Evangelical
HIGHER EDUCATION
in Maine
New England Bible College and Seminary is a union of two historic Christian educational institutions dedicated to serving church leadership needs in southern Maine and beyond.
A HISTORY OF NEBCS
From Glen Cove Bible School to New England Bible College
Our story begins in 1959, when President Harold Duff founded Glen Cove Bible School with a clear purpose: to prepare men and women for faithful Christian service. For two decades, Glen Cove trained leaders who would go on to serve in churches, ministries, and mission fields around the world.
In 1979, a financial crisis struck—Christian Schools, Inc., the governing body at the time, became insolvent, and Glen Cove was forced to close its doors. But the vision didn’t end there. Thanks to permission from the State of Maine, the school was reborn under a new name and in a new location.
In January 1980, the newly named New England Bible College (NEBC) opened its doors in Portland, Maine. Just a few years later, in 1984, the growing college relocated to larger facilities within the First Baptist Church of South Portland—continuing its mission to offer biblically grounded, theologically sound education.
A Partnership That Preserved the Vision
When the school once again faced the possibility of closure, God opened another door. In 2015, Grace Evangelical, Inc. stepped in to carry forward NEBC’s mission. Grace Evangelical College and Seminary, based in Bangor, was already providing both undergraduate and graduate theological education.
Today, the two institutions operate as one:
-
The undergraduate program carries on under the name New England Bible College.
-
The graduate program is known as Grace Evangelical Seminary.
Grace Evangelical Seminary
Grace Evangelical College and Seminary was officially established in March 2001 and incorporated under the laws of the State of Maine. It operates under a legislative exemption that allows faith-based institutions to confer degrees, and is overseen by a dedicated Board of Advisors and Board of Trustees.
Grace has awarded over 30 undergraduate and graduate degrees since its founding and maintains affiliate status with the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE)—a nationally recognized accrediting body.
In 2008, Grace’s programs were approved for VA education benefits, making biblical education accessible to veterans. And in 2009, Grace was recognized by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) as a provider of CEUs in Biblical Studies for Christian educators.
Looking Ahead with Confidence
In 2021, the names Grace Evangelical and New England Bible College were officially united under one identity: New England Bible College and Seminary.
Today, we continue to build on a rich legacy—grateful for God’s faithfulness and excited for what lies ahead. Our mission is simple and bold:
To transform lives through biblical education and missional training—equipping leaders to impact the world for Christ.
We remain committed to providing affordable, accessible theological education that empowers students to make a difference in their homes, churches, communities, and across the globe.
"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
Ecclesiastes 4:12
The undergraduate and graduate teachings at New England Bible College and Seminary are a strong pairing. We acknowledge Christ to be the central strand in our institutions and trust that He will sustain and grow the school according to His perfect will.