FROM GLORY TO GLORY

By Rev. Aaron Sherman

From its founding in 1931 to the present hour, the Lord’s hand has clearly guided Kentucky Mountain Bible College. Throughout the years, He has blessed and poured out His glorious presence and power in remarkable ways.

Who could have imagined two single lady ministers journeying into the rugged mountains of Eastern Kentucky during the Great Depression to establish a Bible school—one that continues to pursue its mission nearly a century later? Only God’s sustaining power and presence could make such a legacy possible.

Who would have believed a fledgling Christian ministry could endure the devastation of a catastrophic flash flood that destroyed its original campus, causing untold damage and claiming the lives of nine members of their Bible school community? Yet, KMBC not only survived but relocated and rebuilt amid the trials of a world war. Who would have thought a small holiness school in rural Appalachia could persevere through the cultural upheavals of the ’60s and ’70s and resist the increasing secularization of the ’80s and ’90s? Only God’s glorious power and presence could sustain such resilience, leading to even greater days of impact and faithfulness.

In more recent decades, God raised up bold and faithful leaders with names like Fisher, Munson, Neihof, Speas, Lorimer, and others—to steer KMBC through challenges such as increased government oversight, financial pressures, and infrastructure demands. These leaders courageously pursued the mission of equipping new generations to serve a rapidly changing world with the unchanging truth of God’s Word and a call to transformed, holy living. Through God’s calling, anointing, and provision, KMBC has celebrated significant victories: beautiful facility additions and upgrades, expanding into online education to serve more students, navigating a global pandemic, building an endowment to support deserving students, and offering graduate-level ministry training.

These achievements have been made possible thanks to the dedicated service of those answering God’s call, the financial support of ministry partners, the hard work of volunteers, and the fervent prayers of believers who recognize that spiritual battles are won through spiritual warfare. Every step of progress has flowed from God’s presence and power working through His people, creating a legacy of high-quality Biblical higher education for effective global ministry service.

Evidence of God’s presence and power at KMBC is visible in its beautiful campus, the vibrant spiritual life of its student body, alumni serving worldwide, and steadfast adherence to the biblical truths upon which it was founded. As the Psalmist proclaimed, “The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Yes, I have a good inheritance.” (Psalm 16:6 NKJV). Yet, KMBC does not rest on past victories or merely celebrate God’s goodness from days gone by. The future calls with the strong assurance that the God who led in the past will continue to lead, bringing greater glory to His name through the work of KMBC.

In a world increasingly veering into spiritual darkness, with people, churches, and nations drifting from their spiritual moorings and the God who created them, KMBC remains steadfast. The remembrance of God’s past faithfulness inspires hope for the future as He continues to pour out His Spirit, guiding the college into new blessings and greater service.

Today, KMBC is blessed with a passionate leader for this moment. Dr. Rob Pocai and his team have a vision not merely to see KMBC endure but to flourish. Amid sobering statistics that show one U.S. college or university closing every week (Analysis by the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association), the challenges are indeed significant. Yet, the glorious legacy of KMBC’s past testifies that God is able to provide and lead. Moving forward will require financial resources, sacrificial service, and the continued move of God. Scripture reveals that God specializes in overcoming the impossible—moving mountains, parting seas, and raising the dead. KMBC’s history bears witness to a God who is more than sufficient to provide where He guides.

The college continues pressing forward with confidence that the same God who founded and sustained it, making KMBC a successful training ground for ministry leaders, will continue to bless as His people follow His call.

Will you join in this holy pursuit? There are more young people to guide in the walk of holiness, more called individuals to disciple and train for God’s purposes, more places to share His love, and a dark world in desperate need of the light of Jesus Christ. Will you be a link in this nearly century-old chain of faith? Will you rise to the occasion—through prayer, giving, and service? KMBC yearns to see God’s presence and power continue in special ways, and you can be a part of that reality.

Thank God for the glories of the past. Thank Him for His presence and power now. With faith-filled partners like you, KMBC will continue to transform lives and, through those lives, change the world for Jesus Christ!

Rev. Aaron Sherman has been in ministry for 28 years, pastoring in New York, Ohio, and Kentucky. For the past decade, he has served as District Superintendent of the Kentucky-Tennessee District of The Wesleyan Church. His passions include mentoring and encouraging local church pastors and lay leaders, as well as helping congregations thrive and make a meaningful impact in their communities for Christ. Rev. Sherman has been a member of the KMBC Board of Trustees for nine years and currently serves as Board Chairman. He and his wife, Hannah, have five children, including their second-oldest son, Garrett, who is a freshman at KMBC, preparing for youth and children’s ministry.