her to immediately apply her newfound knowledge in ministry. Almost every week, the topics she studied at CCU would directly relate to real-life situations she encountered in ministry.

“On a few occasions I found myself driving down the road, thinking, 'I have to get those chapters read’,” Tabitha said. “Admittedly, those moments were challenging; but overall, my experience was entirely doable, highly enjoyable, and extremely profitable. Not only did it benefit my ministry at the time, but it also enriched my spiritual walk with the Lord. The process is a bit of a pressure cooker, pushing you to grow. … For those who tend to procrastinate, such a class is a blessing. It gives you the push you need to do what you genuinely want to do.” Tabitha was also grateful for the online platform’s flexibility. “Whether you're a morning person, working full-time, or a night owl, you can adjust your reading and tasks to fit your schedule,” she said.

With a heart to train and equip those in children's ministry, Tabitha founded Edify KidMin, a mission to serve the local church through children’s ministry workshops—training, encouraging, and equipping the church to reach boys and girls with the Gospel. Through this ministry, Tabitha and her husband, Jamie, travel the country in a Sprinter van transformed into an RV, allowing them to be on the move and serve communities nationwide.

Neil Spencer is the lead pastor of Coastline Calvary Chapel in Gulf Breeze, FL. Neil grew up as a pastor’s kid. He attended Bible college in Murrieta, CA, in the early 2000s, where he was exposed to a solid Bible college foundation and met people who lived out their faith passionately and inspired him in his own ministry style. After serving at CC Santa Barbara, CA, and Applegate Christian Fellowship in Jacksonville, OR, Neil returned to his roots in Gulf Breeze, where he played a pivotal role in church plants in the Florida towns of Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, and Navarre. Each church plant presented unique challenges and opportunities. While actively involved in church planting, Neil pursued his M.A. in Biblical Leadership at CCU. The program equipped him with practical skills, from developing vision and mission statements to handling the day-to-day church administrative tasks. Neil credits CCU for illuminating many aspects of ministry leadership for him.

“Growing up under the guidance of phenomenal pastors and leaders, I’ve always been immersed in the teachings of the Bible,” Neil said. “Yet, it was at CCU that I truly understood the ‘why’ behind the ‘what’ in ministry. It illuminated the importance of clear vision, defining our mission, and truly identifying our values. CCU equipped me with practical skills, from building a team to conducting staff interviews. While Bible college is invaluable, CCU bridged the gap between Scripture and real-world ministry leadership.”

Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand. 2 Corinthians 1:24

Calvary Chapel University has also helped plant other Bible colleges and Christian schools. Recently, CCU helped launch the largest Christian school in the United States: Cornerstone Christian Academy (CCA) in Middleburg, VA. CCU provides resources and advises pastors and ministry leaders on how to start a Christian school. CCU President Chapin March is also the Chairman of the CCA board. The university loves to help churches start Bible colleges and even offers “Bible College in a Box” to those that want to start their own ministry schools, helping leaders understand all the things they need to get started.

Inquire about ministry scholarships and other opportunities at CalvaryChapelUniversity.edu
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© 2024 Calvary Chapel Magazine (CCM). All rights reserved. Articles or photographs may not be reproduced without the written permission of CCM. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.® Used by permission.