Abstract:
This study is an investigation of the history of the Evangelical Bible College of Malawi from 1964 to 2022, addressing a gap in existing literature concerning various aspects such as its establishment, organisational structure, contributions, successes, and challenges. The research objectives included providing an overview of the college's history, evaluating its organisational structure, analysing its
contributions to Evangelical Churches, assessing its impact on female alumni and church growth, and
exploring the challenges it has faced. Employing a qualitative research approach, the study utilised
both primary and secondary sources. With a purposively selected sample of 30 respondents, including
former faculty staff, members from key founder churches and alumni, narrative analytical techniques
was fundamental in interpreting the evolution of EBCoM from a church-controlled Bible School to a
college and its gradual transition towards becoming a church-controlled university. Using historical
periodisation theorisation, the study found that the college has offered various programmes, from
certificates to accredited diplomas and later degree programmes, adapting to changing educational
models and standards. Regarding its organisational structure, EBCoM operates with a top-to-bottom
hierarchy, comprising an Annual General Meeting, Trustees, Council Members, and management led
by the Principal, Registrar, and Academic Dean. While predominantly composed of members from
founding churches, the inclusion of leadership from non-founding bodies has occurred in recent
periods. This study contributes to church history literature and provides a foundation for future
research by examining the history of Evangelical Bible College of Malawi. Positioned as a pioneering
institution, EBCoM offers insights into the evolution of Bible Schools in Malawi, serving as a potential
model for the survival and advancement of similar institutions through its operational policies,
hierarchical structure, and adaptive strategies.
