History of the College
Central Christian College of the Bible was founded in February of 1957 when the board of directors, led by chairman O. S. Lincoln, unanimously declared and affirmed that “the purpose of the school is to recruit and train leadership for the church at large, according to the New Testament teaching.” CCCB remains exclusively committed to pursuing this purpose.
Through the years, growth has come in facilities and resources. From 1957-1968 the campus was located east of downtown Moberly on Ault Street. In 1968, CCCB moved to its present campus in southeastern Moberly, adjacent to Moberly Public Schools. It now contains seven buildings on 25 acres.
CCCB expanded its kingdom influence beyond that residential location by launching a robust online degree program in 2011. After the closure of Cincinnati Christian University in 2020, Central opened an extension site in Northern Kentucky to house the Elliott Library & Museum, Russell School of Ministry, and the Christian Church Leadership Network. The expansion continued in 2022 when St. Louis Christian College merged with CCCB, resulting in an extension site for CCCB in the Westport region of St. Louis, Missouri.
Graduates of CCCB are serving across the nation and around the world. CCCB’s impact has become not merely regional, but global. With CCCB’s graduates located across the country and around the world, Central continues producing biblical servants for a faithful life of kingdom ministry.
Presidents of the College
Several dedicated presidents have led CCCB during its history.
John W. Hall (1957–1959), a minister in Vandalia, Missouri, was charged with the task of setting the college in order. He selected the first faculty of five men.
Grayson H. Ensign (1959–1966) made improvements in the administrative and bookkeeping procedures of the college. In addition, he was able to eliminate the first mortgage as well as purchase other property to provide room for expansion.
Walter L. “Jack” Spratt (1966–1972) led CCCB’s acquisition of the current campus property. Several buildings were constructed during that time, including a Cafetorium (a combined cafeteria, library, and assembly area) and dormitories, which also housed classrooms.
Lloyd M. Pelfrey (1972–1998) worked to eliminate the debts from construction. In 1980, Memorial Hall (later renamed Pelfrey Hall) was completed, which housed offices, classrooms, food services, and a gymnasium. Under his leadership, initial accreditation with the Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges (now The Association for Biblical Higher Education) was received in 1982, with reaffirmations in 1987 and 1992.
Dr. Russell James (2000–2005) led CCCB’s transition to the Full-Tuition Scholarship Program with careful planning and successful fundraising. This contributed to a period of rapid growth, culminating in the highest enrollment in the institution’s history. During his tenure, two new facilities were constructed: the Reese Resource Center (housing the library and bookstore) and Mabee Foundation Hall (a three-story dormitory). ABHE accreditation was reaffirmed in 2003 and enrollment peaked at over 500 students.
Dr. Ron Oakes (2006–2013) led CCCB’s pursuit of regional accreditation, resulting in candidate status in 2013. Under his leadership, the Walton Student Center was constructed as a place to build campus community among the student body. In addition, an online education program was developed and ABHE accreditation was reaffirmed in 2013.
Dr. David Fincher (2014–present) has focused attention on connecting with alumni, partnering with other institutions, and increasing donor support for operations and construction. Under his leadership, the LIFT the Torch Campaign led to debt reduction, infrastructure improvements, and the creation of a graduate program, now called Russell School of Ministry. ABHE accreditation was reaffirmed in 2023 as CCCB continues to pursue a vision of innovative ministry education in multiple locations for the Christian church.