About Ecclesia College A Christian college built around truth that is meant to be lived.
Ecclesia College is an institution of biblical higher education in Springdale, Arkansas. Here, academic study, Christian faith, practical work, mentoring, and service are intentionally connected because education should shape more than what you know.
Education with a clear purpose.
Ecclesia is not simply a college that happens to have Christian beliefs. Biblical higher education is central to why the College exists and to the kind of graduate it seeks to develop.
That purpose connects character, academic competency, practical work, leadership, and the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom.
Mission, Vision & ValuesAs an institution of biblical higher education, Ecclesia College equips Christ followers with godly character traits, academic competencies, and work skills to be effective leaders for the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom within our troubled world.
Know Truth. Practice Truth. Share Truth.
Ecclesia’s vision is to see a world transformed through Christ-centered leaders who faithfully know, practice, and share truth to advance God’s Kingdom. These aren’t simply words for a wall. They describe what an Ecclesia education is intended to develop.
Know Truth
Build a biblical worldview, strengthen critical thinking, and develop the habits of a lifelong learner.
Foundation + MindPractice Truth
Put faith into action through integrity, stewardship, practical responsibility, work, and service.
Character + StewardshipShare Truth
Learn to communicate effectively and lead through meaningful service in the places God gives you influence.
Communication + LeadershipThe mission shows up in the way students learn and live.
Ecclesia’s educational model intentionally reaches beyond the classroom. On the Springdale campus, students encounter a combination of biblical learning, mentoring, work, service, and shared Christian formation.
Biblical Learning
Students study their disciplines in light of Scripture while developing academic competencies, critical thinking, and a biblical worldview.
Mentoring
Ecclesia’s mentoring program creates regular contact with role models who help students consider life, values, relationships, and involvement through a Christ-centered lens.
Work-Learning-Service
Springdale-campus students participate in work as experiential education, building practical experience in teamwork, communication, responsibility, and workplace ethics.
Assembly & Service
Campus-wide Assemblies reinforce biblical values and whole-life Christian living, while Service Learning challenges students to develop an ongoing lifestyle of serving others.
Ecclesia is intentionally Christian.
We want prospective students and families to understand that before enrollment—not discover it afterward. Choosing Ecclesia means choosing an educational environment where faith, character, work, service, and academic preparation are connected.
The right question isn’t only, “Does Ecclesia have my major?” It is also, “Is this the kind of education I want shaping me?”
More than 50 years rooted in biblical education.
Ecclesia’s story began with Bible schools committed to preparing students through serious engagement with Scripture. Over time, that foundation developed into an accredited college offering biblical higher education across multiple academic disciplines.
Read the Full HistoryThe roots take shape.
Oren II and Inez Paris, together with Oren “Dad” Paris Sr. and Marylydia Nicholson “Mom” Paris, opened Ecclesia’s Basic Ministries Program in Springdale. The work developed into Elm Springs Bible School.
Two Bible-school traditions come together.
Omaha Bible School merged with Elm Springs Bible School, strengthening the Biblical Ministries Program of Elm Springs Bible College.
Ecclesia College receives its name.
The Board of Governance unanimously voted to change the institution’s name from Elm Springs Bible College to Ecclesia College.
Institutional accreditation.
Ecclesia received initial institutional accreditation from the Association for Biblical Higher Education.
The mission continues.
From Springdale and through EC Online, Ecclesia continues its work of equipping Christ followers through biblical higher education, academic study, practical skills, and leadership preparation.
Recognized. Accredited. Accountable.
Ecclesia College is accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education Commission on Accreditation to grant certificates and degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, and master’s levels.
Accreditation & RecognitionGo deeper into the institution.
Looking for institutional details, leadership, outcomes, policies, or official information? Start here.
Ecclesia at a Glance
Quick facts about Ecclesia, academic delivery, programs, accreditation, and student experience.
View At a Glance → InstitutionLeadership & Governance
Meet the people entrusted with leading and governing Ecclesia College.
Meet Our Leadership → AccountabilityStudent Outcomes
Review institutional effectiveness, student learning, completion, and outcome information.
View Student Outcomes → DisclosuresConsumer Information
Access required institutional disclosures, financial, safety, debt, and student information.
Consumer Information →The best way to understand Ecclesia is to experience it.
Read about the mission. Explore the programs. Then come to Springdale, meet the people, ask your questions, and see whether Ecclesia is the kind of college community you’re looking for.