Colleges & Seminaries

Colleges & Seminaries highlights the schools and training programs that prepare leaders for lifelong service in the church. Explore articles on Christian higher education, ministry formation, theological training, campus life, and the work of colleges and seminaries connected to churches and the Restoration Movement. You’ll find news, profiles, interviews, and updates about programs, initiatives, and events—along with stories that inform and encourage students, faculty, alumni, and church leaders. This hub helps readers stay connected to the people and institutions shaping future ministry.

October 27, 2020

Christian Standard

Canadian Christian Colleges Find Unique Solutions to Disparate Challenges

By Jim Nieman Two Canadian Christian colleges have undergone major changes over the course of the last several months. At Alberta Bible College in Calgary, the disruption resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the school to deliver its classes via an online method since the springtime. “We weigh the information we receive from Alberta Health Services weekly and are trying to determine if beginning some physical classes in January is prudent,” president Stanley Helton said. Maritime Christian College also has seen disruption, but those changes were in motion even before the coronavirus began dominating the world’s headlines. MCC—located in

October 20, 2020

Christian Standard

Dozens of CCCB Students In Quarantine Or Isolating Due to COVID-19 Outbreak

By Jim Nieman Central Christian College of the Bible in Moberly, Mo., has switched to online-only instruction for the next two weeks due to a spike in COVID-19 cases among residential students. The change in format will enable the school to reduce the risk of exposing more students to the virus. The school announced its decision Monday morning. After the first residential student tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday, another seven students tested positive on Sunday and Monday, president David Fincher and vice president of student development Darryl Ammon said via email. As of Tuesday afternoon, about 45 percent of

October 19, 2020

Christian Standard

Johnson Receives $1 Million Lilly Grant to Help Launch Three Rivers Collaboration

Johnson University has received a $1 million grant from the Lilly Foundation to help establish the Three Rivers Collaboration to guide congregations in the Knoxville, Tenn., area in a process of refining their God-given mission within a changing cultural context. Mark Nelson, a 1987 Johnson graduate who has served as lead pastor of The Crossings in downtown Knoxville, which he planted in 2007, will join Johnson’s staff as executive director of TRC. Nelson’s experience also includes serving 10 years of campus ministry at Purdue University. His wife, Dr. Monica Nelson, leads the pre-nursing program at Johnson. The TRC is funded

October 7, 2020

Christian Standard

Christian College Presidents Share Enrollment Numbers, Describe Challenges

By Jim Nieman Christian colleges and universities were already under significant stress even before the COVID-19 tsunami came crashing over our nation. In fact, two of them—Cincinnati Christian University and Nebraska Christian College—have closed during the past year. We decided to take the temperature of institutions across the United States by asking college presidents to share their year-over-year attendance figures and to describe the challenges they are facing. It might surprise some to learn that a handful of the 16 colleges and universities that shared their data with us actually saw their enrollment increase from fall 2019 to fall 2020.

September 17, 2020

Christian Standard

MACU Awaits Assessment of Heritage Hall

By Jim Nieman Mid-Atlantic Christian University is awaiting a report from engineers who were on campus early this week to assess viability of Heritage Hall, which partially collapsed on Saturday, Sept. 5, as roofing work was commencing. President John Maurice said MACU’s insurance company will use the assessment to “make a determination on total demolition or partial, based on cost.” “Either way,” Maurice said, “this will be a long process.” Classes were not in session at Heritage Hall that morning—a good thing, as the collapse occurred above the school’s three largest classrooms. “If this would have occurred on [a] Friday

September 8, 2020

Christian Standard

Heritage Hall Partially Collapses at MACU

At about 11:15 a.m. Saturday, Heritage Hall, the primary classroom building at Mid-Atlantic Christian University, partially collapsed while it was undergoing roofing work. No one was injured or killed. “God’s protection of human life made this a good day,” the university wrote at its website. “The roof was being reshingled and they were here beginning work that morning,” John Maurice, president of the university in Elizabeth City, N.C., told 13newsnow.com. “The neighbors basically said they started to hear the building shifting. Fortunately the roofers were able to get on the ends where it was safe.” “The collapse is believed to

