What a Local Church Bible College Looks Like to Students
When Lancaster Baptist Church voted unanimously to open West Coast Baptist College in the fall of 1995, we knew that sacrifice would come with opportunity. We knew that to invest in students we would need to give of ourselves—not just as administration and faculty,...
Supporting the First Responder Community
One of the great tragedies in America over the past few years has been the mischaracterization of the entire law enforcement community based on the actions of a few. Every profession has those who do not represent it well. But I am thankful that when we call 911,...
7 Attributes of a Joyful Team
Have you ever noticed how a lack of joy negatively impacts your ability to serve the Lord? And to collaborate with those you serve with? Sometimes in the busy seasons of our lives and ministries—the times when we should most be rejoicing in God’s goodness and the...
5 Questions to Ask after a Large Event
When you host a special day or event as a church—such as for Resurrection Sunday or a graduation or conference—it is tempting to finish the event and then kick into low gear. Or, if you are Type A like me, finish the event and quickly move on to the next! We have...
Still Alive—7 Truths for the Monday after Resurrection Sunday
No doubt about it, Resurrection Sunday is a highlight of the year. I thank God for the opportunity it provides many churches for extended outreach and gospel preaching, and I praise Him for every soul saved around the world this weekend. It is always a blessing to me...
What the Lord’s Table Teaches Us about Love, Loyalty, and Separation
At Lancaster Baptist Church, we typically observe the Lord’s Table several times throughout the year. One of those times is the Sunday before we celebrate Christ’s Resurrection. I am thankful for how this focuses our hearts on Jesus’ sacrifice and the events leading...
How Servant Leaders Serve Tomorrow’s Leaders
The longer I serve in ministry, the more I recognize the value of working with young people. In fact, the longer I serve, the more I believe we should pour more of ourselves into serving our youth. Some of the most significant decisions of my life I made as a...
Why We Need Aggressive, Faith-Filled Leaders
I’ll be upfront: as an independent Baptist pastor, I am concerned. Statistics bear that various groups are sliding, and every indication is that established independent Baptist churches are seeing fewer people added to the church by baptism. This means that even as...
5 Expectations That Ruin a Marriage
One of Terrie’s early, unspoken expectations of marriage was that I would help around the house. Shortly after we were married, we had invited company over for dinner. I noticed she was stressed with the preparations and offered to help. I was pleased with how...
Founded on Faith
Discover the inspiring story of America’s biblical foundations and why they still matter today.
Pastor Paul Chappell
Dr. Paul Chappell is the senior pastor of the Lancaster Baptist Church and president of West Coast Baptist College in Lancaster, California. His biblical vision has led the church to become one of the most dynamic independent Baptist churches in the nation. He has been married to his wife, Terrie, for over forty years and is the father of four married children all serving in Christian ministry.
