
October 22, 2026
Setting Our Hearts
Doug Redford
Restoration Movement ministries, missions, colleges and organizations.
2 organizations
EducationCentral Bible UniversityCentral Bible University, formerly known as Central Christian College of the Bible (CCCB), is a Bible…
Central Bible University — Organization Profile Central Bible University, formerly known as Central Christian College of the Bible (CCCB), is a Bible college that trains students for church and kingdom service through residential, online, and extension-based education. The school’s stated…
Central Bible University — Organization Profile Central Bible University, formerly known as Central Christian College of the Bible (CCCB), is a Bible college that trains students for church and kingdom service through residential, online, and extension-based education. The school’s stated mission is to educate biblical servants for a faithful life of kingdom ministry, combining biblical study with practical preparation for ministry in the local church, the marketplace, and mission settings. Central Bible University was founded in 1957 in Moberly, Missouri, with an original purpose to “recruit and train leadership for the church at large according to the New Testament teaching.” Today, the college describes its identity through Restoration Movement roots and a commitment to biblical authority, while also serving “the…
Central Bible University, formerly known as Central Christian College of the Bible (CCCB), is a Bible college that trains students for church and kingdom service through residential, online, and extension-based education. The school’s stated mission is to educate biblical servants for a faithful life of kingdom ministry, combining biblical study with practical preparation for ministry in the local church, the marketplace, and mission settings.
Central Bible University was founded in 1957 in Moberly, Missouri, with an original purpose to “recruit and train leadership for the church at large according to the New Testament teaching.” Today, the college describes its identity through Restoration Movement roots and a commitment to biblical authority, while also serving “the church at large.” Alongside its main campus, CCCB highlights “multiple locations” for ministry education, naming Moberly, Missouri, St. Louis, Missouri, and Cincinnati (Florence, Kentucky), as well as online delivery.
Academically, Central Bible University offers programs at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels. Degree pathways include Bible and Theology, Christian Counseling, and ministry-focused studies such as General Ministries, NextGen Ministry, and Preaching. The college also offers an Integrated Studies track described as partnership-based, reflecting Central Bible University’s emphasis on collaboration and flexible delivery to meet ministry training needs in different regions.
Central Bible University also emphasizes hands-on formation through campus life and spiritual development rhythms. Chapel and other spiritual engagement opportunities are presented as part of a broader discipleship culture, where students are encouraged toward corporate worship, personal growth, and service. The college frames this formation as relational and community-centered, pairing academic instruction with mentoring and shared life.
In recent years, Central Bible University has expanded its footprint through institutional partnerships and organizational change. The college opened a Cincinnati extension site in connection with a relationship announced in 2019 involving Cincinnati Christian University, and later completed a formal merger with St. Louis Christian College. Central Bible University notes the merger was approved by trustees in October 2021 and accepted by the Missouri Secretary of State on December 5, 2022, with the merged institution continuing under the legal name Central Christian College of the Bible. The name was officially changed in 2026 to Central Bible University.
People can engage Central Bible University in several practical ways. Prospective students can apply, schedule a visit, or explore online education options designed for working adults and students who cannot relocate. Churches, alumni, and friends can partner through giving and planned-gift opportunities that support affordable ministry education and the preparation of future Christian workers.
ConsultingThe Center for Church LeadershipThe Center for Church Leadership strengthens church leaders across the United States through coaching, ministry cohorts,…
The Center for Church Leadership — Organization Profile The Center for Church Leadership (CCL) strengthens churches by strengthening their leaders through coaching, collaboration, and resources. CCL serves church leaders across the United States through coaching, cohorts, practical resources, and collaborative…
The Center for Church Leadership — Organization Profile The Center for Church Leadership (CCL) strengthens churches by strengthening their leaders through coaching, collaboration, and resources. CCL serves church leaders across the United States through coaching, cohorts, practical resources, and collaborative learning communities. Rather than offering quick fixes, the CCL helps leaders build the clarity, confidence, and resilience they need to Lead Strong for the long haul. The CCL's work focuses on many of the areas most critical to a church’s strength and health. Preachers sharpen their craft through Level Up Preaching Cohorts. Children's ministers grow through KidMin cohorts and certification. Leadership teams develop healthier systems and stronger cultures through Healthy Church Co-Ops. Leaders pursuing advanced ministry training can earn an…
The Center for Church Leadership (CCL) strengthens churches by strengthening their leaders through coaching, collaboration, and resources. CCL serves church leaders across the United States through coaching, cohorts, practical resources, and collaborative learning communities. Rather than offering quick fixes, the CCL helps leaders build the clarity, confidence, and resilience they need to Lead Strong for the long haul.
The CCL's work focuses on many of the areas most critical to a church’s strength and health. Preachers sharpen their craft through Level Up Preaching Cohorts. Children's ministers grow through KidMin cohorts and certification. Leadership teams develop healthier systems and stronger cultures through Healthy Church Co-Ops.
Leaders pursuing advanced ministry training can earn an accredited master's degree through the Russell School of Ministry, a division of Central Bible University. The CCL also produces online content, including the “Leading Together” webinars and the “Ministry &” podcast. These platforms provide practical tools, fresh ideas, and encouragement for leaders navigating the challenges of ministry.
Collaboration is central to everything CCL does. By partnering with other ministry organizations and networks, more leaders are strengthened and more churches flourish.
The Center for Church Leadership traces its roots to Cincinnati Christian University. Today, the Elliott Library and Museum resides at the CCL's headquarters in Florence, Kentucky, preserving and celebrating the heritage of CCU and the Restoration Movement.
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