The vision to transition toward a full-time college became a reality with Lindsey Warren becoming the first full-time faculty member, dedicated to assisting in the teaching program. Shortly thereafter, notable instructors such as Roy Deaver, Mac Deaver, and Thomas Warren joined the effort, along with others who contributed significantly to the establishment of a full-time teaching program. This pivotal moment marked a major step forward in the college’s history.
Nine students receive degrees as the first graduating class in TBC history. This one class alone included men who went on to serve as local preachers, educators in Christian schools, and evangelists in foreign countries. There is no way to know how many souls have been influenced by the class of ’82!
With a strong background in philosophy and apologetics, TBC went into Soviet Russia for the first time just months before the Iron Curtain fell. The mission: to teach the existence of God in the State Academy of Management, a Russian University in Moscow. Within three years the TBC faculty and alumni had taught many Russians the gospel and distributed 36,000 Bibles.
In 1995, with the dedication and hard work of many volunteers, the Tennessee Bible College building was completed. Operations officially began during the winter term of that year. The building’s design and construction were guided by the vision of TBC’s founder and President, Malcolm Hill.
In 1998, the first Truth Bible Camp was held, fulfilling a growing desire among TBC faculty to create a focused training program for young men ages 12–18. The camp provided comprehensive instruction in sermon preparation and delivery, coupled with hands-on experience presenting their lessons. Its purpose was to instill confidence, nurture their abilities, and encourage the next generation of gospel preachers. The impact has been far-reaching, with many former campers now serving as preachers, deacons, song leaders, and faithful workers in congregations across the U.S. and beyond. As the camp evolved, young ladies were welcomed in 2004, and under the vision of TBC’s late President Malcolm Hill, a Day Camp for youth ages 9–11 was introduced in 2008, broadening its reach and influence.
In 2009, the acclaimed album Singing From the Heart was released, a project born from a conversation between Dailey and Vincent’s Jamie Dailey and TBC’s founder, Malcolm Hill. This all-a cappella production was created with a heartfelt mission: to support Tennessee Bible College. In 2011, the album received the prestigious Dove Award for Best Bluegrass Album, cementing its legacy in gospel music. Every penny of the proceeds has gone toward funding the Singing From the Heart scholarship, which has now surpassed $50,000 and continues to grow. The album remains available on platforms such as iTunes, Spotify, and others, with ongoing royalties furthering the scholarship’s impact. Listeners can also hear clips from this inspiring collection on TBC’s podcast, continuing to share its uplifting message and mission.
In 2009, Tennessee Bible College reached a milestone by launching online classes through a new system called Moodle, transitioning from the previous distance learning program that relied on mailing lessons recorded on DVDs. A few online classes quickly expanded, with new instructors joining to help broaden course offerings, allowing students the flexibility to pursue their education from anywhere. While on-campus classes remained a cornerstone of the college, the online program grew rapidly, eventually offering all courses online and significantly increasing the number of online students. Today, TBC continues to provide high-quality Christian education through a fully online and on-campus hybrid model, serving students worldwide.
In 2010, the Tennessee Bible College Board of Trustees proudly appointed David Hill as the college’s second president, following in the footsteps of his father and founder, Malcolm Hill. With a lifetime of dedication to TBC and invaluable mentorship from his father, David Hill was uniquely equipped to guide the college in its financial, doctrinal, and personal pursuits. Under his leadership, TBC remains steadfast in its mission to provide Bible-centered higher education and continues to flourish.
Malcolm Hill had a dream of starting a Christian college where the Bible was the centerpiece of the curriculum. One of the promises made from the beginning was that “no worthy student will be turned away because of lack of finances.” Another part of his educational philosophy was to emphasize Christian apologetics. After laboring with great determination and sacrifice since 1975, he was able to look on the school he loved so dearly with tremendous thanksgiving and joy as he neared the end in 2012. We thank brother Malcolm Hill for his courage, strength and dedication.
Responding to requests for Bible-based literature to educate and encourage Christians in a world that is increasingly challenging, TBC Press began publishing books to meet this need. These books are now available in hardcopy and eBook formats and have been distributed in over a dozen countries.
On January 6, 2020, LeAnn Duke, beloved wife of TBC Vice-President Kerry Duke, passed away, but her legacy continues through the LeAnn’s Hope Memorial Fund. Established by TBC President David Hill at LeAnn and Kerry’s request, the fund reflects her passion for helping others. It supports food assistance, Bible distribution, scholarships, and aid for young mothers, wives, and abused or neglected girls. Recently, it has also funded the translation of Kerry Duke’s TBC Press books into multiple languages, spreading the Gospel globally. LeAnn’s vision of love and service lives on, impacting lives around the world.
The introduction of new internet-based tools in the aftermath of the pandemic brought students and teachers closer than ever. Zoom classes quickly became an integral part of our course offerings, revolutionizing the way we connect and learn. Today, it’s hard to imagine our programs without them. Simultaneously, students continue to enjoy the enriching experience of in-person participation at our Cookeville campus, blending modern technology with traditional classroom engagement.
Responding to growing requests for accessible, gospel-centered teaching on a wider platform, Tennessee Bible College launched the TBC Podcast Network in Spring 2024. The network debuted with two signature programs: One Gospel Minute and My God and My Neighbor. One Gospel Minute, which began as a radio broadcast in 1980 airing across TN, KY, and GA, now reaches a global audience through its podcast format. This concise, uplifting program delivers a brief Gospel message designed to inspire and guide listeners throughout their day. My God and My Neighbor is a dynamic “Bible talk show” that examines religious issues, Christian living, and world events through the lens of Scripture, offering hope and encouragement to all who listen. Together, these podcasts expand TBC’s mission, bringing the Gospel to new audiences worldwide.
Now TBC in-person students can truly blend in with online students due to remarkable Zoom equipment. This experience has surprised some of the TBC staff because the interaction is much more personal than we thought it would be. This technology takes us not just to the doorstep but right into the homes and church buildings of students in countries throughout the world!
In 1975, Malcolm Hill’s vision for a college where “no worthy student would be turned away” for lack of funds became a reality with the founding of Tennessee Bible College. Starting as a night school in a Cookeville church auditorium, TBC provided aspiring and active preachers with the opportunity to deepen their biblical knowledge.
From its humble beginnings, the college grew to offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, becoming the first church of Christ-related school to award the Ph.D. in 1986. Now celebrating 50 years of Christian higher education, TBC continues its mission under the leadership of David Hill, equipping men and women to teach, preach, and serve in various roles, all for the glory of God.