Native American Bible College

Native American Bible College

Type	Private
Established	1968
President	James A. Keys
Address	Shannon, NC, 28386 US , Shannon, North Carolina
Colors	Teal and Gray
Affiliations	Assemblies of God USA
Website	www.nativeamericanbiblecollege.org

Native American Bible College (NABC), located in Shannon, North Carolina, is affiliated with the Assemblies of God USA. While the primary purpose of NABC is to train the Native Americans to reach their own people, the College welcomes students from all ethnic backgrounds.

Purpose statement

It is the purpose of Native American Bible College of the Assemblies of God, Inc. (NABC) to equip Christians, particularly Native American Christians, through collegiate education in a Pentecostal environment to be effective in ministry to God, the Church, and the world. NABC shall remain loyal to the teachings of the Assemblies of God as set forth in the Sixteen Fundamental Truths.

Although NABC exists to train Native Americans, the school welcomes students from all races and ethnic backgrounds.

History

Both written records and personal recollections affirm that the desire to establish a Bible college to meet the spiritual needs of the Indian population in Southeastern North Carolina was planted by God in many hearts. Originally known as Eastern Indian Bible Institute, Native American Bible College was founded in Fayetteville, North Carolina, in January 1968, and was approved and supported by Assemblies of God US Missions. For over nine years, night classes were held in three Indian churches in the area: Fayetteville Assembly of God, Faith Assembly of God in St. Pauls, and Shannon Assembly of God.

In 1975, one hundred acres of land, located in Shannon, North Carolina, was purchased for a campus site. In 1977, NABC expanded its program to include a three-year day program in addition to the night classes being offered. In 1978, a multipurpose building was constructed, containing classrooms, offices, a library, and a chapel. In 1990, the Charles Cookman Residence Hall was completed. In 1993, the College transitioned from a North Carolina District sponsored school to a regional school, sponsored by five Southeastern Districts of the Assemblies of God. In 1994, the Board of Directors changed the name of the school from Eastern Indian Bible Institute to Native American Bible College. The same year, a cafeteria was added to the campus. In 1998, a classroom building, with a seating capacity of 150 students, was completed, and the original building was remodeled. In 2000, the multipurpose building was enlarged to accommodate the expanding library. In 2001, a chapel (later named Peter Knutsen Chapel) was erected. In 2006, a second dormitory, including a student center, was completed.

In 2004-05, a fourth year was added, and NABC had its first Bachelor of Religious Education degree graduates in Spring 2005. Over the years adequate facilities, including a centrally located, easily accessible library, have been developed on the campus.

Degrees offered

Native American Bible College offers a 4-year Bachelor of Religious Education degree with a dual-major. The first major taken by all students is in Bible. In addition, the student may choose a second major in Ministerial Studies, Christian Education or Missions. The academic program prepares the student for service and leadership in the church and the world.

NABC also offers a 2-year Associate of Religious Education degree and 3-year diploma program.

Accreditation

Native American Bible College holds candidate status with the Association for Biblical Higher Education, 5850 T. G. Lee Blvd., Ste. 130, Orlando, FL 32822. Candidate status is a pre-accreditation status granted to those institutions that meet the ABHE Conditions of Eligibility and that possess such qualities as may provide a basis for achieving accreditation status within four years.”

Presidents

• Rev. Charles Hadden             January 1968 – June 1977
• Rev. Rodger Cree                  July 1977 – June 1982
• Rev. Roy Clark                      July 1982 – July 1984
• Rev. Hollis Stanford               July 1984 – June 1986
• Rev. Charles Cookman          July 1986 – December 1990
• Rev. David Dalton                  January 1991 – December 1992
• Rev. James Kelly                  January 1993 – December 2005
• Rev. Paul Kaminer                January 2006 – July 2007
• Rev. Gilbert Walker               September 2007 – December 2009
• Rev. James Kelly (Interim)    December 2009 – June 2010
• Rev. James Keys                  June 2010 – Present

External links

• Official website