Central Christian College of the Bible to become Central Bible University on June 1, 2026
Central Christian College of the Bible (CCCB) announced it will change its name to Central Bible University, effective June 1, 2026. President David Fincher said the updated name will strengthen the school’s identity and reflect its mission and future. Leaders cited clarity for modern students, continuity with “Central” and “Bible,” and a “University” designation to represent the institution’s levels, locations, and branches of learning.
- CCCB will update its name to Central Bible University effective June 1, 2026.
- President David Fincher said the new name emphasizes the school’s biblical mission and identity.
- The school will retain its mission and continue offering multiple education venues across locations and online.
By Rick Cherok
Announcement and effective date
In a recent press release, Central Christian College of the Bible, in Moberly, Missouri, announced that the institution will update its name to Central Bible University, effective June 1, 2026. At the announcement in a CCCB chapel service, President David Fincher explained, “The updated name of Central Bible University will solidify our unique identity, emphasize our biblical mission, and better represent our work now and in the future.”
Why the name change
Noting that many modern students are confused and unfamiliar with the nomenclature of “College of the Bible,” a title that was frequently used in the early twentieth century, the CCCB board concluded that a name change would more adequately capture the various levels and locations of the institution’s ministry education. However, the board believed it was vital that the school’s new name maintain “Central,” for the purposes of recognition and continuity, and “Bible,” to clearly identify the school’s mission and purpose. To these, they chose to identify the school as a “University,” to represent the institution’s various branches of learning, academic levels, and locations.
Consultation and considerations
While discussing this name change with Christian Standard, Fincher disclosed that he and the CCCB board members had consulted with numerous marketing experts and academic leaders as they formed their decision regarding this name change. He cited the simplicity of the new name and the continuity of including Bible in the name as two of the factors for selecting Central Bible University as the school’s new name. The president of a small non-religious institution, Fincher explained, offered some insightful advice when he said, “The number one thing you have to have is a web name that people can remember and type without misspelling.” In addition, Fincher said the presidents of some larger schools that have traditionally had “Bible” in their names told him, “Once you make your identity about the Bible, giving that up is really hard to apologize for.”
Mission and response
Fincher made it clear that Central’s mission of “Educating Biblical Servants for a Faithful Life of Kingdom Ministry” will remain the same throughout the process of changing the institution’s name. He further noted that reception of the news about the name change has been overwhelmingly positive, and “students are tremendously excited.”
Background and current programs
Central Christian College of the Bible was formed in 1957 when a committee of five men met in Chillicothe, Missouri, and determined to form a new Bible college in Moberly. Their expressly stated purpose for the new college was “to recruit and train leadership for the church at large according to the New Testament teaching.” The name “Central” was originally chosen to reflect the college’s central Missouri location, as well as its location within the United States. In addition, the institution was designated a “College of the Bible” to clearly identify the school’s primary focus and mission.
After nearly 70 years, CCCB has faithfully focused on teaching the Bible and preparing students for ministry, the marketplace, and the mission field. CCCB is accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) and offers a quality education at an affordable price. Today, Central offers four venues for education: (1) Residential Undergraduate Education on their Moberly campus, (2) Graduate Education through the Russell School of Ministry, offering courses in Cincinnati, St. Louis, and online, (3) Extended Education at regional sites in Cincinnati and St. Louis, and (4) Leadership Education through the Center for Church Leadership.
