Our Story

Our Beginnings

During the early 1970’s, plans were being formulated for the establishment of a Bible college in New Zealand. The concept was of an institution that would offer a two-year study programme for Christians to explore and develop their faith, as well as a one-year extension programme for those who desired to go into full-time church work.

The South Pacific Bible College opened its doors on 25 January 1982 with seven full-time New Zealand students through the generosity of the Otumoetai Church of Christ (Tauranga, New Zealand), the Lakewood Church of Christ (Denver, Colorado), and other supporting churches and individuals. Currently the High Pointe Church of Christ in McKinney, Texas is also partnering with SPBC, in addition to many others.

The Story So Far

Since that first day, the college has expanded its facilities and also its influence by training more than 150 men and women from New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Thailand, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Korea, Taiwan, China, Pakistan, South Africa, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Chile, and the United States of America. Although we send our graduates back to serve in their home countries, this cross-cultural environment enriches their studies by enabling them to experience different values, customs, beliefs, and approaches to worshiping God.

Sending Graduates

The South Pacific Bible College educates students through three one-year diploma programmes. The first and second (previously offered as a single two-year diploma) are best taken together over two years, to equip students with a deep theological grounding to apply in personal or vocational ministry, or further study. The optional third year is practical, internship-based programme. After our students are equipped with the knowledge of God’s Word, spiritual transformation, and practical skills, they are sent back to their home countries to spread the Good News of Jesus among their own communities.