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.—established in 2001 and based in Bangor—stepped in to carry forward New England Bible College’s mission. At the time, Grace Evangelical College and Seminary was already offering both undergraduate and graduate theological education.
Following the merger, the institution operated as one under the name New England Bible College and Grace Evangelical Seminary. In 2021, the name was officially changed to New England Bible College and Seminary.
Looking Ahead with Confidence
Today, we continue to build on a rich legacy, grateful for God’s faithfulness and excited for what lies ahead. Our mission is both simple and bold:
To transform lives through biblical education and missional training—equipping leaders to impact the world for Christ.
NEBCS is committed to providing an academically robust, yet affordable, biblical education to students seeking to be better equipped for Christian ministry. We want students to graduate without school debt.
Having incorporated online and asynchronous learning allows us to provide creative, flexible, and accessible learning opportunities with unlimited international potential".
We operate under a legislative exemption that allows faith-based institutions to confer degrees, overseen by a dedicated Board of Advisors and Board of Trustees.
While we work toward formal accreditation, we adhere to best practices and uphold the standards set forth by the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE).
"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.