Spiritual Life
California Baptist University is committed to the biblical teaching of the Christian faith. As a result, the University has sought since inception to evidence the values of Christian living in the lives of students, staff, and faculty as they live out the Christian ethics of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Though students are not required to be Christians, the University encourages students to grow in their relationships with God by exploring the gospel and expressing the Christian faith in a variety of ways.
As a University committed to the Great Commission, the University provides opportunities for spiritual growth and formation through the Spiritual Life Office. The mission of the Spiritual Life Office is "Investing in lives to develop followers of Jesus."
California Baptist University requires students to take Bible-based courses in Christian studies; however, the University also offers students many opportunities to explore and express the Christian faith. Students are encouraged to participate in ways unique to personal needs and interests through regularly scheduled times of spiritual emphasis, Bible studies, worship gatherings, evangelism, ministry teams, community service, and missions.
Chapel
The California Baptist University community gathers regularly in the Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler Events Center for worship, fellowship, Christian growth, and spiritual encouragement. Chapel planning is informed by the Core Four of the University (Academically Prepared, Biblically Rooted, Globally Minded, and Equipped to Serve) with a view toward biblical, gospel-centered transformation. As a result, most Chapel speakers are invited to speak from and explain the Bible and biblical themes/concepts, but some speakers may be invited to share how God has worked in and through them. Occasionally, Chapels will be programmed primarily for expressions of musical worship.
Chapel services are organized, coordinated, and implemented by the Dean of Spiritual Life and the Director of Chapel. Occasionally, as deemed appropriate by a University Officer, members of the campus community are recognized for notable accomplishments during Chapel. Holidays, cultural programs, and other forms of recognition and/or expression are not included as part of Chapel programming; such events may be coordinated through the Community Life Office.
Local Service
By putting faith into action, Students learn the significance of demonstrating the love of Christ in the context of the gospel. Participating in local projects for a day or a weekend, working with the homeless, or serving the local community in various ways gives Students the opportunity to make a physical and spiritual difference in the lives of others.
Discipleship Ministries
Students are encouraged to grow in their relationships with Christ through participation in discipleship and mentoring in the context of weekly small groups, weekly large-group meetings, regularly-scheduled conferences, and other events that encourage spiritual growth. Weekly gatherings focus on Bible-based teaching that addresses topics pertinent to students regardless of Christian experience or spiritual maturity. Students are also encouraged to participate in training that promotes development of ministry strategy for after graduation.
Third Culture Kid (TCK) Ministry
At CBU, TCKs are American Students who spent most or all of their developmental years outside of the United States. Although they are Americans by birth, they often do not feel connected to American / Californian culture or the culture of the American University. The TCK Ministry comes alongside and supports TCKs to assist them in bridging cultural gaps they encounter during their time at CBU so that they can grow socially, spiritually, and academically.
Global Service
In cooperation with the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention and various missions organizations, International Service Projects (ISP) creates opportunities for Students to participate in the "Great Commission" (Matthew 28:19-20) so that they might gain a global vision for the cause of the gospel and cross-cultural experience through service learning. ISP teams have served in more than 50 countries since 1997. Participation in ISP programs listed below is open to California Baptist University Students who meet participation requirements, successfully complete the application and interview process, fulfill fundraising obligations, and are in good academic and behavioral standing with the University. The application and selection process is coordinated by the Global Service ministry of Spiritual Life and takes place during the fall semester.
Encounter. Teams of California Baptist University Students serve internationally for approximately two to three (2-3) weeks during the summer months. Each team is led by a designated University Official or other approved member of the University community. The projects differ depending upon the service opportunities of the selected area.
Immersion. Teams of California Baptist University Students serve internationally for approximately eight (8) weeks during the summer months. Ministry focus varies depending on the outreach strategy of the selected area(s). Summer of Service was established in 2010 and in 2017 was rebranded as Immersion.