bible college

The origins of the bible college movement are in the late 19th century Bible Institute movement.^[4] The first Bible schools in North America were founded by A.B. Simpson (Nyack College in 1882) of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, and D.L. Moody (Moody Bible Institute in 1887). Many were established as a conservative reaction against "liberal" established theological colleges and seminaries.^[2]

Programs

Bible colleges generally confer certificates, associate's degrees, or bachelor's degrees, most often in biblical studies and Christian ministry. Some bible colleges offer supplementary training or degree programs in ministry-related areas that also have secular application, such as Christian education, and church music. Some others have established seminaries and graduate divisions.

Many bible colleges in the United States and Canada that offer intercollegiate athletic programs are members of the National Christian College Athletic Association or the Association of Christian College Athletics.

Increasingly, bible colleges also offer distance learning modules online. However, few yet offer modules about actual Web ministry. ^[5]

Accreditation

The Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) accredits many bible colleges. Bible colleges may also be accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, by regional accreditors, or by international counterparts.

Some bible colleges and institutes operate without conventional educational accreditation or government licensing. These institutions typically claim exemption due to the religious nature of their programs, that involving an outside agency in this capacity would compromise their missions. Dr. Paul Chappell, founder and president of West Coast Baptist College explained the basis for his refusal to seek accreditation for that school, writing: "The local church should have no approving agency over its ministry. I believe this position to be consistent with the Scriptures and with our Baptist distinctives... A study of history would reveal that educational institutions begin to waver when they become more interested in what the world thinks of them than what God insists upon. ...For the accredited college, the approval of an accrediting agency becomes its 'life’s blood.' ...It is my firm conviction that the 'life blood' of a Christian college should be nothing other than the living Word of God itself."^[6]