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 schoolโs identity and reflect its mission and future. Leaders cited clarity for modern students, continuity with โCentralโ and โBible,โ and a โUniversityโ designation to represent the institutionโs 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 schoolโs 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, โThe 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.โ
Why the name change
Noting that many modern students are confused and unfamiliar with the nomenclature of โCollege of the Bible,โ 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 institutionโs ministry education. However, the board believed it was vital that the schoolโs new name maintain โCentral,โ for the purposes of recognition and continuity, and โBible,โ to clearly identify the schoolโs mission and purpose. To these, they chose to identify the school as a โUniversity,โ to represent the institutionโs 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 schoolโs new name. The president of a small non-religious institution, Fincher explained, offered some insightful advice when he said, โThe number one thing you have to have is a web name that people can remember and type without misspelling.โ In addition, Fincher said the presidents of some larger schools that have traditionally had โBibleโ in their names told him, โOnce you make your identity about the Bible, giving that up is really hard to apologize for.โ
Mission and response
Fincher made it clear that Centralโs mission of โEducating Biblical Servants for a Faithful Life of Kingdom Ministryโ will remain the same throughout the process of changing the institutionโs name. He further noted that reception of the news about the name change has been overwhelmingly positive, and โstudents are tremendously excited.โ
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 โto recruit and train leadership for the church at large according to the New Testament teaching.โ The name โCentralโ was originally chosen to reflect the collegeโs central Missouri location, as well as its location within the United States. In addition, the institution was designated a โCollege of the Bibleโ to clearly identify the schoolโs 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.
Author: Rick Cherok
Rick Cherok serves as Managing Editor of Christian Standard, Executive Director of Celtic Christian Mission, and Director of Menโs Services at Kentucky Christian University.
