Central Bible College

Springfield, Missouri, United States · Est. 1922 · Seminary / Theological School

Private Assemblies of God Bible college in Springfield, Missouri (1922–2013).

  • Founded 1922 by the General Council of the Assemblies of God
  • Private Bible college affiliated with Assemblies of God
  • Located in Springfield, Missouri; 108-acre campus
  • Closed May 2013 after consolidation with Evangel University and AG Theological Seminary
  • Offered 21 undergraduate Bachelor of Arts majors in ministerial training
  • Known for successful men's basketball program (3 national championships: 1994, 2001, 2002)

Academics

Central Bible College offered 21 undergraduate Bachelor of Arts majors organized into four divisional categories, focused on preparing students for full-time vocational ministry. The college was accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education (first accredited 1948, last reaccredited 2006) and by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (last reaccredited 2010). Upon consolidation in 2013, most programs were incorporated into Evangel University's School of Theology and Church Ministries, organized into three departments: Bible & Theology, Church Ministries, and Intercultural Studies.

History

CBC was founded in 1922 in response to the Assemblies of God's need for ministerial training. Classes initially met in the basement of a church building before relocating to a 15-acre campus on North Grant Avenue in Springfield in 1924. The college grew through mergers with three other institutions: Bethel Bible Training Institute (Newark, New Jersey, 1929), South Central Bible College (Hot Springs, Arkansas, 1953), and Great Lakes Bible Institute (Zion, Illinois, 1954). The campus expanded to 108 acres over its 91-year history.

Athletics

Central Bible College fielded men's soccer, women's volleyball, cheerleading, and men's and women's basketball teams competing in Division II of the National Christian College Athletic Association. The Spartans were renowned for their men's basketball program under Coach Kirk Hanson (34 years), which won 23 regional championships, appeared in the NCCAA National Tournament 30 times, and won national championships in 1994, 2001, and 2002. Hanson achieved his 700th career win on January 25, 2011, and was named National Coach of the Year four times.

Consolidation & Legacy

Central Bible College closed in May 2013 following a consolidation with Evangel University and the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, all three institutions located in Springfield and operated by the Assemblies of God. The consolidated entity officially began operating as Evangel University in Fall 2013. The CBC campus was subsequently sold in May 2019 to Good News Mission, a South Korean-based independent Baptist organization.

Founded
1922
Type
Seminary / Theological School
Courses
3
Total intake
Not yet verified
AffiliationAssemblies of God
Websitehttp://www.cbcag.edu/
HousingNot available
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
3
Avg career outcomes
Not yet verified
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
No
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources