Introduction:
St. Louis Christian College, located in Florissant, Missouri, is a small private college founded in 1956 with a mission to provide a Christ-centered education. This institution offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in biblical studies, ministry, and general studies. With a tight-knit community and a commitment to academic excellence, it’s no wonder that St. Louis Christian College has become a beloved institution in the region. In this post, we’ll explore some fun facts about this unique college that you might not know.
The College’s Origin Story
St. Louis Christian College was founded in 1956 by a group of ministers who saw a need for a Christian college in the Midwest. Originally named St. Louis Christian Bible College, the institution’s first classes were held in the basement of a church in St. Louis. In 1962, the college moved to its current location in Florissant, Missouri, and changed its name to St. Louis Christian College.
Over the years, St. Louis Christian College has expanded its academic offerings and grown its campus. Today, the college offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a variety of fields, including ministry, biblical studies, and general studies. The campus features several modern buildings, including the recently completed Emerson Leadership Center, which provides a state-of-the-art space for leadership training and development.
Notable Alumni
St. Louis Christian College has produced many successful alumni over the years. Here are just a few notable examples:
- Mark A. Jones: A former president of the college, Jones is now the Senior Vice President for Advancement at Ozark Christian College. He also serves as an adjunct professor at St. Louis Christian College.
- Wendy Wiese: Wiese is a radio personality and the host of the Relevant Radio program “On Call with Wendy Wiese.” She graduated from St. Louis Christian College in 1984 with a degree in biblical studies.
- Tom Elliff: Elliff is a prominent pastor and author who has served as the president of the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biblical studies from St. Louis Christian College in 1968.
Campus Life
St. Louis Christian College has a vibrant campus life that offers students a variety of opportunities to get involved and make connections. The college’s Student Government Association (SGA) is a student-led organization that plans events, advocates for student interests, and represents the student body to the administration.
In addition to the SGA, St. Louis Christian College has several student organizations that cater to a range of interests. The campus also hosts regular chapel services, which provide a space for students to worship and engage with their faith.
Accreditation and Affiliations
St. Louis Christian College is accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. This accreditation ensures that the college meets high standards of academic quality and provides students with a rigorous education.
In addition to its accreditation, St. Louis Christian College is affiliated with several Christian organizations, including the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ, the Restoration Movement, and the Missouri Christian Convention. These affiliations reflect the college’s commitment to Christian values and principles.
Community Outreach
St. Louis Christian College is committed to serving its local community and beyond through various outreach initiatives. The college’s Compassion Ministries program provides students with opportunities to serve in local churches, schools, and non-profit organizations. The program also hosts an annual Compassion Day event, where students and faculty volunteer their time to help those in need.
In addition to Compassion Ministries, St. Louis Christian College is involved in international missions through partnerships with organizations like Global Missions, which provides opportunities for students to serve and learn in other countries. The college also partners with local churches to provide community outreach and ministry programs.
Notable Programs
St. Louis Christian College offers several unique and noteworthy programs for students. The college’s Ministry Entrepreneurship program provides students with the skills and knowledge to start and lead their own ministry organizations. This program combines courses in entrepreneurship, leadership, and ministry to equip students with the tools they need to make a difference in their communities.
St. Louis Christian College also offers a Bachelor of Science in Worship Arts, which prepares students for careers in music ministry and worship leadership. This program combines courses in music theory, worship leadership, and biblical studies to give students a well-rounded education in this field.
Athletics
St. Louis Christian College has a small but active athletics program that competes in the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA). The college fields teams in men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s soccer, and women’s volleyball.
Despite its small size, St. Louis Christian College has had success on the court and field. The men’s basketball team won the NCCAA Division II National Championship in 2015, and the women’s soccer team has made several appearances in the NCCAA National Tournament.
Conclusion:
St. Louis Christian College is a unique institution that offers a Christ-centered education and a tight-knit community for students. From its humble origins in a church basement to its modern campus and diverse academic programs, this college has a rich history and a bright future. Whether you’re a student, alumni, or simply curious about this institution, there’s always something new and interesting to learn about St. Louis Christian College.
