Lincoln Christian University will close at the end of this school year. However, Lincoln Christian Seminary will be acquired by Ozark Christian College and moved to OCC’s campus in Joplin, Mo., presidents of the institutions announced on Wednesday. Lincoln’s campus in Lincoln, Ill., will “cease academic operations” after its final day, May 31, 2024.
“There is no small amount of grief behind this news, but it is Christian grief of high order—not without hope,” Lincoln President Silas McCormick said via a joint news release with Ozark President Matt Proctor. “We are grateful for the continued ministry of Lincoln Christian Seminary in name and with excellence via a sibling who cares deeply about and for us and our mission.”
Lincoln Bible Institute, the forerunner of Lincoln Christian University, was founded in 1944 by Earl Hargrove, who cast a vision in a famous sermon in which he declared, “The preachers are coming!” In 1952, Lincoln added their seminary. Ozark Christian College was founded in 1942 but just added a graduate studies program last academic year. More than 80 students enrolled in Ozark’s lone MA program in Christian Ministry.
“Over the next six years, as the program grew and more degrees were added, Ozark’s goal was for the graduate studies program to become a full-fledged seminary,” OCC’s Proctor said via the joint release. “The addition of Lincoln’s seminary, then, is simply an opportunity to do more quickly what we were already planning to do.”
While McCormick and Proctor were careful to stress that many details still need to be ironed out, and that approval for many of these changes are contingent upon approval by the schools’ respective accrediting bodies, they explained how this acquisition came about and what the agreement entails.
In 2019, Lincoln was $9 million debt. In February 2022, the school announced it would tightly focus on ministry preparation and debt elimination. The hope was to increase enrollment to boost revenue, but enrollment slipped. At the end of summer 2023, Lincoln’s leadership determined the school was “not likely to be able to proceed independently” and that they “should pursue collaboration with a sister school.” And, so, conversations with Ozark began.
By the end of this school year [May 31, 2024], Lincoln expects its debt will be reduced to $2.6 million, with the reductions credited to the sale of part of its campus, generous donations, and tough but necessary budgeting decisions. The school plans to continue to work to pay off its debt after closure. Still, Lincoln’s seminary will continue on, via Ozark, as “something of great value to pass on to future generations.”
Proctor said OCC will adopt the name “Lincoln Seminary at Ozark Christian College” to celebrate Lincoln’s legacy. Additionally, Lincoln’s $3.8 million student scholarship endowment will be passed along, which will give “Ozark a greater opportunity to bless students financially as they prepare for ministry.”
Pending approval by accreditors, current LCS students pursuing a Master of Divinity degree, a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies and Bible and Theology, and an MA in Ministry, who continue at Ozark will be guaranteed “zero loss” moving forward, meaning no increase in tuition, no increase in degree requirements; plus, all degrees will have a fully online option.
McCormick’s portion of the joint release stated: “For current LCU students in other programs—our Bachelor of Arts degrees in Christian Ministry and Biblical and Theological Studies and our Master of Arts degrees in Counseling, Theology, and Organizational Leadership, or any others: we will help each student find a ‘home’ for your continued education that reflects sound stewardship of the work you’ve already done.” Transfer agreements with other colleges are being pursued.
OCC will not be operating an Illinois campus, the release stated, and with a few possible exceptions, Ozark will not be hiring LCU’s Illinois personnel.
Much more information will be shared in the days to come, McCormick said, including “FAQ documents for students, donors, and alumni; ongoing announcements concerning LCU’s regional presence and its campus; and information related to Ozark’s acquisition of the Seminary.”
He asked for continued prayers and continued giving.
“A good finish for us means a good start for our sister school who has come alongside us in a time of need and will carry on our work,” McCormick said.
Proctor said Ozark’s financial and enrollment health, along with many connections to Lincoln among its leadership and faculty, suggested a conversation should take place when contacted by Lincoln.
In addition to Proctor, “Executive Vice Presidents Chad Ragsdale, Damien Spikereit, and Jim Dalrymple . . . are all Lincoln seminary alumni and former Illinois preachers,” the release stated. “At least 11 of [Ozark’s] current professors are Lincoln alumni, as well as recently retired stalwarts like Dr. Mark Scott, Dr. Gary Zustiak, Dr. Terry Bowland, and Dr. Woody Wilkinson.”
Proctor said he sees this as a passing of the baton, not unlike Elijah to Elisha and Paul to Timothy.
Then, referencing Earl Hargrove’s declaration at Lincoln’s founding, Proctor said, “The preachers are still coming, and in the midst of sadness, there is hope.”
Lincoln Christian University and Ozark Christian College both posted the joint announcement on their respective websites.
Truly a sad day.
I pursued my graduate studies at Lincoln under such scholars as Enos Dowling, John Ralls and S. Edward Tesh . I will never forget the time I spent at the feet of these men of God. My heart breaks at this news of LCU’s closing, but I rejoice that LCS will continue on the campus of OCC, where I received my undergraduate degree and where I spent eight wonderful years teaching in the 60’s. I pray that OCC will continue to hold high the Lincoln banner: “The Preachers are Coming!”