Two Bible schools. One continuing story.
Ecclesia College traces its roots to two Bible schools founded in 1975—one in Springdale, Arkansas, and one in Omaha, Nebraska. Their stories eventually came together and developed into the institution now known as Ecclesia College.
The Ecclesia story began in two places.
In September 1975, Bible schools were taking shape in both Springdale, Arkansas, and Omaha, Nebraska. Each approached biblical education in its own way, but their histories would eventually converge.
Twenty years later, the two schools came together, creating the foundation from which Ecclesia College continued to grow.
Ecclesia’s Basic Ministries Program
Oren II and Inez Paris, together with Oren “Dad” Paris Sr. and Marylydia Nicholson “Mom” Paris, opened Ecclesia’s Basic Ministries Program. Mom Paris added her Inductive Bible Study Program, forming Elm Springs Bible School.
Omaha Bible School
Reverend Oliver Olson and his wife, Patricia, founded Omaha Bible School using a lecture-study classroom method. The school developed its own tradition of biblical instruction before eventually becoming part of the Ecclesia story.
From Bible school to Ecclesia College.
Ecclesia developed gradually. Academic programs expanded, the two Bible-school traditions merged, the institution adopted a new name, and accreditation marked another significant step in its development as a college.
Two Bible schools begin.
Ecclesia’s Basic Ministries Program began in Springdale and developed into Elm Springs Bible School. During the same period, Omaha Bible School began in Nebraska.
Academic expansion begins.
Elm Springs expanded its academic work toward a four-year Biblical Ministries Program. New Testament Greek was introduced as the institution continued developing from Bible-school study toward broader college-level education.
The two histories come together.
On August 31, Omaha Bible School merged with Elm Springs Bible School, joining the two educational traditions within the Biblical Ministries Program of Elm Springs Bible College.
The Ecclesia College name is adopted.
In September, the institution formally changed its name from Elm Springs Bible College to Ecclesia College.
Initial institutional accreditation.
Ecclesia received initial institutional accreditation from the Association for Biblical Higher Education, marking another significant stage in the College’s development.
The mission continues.
Ecclesia continues its work as an institution of biblical higher education from Springdale, Arkansas, and through online education.
The name changed as the educational work expanded.
Ecclesia’s history includes several stages of institutional development. What began as ministry and Bible-school education gradually developed into a broader institution of biblical higher education.
Initial institutional accreditation.
In 2005, Ecclesia College received initial institutional accreditation from the Association for Biblical Higher Education. Accreditation became an important milestone in the College’s development as an institution of biblical higher education.
Accreditation & RecognitionSome things have changed. Some commitments have remained.
Ecclesia’s academic scope and institutional structure have developed over time, but several ideas remain recognizable in the College’s mission and educational approach today.
Biblical Education
Serious engagement with Scripture has been part of Ecclesia’s educational identity from its earliest Bible-school roots.
Formation Beyond Knowledge
Ecclesia continues to connect education with Christian character, personal responsibility, and the way students live.
Practical Preparation
Work skills and practical responsibility remain part of Ecclesia’s understanding of what college preparation should include.
Leadership & Service
Education continues to be directed toward serving others, exercising leadership, and advancing Christ’s Kingdom.
The institution has developed. The mission continues.
Today’s Ecclesia College is different in size, academic scope, structure, and delivery from the Bible schools that began in 1975. Yet the College continues to identify itself as an institution of biblical higher education.
Ecclesia’s current mission connects biblical education with godly character, academic competencies, practical work skills, leadership, and service.
Learn more about Ecclesia College.
Mission, Vision & Values
Understand the convictions and educational outcomes that shape Ecclesia today.
Explore Mission & Values → TodayLeadership & Governance
Meet the people currently entrusted with leading and governing Ecclesia College.
Meet Our Leadership → InstitutionalAccreditation & Recognition
Review Ecclesia’s accreditation, recognition, and institutional status.
Accreditation & Recognition →More than 50 years later, the story is still being written.
If you’re considering Ecclesia, come see the campus, meet the people who are here today, and explore what becoming part of this community could look like for you.