Our History

Kentucky Mountain Bible College was established in 1931 by Dr. Lela G. McConnell.  KMBC focused on ministry training of young people in the Kentucky Mountains.  Kentucky Mountain Bible Institute (KMBI), as it was originally known, was located approximately 3 miles from its present site.  It initially offered a two year Bible course, and expanded its program to three years in 1938.

On July 5, 1939 a cloudburst on Frozen Creek caused a flash flood that destroyed the original school, as well as many of the homes that were near the school. Forty-four houses, sixty barns, numerous trees, cattle, and rocks, were picked up, carried away and dashed to pieces.  Fifty-two people lost their lives in less than three hours.

But KMBI belonged to God.  He was not about to let it die!  The people worked hard.  In October, 1939, the school re-opened at a new site donated by Fred Fletcher.  The new campus was located far above flood waters. From that moment on, KMBI continued to grow.

In 1989 KMBI was granted Candidate Status for accreditation with the Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges (now Association for Biblical Higher Education ). KMBI soon offered a four year B. A. Degree, and changed its name to Kentucky Mountain Bible College.  In 1994, KMBC became an accredited member of the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE).

Now KMBC continues to grow and adapt as it fulfills the task God has given. Men and women are being trained to minister, both at home and abroad. We look forward to many more years of training young people to serve God.