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Boise Bible College

Boise, ID

private nonprofitbachelors

About Boise Bible College

Cultivating Christian leaders since 1945, fostering spiritual growth and academic excellence.

Boise Bible College stands as a beacon of Christian education, dedicated to equipping students for lives of impactful ministry and service. From its humble beginnings in the basement of Boise's First Church of Christ, BBC has grown into an independent and robust institution, fostering a vibrant community where faith and learning converge. It's a place where aspiring pastors, missionaries, educators, and leaders find a solid theological foundation and practical training to make a difference in the world.

The college's journey is marked by pioneering leadership. Founded in 1945, it quickly found devoted guidance in figures like Kenneth Beckman, who not only served as president for decades but also continued to shape students' theological understanding long after his presidency. This deep commitment to both academic rigor and spiritual formation laid the groundwork for BBC's future. A pivotal moment arrived in 1974 when the college became an independent entity, a move that propelled its mission forward.

Under the leadership of subsequent presidents, Boise Bible College solidified its academic standing and expanded its reach. J. Richard Ewing spearheaded the drive for accreditation, achieving recognition from the American Association of Bible Colleges (now ABHE) in 1988, assuring a high standard of education. Charles Crane's tenure saw remarkable growth, tripling enrollment and stabilizing the college's finances, while Terry Stine admirably led the institution to become debt-free. Today, as BBC welcomes its 11th president, Scott Lerwick, it continues to build on this legacy of faith, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to developing compassionate and competent Christian leaders.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1945, beginning its legacy of Christian education from within First Church of Christ in Boise.
  • Achieved full independence in 1974, charting its own course in higher education.
  • Earned prestigious accreditation in 1988 through the American Association of Bible Colleges (now ABHE).
  • Experienced significant growth, including a tripling of enrollment and strengthened financial stability under President Charles Crane (1990-2007).
  • Successfully became a debt-free institution under the leadership of President Terry Stine.
  • Guided by a succession of dedicated leaders, including its 11th president, Scott Lerwick, appointed in 2024.

Timeline

1945
Founded as part of First Church of Christ in Boise, with Orin Hardenbrook as its first president.
1949
Kenneth Beckman became president, a role he held until 1973 while also serving as minister and faculty.
1974
Separated organizationally from its founding church, establishing itself as an independent institution.
1988
Received accreditation through the American Association of Bible Colleges (now ABHE).
1990
Charles Crane began his presidency, overseeing a period of tripled enrollment and significant financial improvements.
1995
Kenneth Beckman was awarded the first honorary doctorate granted by BBC.
2007
Terry Stine assumed the presidency, successfully guiding the college to become debt-free.
2017
Derek Voorhees became the college president.
2024
Scott Lerwick became the college's 11th president on September 19.

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