When Christopher “Chris” Caudle stepped foot on Life Pacific University’s campus, he never could have imagined his journey would lead from college to business to chaplaincy. Yet through every chapter, his aim has remained the same: to keep Jesus at the center.
At an LPU Preview alumni panel in October 2024, Chris reflected on this focus. “What’s most important?” he asked rhetorically. “Is our relationship with Christ more important or is it other things?” He went on to affirm the Christ-centered teaching he received at LPU: “My time with professors was one of my favorite parts—professors keep Jesus as the main thing.”
Looking back, Chris shares:
“LPU allowed me to learn and grow in my spiritual life in ways I could not have planned for without attending. It was here where I felt the Lord refine my heart, mind, and spirit that I may walk in His Spirit in every season despite worldly influence and fleshly desires. LPU was the foundation for my love for theological and biblical studies, finding godly community, and providing the space to learn and grow in my faith, relationships, and self. LPU has also taught me that ministry is beyond local church service; ministry is and can be many things. The call to ministry does not necessarily mean being a local church pastor, but to adopt a posture of servitude and humility in any circumstance the Lord may lead one toward.”
After earning his BA in Business Administration at Life Pacific University (Class of 2022), Chris carried that foundation into his work as a Graduate Research Fellow at the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust. He then pursued further preparation for ministry, completing his Master of Divinity at George Fox University, equipping him for pastoral and chaplaincy service.
Ordination and Chaplaincy Calling
On Thursday, September 4, 2025, Chris was ordained as a minister of the Gospel in the LPU Chapel by Chaplain Don Eubank and Dr. Ray Houk. This milestone comes after a season of serving faithfully as a volunteer lead and active member of Daybreak Church in Carlsbad, CA.
Reflecting on his call, Chris shares:
“It is almost impossible to ignore the geopolitical and spiritual tensions that the world is experiencing in this current time. Those serving in the US military live lives many of us outside of the military cannot or may not comprehend. The Lord has blessed me with a call to serve His people, and has allowed me to develop in ways I could not have without Him. In taking a step back and evaluating how I can pursue His call on my life while simultaneously using the skills and abilities He has gifted me with, I began to research US military chaplaincy. The more I researched, the more I felt the Lord stirring up a passion to serve the troops however I am able. To reflect His light where there is oftentimes darkness. I continue to see open doors and the Lord’s hand move the more I pursue it. I am confident that He is leading me to this opportunity in this season of my life.”
As part of his chaplaincy pathway, Chris reached out to Foursquare Chaplains International to apply for ecclesiastical endorsement. Chaplain Don Eubank, Military Endorser for Foursquare Chaplains International, shared his excitement:
“We are thrilled to have Chris join our team. LPU has been the shared pathway for Foursquare pastors, missionaries, chaplains, and leaders since the beginning of our movement—and Chris is evidence that this strong relationship with LPU training Godly leaders continues. My wife and I are both LPU alumni, and it was a joy to be on campus today for this important milestone in Chris Caudle’s life! It won’t be long and we’ll see Chris wearing the Air Force uniform as our newest Foursquare Air Force Chaplain—Praise the Lord!”
For more about military or civilian chaplain ministry, visit the Foursquare Chaplains website.
A Family Rooted in LPU
Chris shares an extraordinary LPU legacy. He follows in the footsteps of his parents, Christopher Caudle (Class of 2001, BA in Bible) and Erica Caudle (AA in 2001; MA in Strategic Leadership, 2025)—both proud alumni who have modeled lifelong learning and Spirit-led leadership.
In 2024, Chris married his college sweetheart, Ellyanna (Edwards) Caudle, LPU Class of 2023, who shares his passion for seeing the gospel reach the nations. Their love story is especially memorable: both were chosen by their classmates to serve as Baccalaureate speakers, Chris for the Class of 2022 and Elly for the Class of 2023.
Elly is a fifth-generation Edwards to attend LPU, a remarkable heritage of faith and commitment to the university. She is the daughter of Jonathan Edwards (Class of 1998) and Dawn Edwards (Class of 1996). Jonathan serves as a pastor on staff at Daybreak Church and director of Daybreak Leadership College, a microcampus of LPU. Elly currently serves as a success coach at Los Angeles Pacific University, helping students navigate the journey of online higher education.
Continuing the Legacy
Chris’ ordination, seminary training, and chaplaincy pursuit highlight the strength of LPU’s mission to develop transformational leaders for service in the Church, the workplace, and the world. His story, woven into a multigenerational legacy of LPU alumni, is a reminder that the Spirit of God is actively calling and equipping graduates to step into unique ministries around the globe.
If you feel a similar call, explore LPU’s pathways in ministry and chaplaincy:
Congratulations, Chris and Elly! The LPU community celebrates your journey and prays for God’s continued favor as you step into this next chapter of Spirit-led service