September 2, 2020

Christian Standard

Johnson Opens New Center for Minority, International Students

Johnson University has opened a Multicultural Student Affairs center on its Knoxville, Tenn., campus to serve as a gathering space for minority and international students, as well as provide office and/or meeting space for the Urban Alliance, Future of Hope, and Students Promoting Social Unity. “We’re trying to create space for students on campus to feel comfortable and to be able to pursue God, and pursue their calling, and pursue their ministry, and to do it while fully being themselves,” Matthew Best said via Facebook during a video tour of the new center at 7903 Brown Drive. Best is director

August 26, 2020

Christian Standard

Milligan’s Mailing Address Changed with Name (Plus News Briefs)

When Milligan College changed its name to Milligan University on June 1, it had to make one switch that wouldn’t have been necessary for most schools in its situation—it had to change part of its mailing address. You see, correspondence and packages mailed to the school for the past several decades have been sent to “Milligan College, TN 37682.” An article from the Milligan Stampede from 2018 explains how the school came to have its own Zip code and, for a long time, its own post office. It all goes back to the 1800s when the school was known as

August 19, 2020

Christian Standard

Longtime University President Bryce Jessup Dies (Plus News Briefs)

Bryce Jessup, 85, who served as president of William Jessup University in California for 25 years— until his retirement in 2010—died of a heart attack July 30 during a fishing trip to Yosemite with his son Jim. Bryce Jessup was the son of the university’s founder, William Jessup. The school started in 1939 as San Jose Bible College, was subsequently renamed San Jose Christian College, became William Jessup University in 2003, and moved from San Jose to a much larger campus in Rocklin, Calif., in 2004. “During his presidency,” WJU shared, “the university substantially improved its financial position, achieved regional

August 12, 2020

Christian Standard

Dallas Christian Staffers Connect with Students During Road Trip

By Jim Nieman Two staff members of Dallas Christian College embarked on a 2,511-mile road trip in July to connect with as many current and future students as possible. “We were all in quarantine,” said director of student services Karla Kuhl, “and I was seeing stories of [public school] teachers who were going out and seeing their students. And I thought, Well, I have students. I could do that.” Because Dallas Christian College had switched to an online-only format in mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic, there hadn’t been many “connections” between students and staff for several months . .

August 12, 2020

Christian Standard

Lipscomb Launches Lanier Center for Archaeology (Plus News Briefs)

Two renowned archaeology scholars—Dr. Steven Ortiz and Dr. Tom Davis—have founded the Lanier Center for Archaeology at Lipscomb University in Nashville. In conjunction with this, Lipscomb will be adding its first PhD program. “The Lanier Center for Archaeology plans to offer a Doctor of Philosophy in Archaeology of the Ancient Near East and a Master of Arts in Archaeology and Biblical Studies beginning in January 2021,” Lipscomb announced via a release. “In addition, the center will feature archaeological research libraries, an extensive artifact study collection and a ceramic restoration lab. It will also engage in field research projects.” Ortiz and Davis

July 29, 2020

Christian Standard

Faber Continuing to Influence Boise Students after 40 Years (Plus News Briefs)

When Charles “Chuck” Faber began as a full-time professor at Boise Bible College, he committed three years to the school before considering anything else. Forty years later he is still at BBC, influencing young and old to study, think, and live God’s way. Faber, who grew up a missionary kid in Japan, attended Cincinnati Bible College and Seminary, where he graduated with honors. In 1980, when invited to move his family to Boise, Idaho, for his first job after college, Faber and his wife, Patti, sold their house in the Cincinnati area, rented a truck, and drove to Idaho with

July 15, 2020

Chris Moon

An Online Revolution of Necessity

Is online church really church? That question has bounced around church circles for years as more of American life takes place over the internet. Churches and pastors have been all over the spectrum—from all-in to logged out. The conversation persisted right up to the COVID-19 pandemic. A couple of Christian magazine covers from March 2020 help tell the story. The central theme of Christian Standard’s March print edition featured a robust discussion about the benefits of online church. The cover featured Rusty George of Real Life Church in Valencia, California, who said, “Church is engagement . . . with the

July 15, 2020

Matt Proctor

Is There a Future for Our Colleges? (And Is There Even a Need?)

