About Warner Pacific University
Warner Pacific University is the only Church of God (Anderson, Ind.) institution of higher learning in the western United States. First known as Pacific Bible College, the school opened in 1937 in a two-story mission home in Spokane, Wash., with 21 students and two faculty members, including founding president A.F. Gray. The expressed goal of PBC was to train ministers and church workers. In 1940, church leaders moved the College to its present location in Portland, Ore., where it initially took up residence in a large four-story house, nicknamed “Old Main.”
Influenced by Wesleyan theology, the College upheld an historical critical reading of the Holy Scripture, the use of human reason, reflection on experience and respect for tradition. Early graduates went on to notable terms of service as church leaders and missionaries in the United States and the world. In 1959, the school changed its name to Warner Pacific College to reflect a growing emphasis upon the liberal arts. Two years later, Warner Pacific became fully accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. WPC is also an active member of the Oregon Independent College Association.
Throughout its history, Warner Pacific has demonstrated scholastic innovation that fosters critical thinking along with spiritual maturity. In 1974, the College introduced a ground-breaking general studies program that sought to integrate a Christian worldview across key academic disciplines. The College’s current core Humanities curriculum takes a “big questions” approach toward faith, morality and civil responsibility, and culminates in a capstone thesis in which students examine a paradox within the human condition.