Ozark Christian College — Organization Profile
Ozark Christian College (OCC) is a degree-granting institution of biblical higher education whose mission is to train men and women for Christian service. Based in Joplin, Missouri, the college serves students preparing for lifelong ministry and leadership in local churches, parachurch organizations, and mission contexts. OCC’s roots are in the Stone-Campbell heritage (Independent Christian Churches and Churches of Christ), with an institutional emphasis on biblical authority and gospel-centered formation.
OCC frames its work around a clear mission-and-vision pair: training gospel leaders while aiming to glorify God by evangelizing the lost and edifying Christians worldwide. This focus shapes the curriculum, campus life, and ministry opportunities students encounter during their time at Ozark. The college also highlights a set of core values that prioritize Scripture, service, truth-telling in love, dependence on God, unity through grace, and partnering with the Church in the Great Commission.
Academically, OCC offers undergraduate pathways designed to integrate Bible, theology, and practical ministry preparation. Programs include degrees such as Bible and Ministry (with an online option for working adults) and majors spanning areas like student ministry, children’s ministry, intercultural studies, creative arts ministry, and organizational leadership. Alongside these degrees, Ozark provides church-facing resources through NextLevel Online, a free video library taught by OCC professors for leadership training and outreach, as well as chapel livestreams and archives that keep alumni and supporters connected.
A major recent development in OCC’s story is that in 2024, Lincoln Christian Seminary transferred to OCC, becoming Lincoln Seminary at Ozark Christian College. This addition strengthens the graduate-level training available through Ozark’s seminary programming while continuing the institution’s long-standing commitment to equipping ministry leaders. OCC notes that its graduates commonly move into vocational or volunteer ministry, and it maintains a practical, church-connected approach to training.
Beyond coursework, OCC supports experiential formation through campus community life and service opportunities. The Idleman Ministry Center helps connect students with places to serve, internship guidance, and ministry openings. Athletics and student activities contribute to community rhythms, while resources like OCC Academy and other training initiatives extend Ozark’s impact beyond campus.
Ways to engage with OCC include applying for residential or online study, participating in campus visits and tours, and supporting students and programs through giving. From its campus in southwest Missouri, Ozark seeks to serve churches and Christian leaders across the United States and internationally through degree programs, seminary preparation, and practical resources for disciple-making and ministry leadership.
Key Links
- Website: https://occ.edu/
- About (Mission, Vision, History): https://occ.edu/about
- Undergraduate Academics: https://occ.edu/academics/undergraduate-academics
- Lincoln Seminary Academics: https://occ.edu/academics/graduate-academics
- Apply: https://occ.edu/apply
- Give: https://occ.edu/give
- NextLevel Online: https://occ.edu/resources/nextlevel
- Chapel (Watch Live / Archive): https://occ.edu/resources/chapel
- OCC Academy: https://occ.edu/resources/occ-academy
- Athletics (Ambassadors): https://occambassadors.com/
Contact Information
- Email: he***@*cc.edu
- Phone: 417-626-1234
- Mailing address: 1111 N. Main St., Joplin, MO 64801
Socials
- https://www.facebook.com/Ozark.Christian.College
- https://www.instagram.com/ozark1942
- https://x.com/Ozark1942
- https://www.youtube.com/@OzarkChristianCollege1942
Leadership
- Matt Proctor — President
- Chad Ragsdale — Chief Academic Officer
- Robert Witte — Vice President of Enrollment
- Andy Storms — Vice President of Student Affairs | Dean of Students
- Jim Dalrymple — Chief Advancement Officer
- Michael DeFazio — Dean of Lincoln Seminary
