About UsThe Office of Church Relations stewards the institution's rich heritage as a church-related school, in covenant with our founding denomination, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). About Church Relations
The Vision of Church Relations celebrates the values of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ while implementing the mission of Chapman University. The Mission of Church Relations is to create a community that seeks God's Spirit, nurtures relationships, embraces diversity, and enables service and the sharing of gifts. The ministry provided by the church relations staff centers around four primary areas: 1. Development - raising scholarship money for Disciples and UCC students and the program of our Disciples on Campus (DOC) student group. 2. Recruitment - promoting Chapman at Disciple and UCC venues throughout the country. 3. Program - facilitating the DOC group in creating and implementing service, social, and mission opportunities. 4. Pastoral Care - providing settings for spiritual development and worship, along with counseling and other student support services. Our Disciple Heritage at a Glance: The roots of Chapman University can be traced back to 1861 when the first class met in the basement of the Woodland Christian Church in Northern California. Hesperian College was our original name, until 1896, when we were deeded to Berkeley Bible College, a new school established by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) denomination. By 1919, enrollment had dropped to fewer than 10 students, leading to another move, this time to Los Angeles, where we joined the new California Christian College. Inspiration for this move came from our namesake, C. C. Chapman, a local businessman and active member of the Fullerton Christian Church. In 1920, C. C. offered $400,000 toward this new college if members of the Christian Church would match his offer. Within just eight months, 4,441 church members not only matched, but exceeded C.C.’s offer, providing the foundation for a flourishing future at the Wilshire Christian Church, and later, on Vermont Avenue in Los Angeles. These early years were shaped by C. C. Chapman’s vigorous and enthusiastic leadership as chairman of the board of trustees. In 1934, in gratitude for his generosity and support, the institution was renamed Chapman College and then in 1991, Chapman University. It is through the Disciples on Campus (DOC) ministry provided by the office of church relations that Chapman's heritage remains strong and dynamic. Our strength also comes from our Partner Church relationships. |
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