After a season of expansion, evaluation, and planning, Central Christian College of the Bible will update its name to Central Bible University, effective June 1, 2026. At the announcement in chapel services on March 3, President David Fincher said, “The updated name of Central Bible University will solidify our unique identity, emphasize our biblical mission, and better represent our work now and in the future.”

Central was established in 1957 to “recruit and train leadership for the church at large according to the New Testament teaching.” The name Central was originally chosen to reflect its central Missouri location in Moberly and its central location within the United States. Central Bible University will continue to be synonymous with the legacy of ministry education for the Christian church.

From the beginning, Central has faithfully focused on teaching the Bible, promoting conservative biblical doctrine while preparing students for the ministry, the marketplace, and the mission field. Accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) since 1982, Central has always offered a quality education at an affordable price. However, “College of the Bible” is not always understood by modern students. In addition, the name’s length has made it difficult to find, remember, or abbreviate. Central Bible University concisely expresses its mission: educating biblical servants for a faithful life of kingdom ministry.

The University name will represent four educational components. Residential Undergraduate Education on the Moberly campus will continue in modernized buildings, as each one has been renovated since 2017. Athletic teams will continue to compete at the NCCAA Division II level in basketball, volleyball, and soccer using the Saints mascot.

Central multiplied its impact in 2020 with graduate education through the Russell School of Ministry, with courses taught in Cincinnati, St. Louis, and online. Graduate Dean Dr. Don Sanders said, “The MA in Ministry Leadership degree has concentrations in organizational health, co-vocational ministry, and preaching, all of which develop better ministers for the church.”

Making ministry education available to church members and leaders in their own congregations is a major focus of Central’s national strategy. Extended education at regional sites in Cincinnati and St. Louis offers Bible courses through unique partnership agreements with local churches. Central also offers innovative leadership education through the Center for Church Leadership, founded by Cincinnati Christian University in 2016 and sustained by major grants to strengthen Christian church leaders and congregations across the country. Multiple educational opportunities are available from Central Bible University.

With the pursuit of knowledge and service driven by the unifying truth of Scripture, Central Bible University will begin its 70th year of service in the summer of 2026. This updated name and brand identity will be implemented over the next few months and used exclusively starting June 1, 2026.

For more information about the name change, visit Frequently Asked Questions on the institution's main website.