West Coast Baptist College
| Motto | Training laborers for His harvest |
|---|---|
| Type | Private |
| Established | 1995 |
| Affiliation | Independent Baptist |
| President | Dr. Paul Chappell |
| Vice-president | Dr. Mark Rasmussen |
| Provost | Dr. Jim Schettler |
| Dean | Dr. Toby Weaver |
| Executive Vice President | Dr. John Goetsch |
| Location | Lancaster, California, USA |
| Campus | 80 acres |
| Colors | Cardinal Red and White |
| Athletics | Basketball, Volleyball |
| Mascot | Eagle |
| Affiliations | TRACS, NCCAA |
| Website |
www |
West Coast Baptist College is a Baptist Bible college in Lancaster, California, offering graduate and undergraduate degrees for men and women seeking to serve vocationally in full-time Christian work in such roles as pastors, assistant pastors, missionaries, evangelists, Christian educators, etc. According to their mission statement, West Coast Baptist College exists "to develop leaders with a heart for God who are committed to the Word, compassionate toward the lost, and compelled to change communities for Christ".[1] West Coast opened in 1995 and currently has over 2000 graduates. West Coast Baptist College is a member of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) having been awarded Candidate Status on October 27, 2015.[2]
History
In July 1986, Dr. Paul Chappell started a church in Antelope Valley in the Mojave Desert of Southern California.
In the spring of 1988, the church raised an initial $50,000 in a "Giving by Faith" banquet. This money provided the exact amount needed for the down payment on the first 20 acres of property located on the east side of town. The church and its ministries continued to expand, adding a bus ministry, several adult Bible classes, a radio ministry, a Spanish ministry, a Christian school, and a Bible institute. In December 1993, the church moved to a new 21-acre site. Today the church owns 90 acres of property which have been master-planned for the church and college ministries.
In 1995, Pastor Chappell and Lancaster Baptist Church approved the beginning of West Coast Baptist College, training laborers for the harvest. West Coast Baptist College started with Paul Chappell, Dr. John Goetsch (a renowned Baptist evangelist), and Dr. Mark Rasmussen (well-known Christian educator). Dr. Toby Weaver joined the staff and became the Dean of Students. Mike Lester joined the staff as the academic dean. Dr. Jerry Goddard is the Administrative Dean. Dr. Jim Schettler (former Campus Pastor of Pensacola Christian College) joined the staff in 2013.
In December 2014, the administration of West Coast Baptist College announced their intention to apply for national accreditation with Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools .[3] On October 27, 2015, West Coast Baptist College was awarded status as a Category III institution by the TRACS Accreditation Commission.
Campus
The campus of West Coast Baptist College, extending from Lancaster Boulevard to Avenue J, contains a three story educational building complete with a bookstore, coffee shop, six private piano practice labs, a science lab, two computer labs, a media lab, classrooms, a two hundred seat north auditorium, a library, a gymnasium/dining hall called the Student Life Center, two separate workout rooms, and a three thousand seat main auditorium, etc. WCBC shares the same campus as Lancaster Baptist Church. Construction is underway for the much needed Student Commons Building called the Walther Center, scheduled to open summer 2015(see wcbc.edu/walthercenter for details). Opened on August 31, 2015
Beliefs
West Coast is a Baptist college. West Coast Baptist College believes the Bible is the inspired Word of God preserved for the English-speaking people in the King James Version. It also believes in deity of Jesus Christ, salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone, and the worship, fellowship, and service of the local church.[4]
Before a male student is able to graduate from West Coast Baptist College, he is to undergo a Senior Theological Oral Examination which is Pass/Fail. Two members of the Bible department ask 10 random questions with follow-up questions from a list of approximately 200. The student has three chances to pass, but if this is not met or if the staff deems necessary, a doctrinal paper on specific areas may also be required before granting the Senior a Pass. After three chances, the student will not be able to graduate that school year and must return at a rescheduled time the next school year and must pass before being granted a diploma.
Core Value
Ten "Foundational Pillars" make up the mission for each student to exemplify the values and principles taught and believed by the church and college staff. Pillar One stands for "uplifting sound doctrine" based on the King James Bible. Pillar Two emphasizes "servant leadership." Pillar Three states to "model Christian teamwork." Pillar Four presents the "strive for Biblical balance." Pillar Five explains the importance to "maintain approachability." Pillar Six develops the value to "model soulwinning and discipleship." Pillar Seven describes the importance to "cultivate hearts for God." Pillar Eights depicts the need to "model Christian living." Pillar Nine depicts the importance to "lovingly lead one's family." Finally, Pillar Ten esteems to "walk in the Spirit." The Ten Foundational Pillars make up the core of West Coast Baptist College and its students.
Sports
WCBC has a men's basketball program and a ladies volleyball program. They are a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA), Association of Christian College Athletics (ACCA) and Pacific Christian Athletic Conference. In the 2007-08 season, the West Coast Baptist College athletics received notoriety from the local newspaper. They followed their journey winning season to the national finals. In 2011-2012, they won the NCCAA Regionals against Portland Bible. In February 2012, they defeated Korea University 105-101.[5]
Striving Together Publications
Striving Together Publications is based at West Coast Baptist College, and is affiliated with Lancaster Baptist Church. Striving Together Publications publishes books that specialize on Christian living and Church leadership. Many of the books are written by the college's president, Dr. Paul Chappell, as well as by other pastors such as Dr. Bud Calvert.
Alumni
The West Coast Baptist College Alumni Association hosts meetings around the country associated with the above-mentioned Striving Together Conferences with Dr Paul Chappell and Dr RB Oullette. The leader of the WCBC Alumni Association is Gabriel Ruhl assisted by Danielle Handrich (both are WCBC grads).
Politics
- Nathan Winters - Republican Representative of District 28, Wyoming House of Representatives (Class of 2003)
References
- ↑ "Purpose & Mission". West Coast Baptist College. Retrieved 29 October 2012.
- ↑ http://wcbc.edu/academics/accreditation
- ↑ http://wcbc.edu/academics/accreditation
- ↑ "WCBC Doctrinal Statement". wcbc website.
- ↑ "NCCAA Division II Regional Champions". WCBC News.
External links
Coordinates: 34°41′43″N 118°03′27″W / 34.695297°N 118.057552°W