California Baptist University

Live Your Purpose

Spiritual life
At California Baptist University, Spiritual Life isn’t just part of campus—it’s the heart of the community. Weekly Chapel, vibrant worship gatherings, regular Bible studies and faith-integrated classes led by Christian faculty create a Christ-centered environment where students are encouraged to grow, ask meaningful questions and deepen their walk with God.

Chapel
Chapel is at the heart of campus life at CBU, bringing the community together each week for worship, biblical teaching, and encouragement through Christian testimony. With engaging speakers and meaningful messages, chapel provides students a space to pause, reflect ,and grow in their faith. More than a weekly gathering, it serves as a cornerstone of spiritual life, helping students deepen their relationship with Christ and understand how Scripture applies to their daily lives.

Local service
Faith at CBU is lived out through action, beginning with the local community. Students have opportunities to serve through community outreach projects, partnerships with local organizations, and service initiatives throughout Riverside and the surrounding areas. These hands-on experiences help students develop compassion, leadership skills, and a heart for service while making a meaningful impact close to campus.

International service projects
Driven by the Great Commission, CBU students are afforded the opportunity to participate in the truly distinguishing moment of their time at the university: meaningful global service. Through the renowned International Service Projects (ISP) program, students train each spring and then serve overseas each summer in cross-cultural ministry experiences. ISP teams partner with global organizations through short-term Encounter trips (2–3 weeks) or extended Immersion experiences (4–8 weeks). Since 1997, more than 5,000 CBU volunteers have served around the world—broadening their perspectives, strengthening their faith, and gaining hands-on ministry experience while making a lasting impact for Christ internationally.