A few years ago, Christian college presidents were invited to our movement’s annual megachurch ministers’ get-together. We gathered in San Antonio, Texas, to talk about greater partnership, and one preacher stood to share his view. “To be honest, do we really need these colleges?” he asked. “So many are small and struggling, and I hire most of my people from within. Maybe it’s time to let them die.” That kinda hurt my feelings. Actually it didn’t. He asked a great question—one I’ve asked myself. After 14 years as president of Ozark Christian College, I understand why management guru Peter Drucker

July 8, 2020

Christian Standard

Kentucky Christian Hires Two New Vice Presidents (Plus News Briefs)

Compiled by Jim Nieman and Chris Moon Kentucky Christian University recently hired two new administrators. Calvin Lindell was hired as vice president of academic affairs. Lindell, who had been serving as interim in that position since March, “did an outstanding job throughout the transition to remote instruction in the spring term and with several other projects,” KCU president Terry Allcorn said. Lindell’s transition to vice president was effective July 1. Lindell also serves as preacher with Salt Lick (Ky.) Christian Church. He previously served 31 years with Morehead State University. Donald Damron, a 1990 KCU graduate, began serving part-time as

July 1, 2020

Christian Standard

Christian Colleges Prep for Fall Amid COVID-19

By Chris Moon Restoration Movement colleges are putting plans in place for reopening their campuses this fall amid the COVID-19 pandemic. While most are planning a return to in-person instruction, in many cases the “normal” classroom experience is being modified. Johnson University in Knoxville, Tenn., recently created a planning guide for its fall semester. The school will have students meet regularly in the classroom, but it also is bolstering its online content so that classroom time can be more limited and focused on discussion and skill development. More theoretical content will be taught online. “We’re going to be highly flexible

July 1, 2020

Christian Standard

Point University Appoints Chief Diversity Officer (Plus News Briefs)

Compiled by Jim Nieman and Chris Moon Leonard Phillips has been appointed chief diversity officer at Point University, West Point, Ga. In this newly created position, Phillips will report to university president Dean C. Collins and lead all of Point’s diversity initiatives. He will also work to facilitate racial unity through the church in the various communities Point serves. Phillips has served the past two years as vice president of church and business partnerships with Point. “Leonard’s extensive background in the Atlanta business community and as a lay pastor in various churches makes him immensely qualified for this important role,”

June 24, 2020

Christian Standard

Emmanuel Adds New Concentration to MDIV Program (Plus News Briefs)

Compiled by Jim Nieman and Chris Moon Emmanuel Christian Seminary at Milligan will offer a new concentration in Christian Spiritual Formation as part of its Master of Divinity program starting this fall. The concentration will provide a professional course of study focusing on the processes and traditions of practice that support a transformative, flourishing, and joyful life of Christian discipleship. “Spiritual formation is at the core of what we do at Emmanuel,” said Dr. Gary Selby, professor of ministerial formation. “As we prepare the next generation . . . , we aim to strengthen spiritual formation in a way that

June 24, 2020

Christian Standard

Retired Prof Takes Theological Expertise to the Local Church

By Chris Moon Joe Grana is staying active in retirement. The former longtime professor and administrator at Hope International University in Fullerton, Calif.—who retired June 1—has taken his expansive biblical knowledge to the local church. Grana has signed on as an associate pastor at Refinery Christian Church in Goodyear, Ariz., near Phoenix. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Grana has been producing three-minute videos for the church teaching basic theological concepts, from baptism to the inspiration of Scripture. The idea for these “3-Minute Theology” videos is to better equip the Refinery church with theological truth, something Grana senses many Christians need today.

June 17, 2020

Christian Standard

LCU Honors Two Longtime Servants (Plus News Briefs)

Compiled by Jim Nieman and Chris Moon Lincoln Christian University president Don Green recently recognized two longtime LCU workers with Distinguished Service Awards. Lynn Laughlin has retired and Freddie Tedrick will end his service with the school at the end of summer. Laughlin began working with Lincoln upon his graduation from the institution in 1964. He first served as assistant basketball coach and director of the physical education program. Eventually he served in a variety of roles: head coach of both basketball and baseball, athletic director, instructor in New Testament, admissions director, dean of students, and finally as vice president

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