History
Columbia Bible College has its roots in two Abbotsford schools that merged in 1970.Mennonite Brethren Bible Institute
The Mennonite Brethren Bible Institute (MBBI) began in the South Abbotsford Mennonite Brethren Church in 1936 and was called the South Abbotsford Mennonite Brethren Bible School. In 1943, a suitable building was moved to the South Abbotsford church site and the school was renamed Bethel Bible School. Three Mennonite Brethren churches - South Abbotsford, Clearbrook, and Matsqui - joined to support Bethel, which had 34 students that year. The introduction of a high school program led to a temporary relocation of Bethel to a private site in Clearbrook in 1945. In 1946, theBethel Bible Institute
Bethel Bible Institute grew out of the concern to establish a Bible school to meet local and provincial church needs amongst the Conference of Mennonites in British Columbia. In 1939, Rev. N. W. Bahnman announced the opening of a Bible school in Coghlan (now Aldergrove) on the premises of the Bethel Mennonite Church. Twenty-two people enrolled in the tuition free classes at Bethel, which were taught by three instructors without pay. A society was formed which operated the school for three years (1941–1944), until the Conference of Mennonites in BC assumed full responsibility for the institute. A tract of land was purchased in Abbotsford next to West Abbotsford Mennonite Church, and a dormitory for women was built. In 1947, the administration building was erected. In 1951–52, enrollment increased to 61 students and a dormitory for men was built. The women's dormitory was renovated in 1963. A teachers' residence was erected in 1964. When attendance diminished in the 1960s and the facilities needed improvement, a special Bethel Bible Institute Study Conference on the future of the school was held in May 1967. After prayerful discernment and much dialogue with the Mennonite Brethren Conference of B.C. in 1968–70, the Conference of Mennonites decided to close Bethel and merge with MBBI in nearby Clearbrook. Bethel Bible Institute then became Columbia Bible Institute.Columbia Bible Institute
The decade of the seventies was one of growth and expansion for Columbia Bible Institute (CBI). To accommodate a record enrollment of 233 students in 1972–73, four extra housing units (mobiles) were added. In 1975–76, a third year was added to the curriculum and a new record enrollment of 266 was reached. In 1976, a three-story, apartment-style dormitory was constructed. Two years later, the apartment complex was sold, and of land adjacent to the existing campus were purchased for use as an athletics field and for possible campus development. In 1988, Columbia Hall, a three-story residence was completed. An office, administration and library complex was constructed in 1992. An Athletics Centre was built in 2001, home to the "Bearcats". It features two full size courts and seating for 1200. The Student Centre was expanded in 2004, including a new kitchen and dining room, several student lounges, a career and health/wellness center, student life offices, and a recreation room. A new dormitory was completed at the end of 2011, replacing the dormitories dismantled in 2004 to allow for the expansion of the Student Centre. Redekop Hall can accommodate 130 students.Historic covenant
The working agreement between the Mennonite Brethren and the Conference of Mennonites at CBI was studied from time to time with the desire to make it a partnership in equality, not merely a partnership in operation. In 1982, this co-operative effort was expanded into a covenant whereby the Mennonite Brethren invited the Conference of Mennonites to unite in the ownership and development of CBI, not merely its operation and governance. At the June 11, 1982 joint convention, the Conference of Mennonites responded to the Mennonite Brethren invitation by affirming a continuing covenant of togetherness in working in God's kingdom. Thus, the first inter-Mennonite Bible Institute in North America was established to actively promote and teach a strong evangelical Anabaptist/Mennonite theology as reflected in the school's Confession of Faith and confessions of the supporting conferences.Columbia Bible College Act
On June 26, 1987, the B.C. Legislative Assembly passed the Columbia Bible College Act, giving Columbia the right to grant theological degrees.Athletics
Columbia Bible College Athletics is known by their team name The Columbia Bearcats. The school has both men's and women's Volleyball and Basketball which compete in the Pacific Western Athletic Association. In 2011 the Bearcats Men's volleyball team won their first CCAA national championship. The team returned to nationals in 2014.Programs
Columbia Bible College offers the following degree, diploma and certificate programs: ;4 year Bachelor of Arts Degrees Majors: * Biblical Studies * Counselling and Human Services * Intercultural Studies * Worship Arts * Youth Work ;2 year Diplomas Majors: * Applied Leadership ** Costa Rica option * Biblical Studies * Human Services * Intercultural Studies * Outdoor Leadership * Social Entrepreneurship * Worship Arts * Youth Work ;1 year Certificates * Columbia One - (Certificate in Biblical Studies) ** Culture Stream * Quest - (Discipleship Program - Outdoor Adventure Focus) * EA - (Educational Assistant Program) Minors: * Biblical Studies * Biblical Teaching * Counselling and Human Services * Church Ministry * Intercultural Studies * Leadership * Ministry to Children * Outdoor Rec Leadership * Practical Ministry * Social Entrepreneurship * Worship Arts * Youth WorkNotable alumni
*See also
* Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches * Mennonite Church CanadaReferences
External links