Grace Bible College

Grace Christian University seeks to develop passionate servants of Jesus Christ by personally educating students in an educational program that emphasizes integrating biblical truth, ministry experience, and character transformation. This emphasis pervades the entire campus as the College strives to cultivate a caring learning community where Jesus Christ is exalted, and students are equipped for serving the needs of church and society.
Our vision is to be a vibrant University exalting Jesus Christ, preparing culturally intelligent students for diverse careers in the global marketplace.
Graduating Godly Individuals Prepared to Serve Christ in Church and Society. Grace is the most affordable private University in West Michigan and was recognized as the fastest-growing Bible University in 2016 by the ABHE. We are excited about you joining us. We exist to give you a place to BELONG, BELOVED, and BE PURPOSEFUL.
Grace Christian University serves the evolving needs of church and society by offering a variety of degrees. Our education is powerful, personal, and relevant to the 21st century's needs while also reflecting the timeless truths of Scripture.
Regardless of which degree a student pursues, a biblical focus is integrated into every course. Grace faculty members are role models who engage students' minds and hearts as they prepare to pursue their calling.
The Grace Christian University faculty, staff, and students are committed to being a growing community. By that, we mean that each of us, starting with the President, realizes that we are still in process. We are not all that God designed and purposed us to be, nor are we content with that condition. Through competent instructors committed to academic excellence, and staff and administration committed to serving and growing, we believe Grace Christian University can be used by God to change your life.
The day's prevalent mentality is intent on tolerance and policing certain words and activities deemed inappropriate or incorrect according to their own vacillating set of values. Grace Christian University believes that the Word of God's eternal truths and values rightly divided are principles that pervade all areas of life and education. The Apostle Paul states, For in Him all things were created both in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him, all things hold together…so that He might come to have first place in everything.
Grace Christian University is committed to preparing the leaders of tomorrow to be all that God wants them to be, educationally, socially, physically, and spiritually. If that is your heart's desire—Grace is the place for you.
Grace began in 1939. It was founded as Milwaukee Bible Institute, a training center for laypeople and Sunday school teachers of Milwaukee. Reverend Charles F. Baker organized the Institute, then pastor of Fundamental Bible Church. The regular day school program began in 1945. This move was stimulated by a group of evangelical pastors, mostly concerned about advancing a dispensational theology approach to the Bible, the distinctive character of the revelation given to the apostle Paul, and the preparation of full-time Christian workers to fulfill this goal. In 1953, the curriculum was broadened, and Milwaukee Bible Institute became Milwaukee Bible College.
In 2010, Grace began a non-traditional education program offering working adults an opportunity to study one night a week or exclusively online and earn an Associate or Bachelor's Degree. The Beyond the Bricks Capital Campaign was a revitalization of the campus, which added a new student commons and upgraded exterior parking, walkways, and landscaping. God blessed the College's student enrollment efforts as it doubled the traditional student count by 2015, and even more non-traditional students enrolled. This growth helped Grace grow its program in both size and quality of academic and student services. Most faculty hold doctoral degrees.
Over the years, Grace has formed consortiums with two local colleges: Davenport and Cornerstone Universities, which allow students to graduate with dual degrees in Business and Education and a few other degrees offered by Cornerstone. Dr. Samuel R. Vinton was Grace's third President from 1985-1989. Under President Vinton's initial regional accreditation was granted to the University by the North Central Association (now the Higher Learning Commission) with Dr. Marlin Olson and others' hard work.
In January 2016, after accreditation approval by the HLC, the College began its graduate program with the first degree – a Masters in Ministry, recently adding another graduate degree in organizational leadership. These classes are formatted for graduates already serving and are therefore entirely online.
In 2017, the Board of Directors of the College unanimously voted to change the name of the College to Grace Christian University. This change officially took place on July 1, 2018. Grace Christian University reflects the institution's study programs' expansion and excellence while also showing the commitment to our valuable past. Bible remains a core value and a significant portion of all degree programs. The vocational ministry also continues to be an institutional priority as well.
Praise God; there are hundreds/thousands of Grace alumni serving the Lord with significant impact in various vocational settings around the world today.