Paul’s Story and His Heart for Calvary Chapel Bible College of Horizon U

Calvary Chapel Bible College (now CCBC of Horizon U) is grateful to have had Paul Lange as Director since 2012. Before then, Paul worked and studied in his home state, Michigan and in California, earning two degrees plus adding a year’s training in Calvary Chapel’s School of Ministry. Paul and wife Jeanette next answered a call to Europe — first to plant a church and then into Bible College leadership. While in Europe they were blessed with daughter Sierra and sons Sean and Jake.

Here is Paul in his own words describing coming to Indianapolis and his take on CCBCHU’s unique relevance to students today.

Paul, looking back I’m sure you see how God was equipping you for your work today. Please tell us about that and your journey to CCBCHU nine years ago.

I was saved at CC Costa Mesa in 1982 and then discipled under the teaching of Chuck Smith. In 1992, Chuck approved Jeanette and I to be missionaries to Hungary.  We served there until 1997, church planting in a city called Baja.  Then we were invited into the Bible college ministry which was in a castle in Austria. Later, we helped move the Bible college ministry to Vajta, Hungary in 2001 where we served until 2011. 

After 20 years on the mission field, the Lord led us back home in a wonderful way. Pam Markey served with us in Hungary at the time and informed Bill Goodrich, Pastor over Horizon Christian Fellowship and CCBC, Indianapolis, that we were leaving Hungary.  Bill reached out to us and stayed in touch. We first taught in Murrieta for one year but then sensed the Lord moving us to Indianapolis to serve with Bill.  

How are students’ lives changing from their experience on campus and by gaining a Biblical Studies diploma from CCBCHU?

The main thing I’ve seen over the years is how the Lord establishes the walk of young people in a deeper way; then that closer walk goes with them after college no matter what they do.  Many are more prone to be involved in ministry and missions. 

Where are students tending to go after earning a CCBCHU diploma –either in ministry or career opportunities?

Graduates nearly always use their diploma in their resumes when pursuing careers after Bible college.  Though their degrees may not apply directly to their careers, the diploma and grades are a record of personal focus, faithfulness, diligence and responsibility.  Others have used their degrees as preparation for missions and vocational ministry. And now that we are part of Horizon University, some students choose to credit their coursework toward an online degree. 

Finally, Paul, how do you answer the prospective student or the advisor or parent who asks, “Why would CCBCHU be a good choice for us?”

A few reasons come to mind:

First, our smaller student body allows for greater interaction between students and ministry leaders. 

Also, CCBCHU is located on a 100-acre, wooded campus with Horizon Christian Fellowship. This allows students to become directly involved in church ministry and gain valuable experience, yet find time and space to be alone as well. 

Finally, CCBCHU keeps the original vision of Chuck Smith for the Bible college; to be a place for young people to simply seek Jesus and His Word. This sets us apart from more purely academic institutions.  Our course standards are high and accredited for Horizon U degrees. But we have fought hard to maintain a discipleship focus through regular fellowship, mentoring, devotions and service projects.