Building a Foundation for Life: Exploring Programs at Ecola Bible College

Ecola Bible College offers a unique and intensive one-year program designed to equip students for the challenges of the Christian life. The college focuses on building strong spiritual foundations rooted in an understanding of God's Word. Unlike traditional institutions that prioritize job skills, Ecola emphasizes spiritual growth, practical application, and discipleship, all at an affordable cost.

Ecola's Mission and Philosophy

Ecola's mission is to raise up disciples of Jesus Christ who have the desire, knowledge, and discipline to live out their faith in a practical way. We believe that the interaction a Christian believer has with the Christian community and secular culture is an invaluable part of their Christian testimony, and the natural outflow of spiritual life and growth.

The college believes that answers to life's profound questions are found through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a careful study of His Word. Ecola exists to develop disciples who are equipped to face the many challenges of the Christian life with faith, courage, and purpose.

Curriculum Structure and Course Overview

The academic program at Ecola is designed to be both intensive and practical. All classes are lecture-style with the entire student body in attendance at each session. Every week two new subjects are taught by two new instructors. These subjects each fit into the larger courses that make up the program. For example, Christian Doctrine is a course that is composed of classes on God the Father, Soteriology, Ecclesiology, God the Son, The Holy Spirit, and Eschatology.

The subjects in these courses are taken non-sequentially, which allows for a great deal of variety in the material covered from week to week. Typically, there are ten classroom hours for each subject covered, totaling around 20 classroom hours per week.

Read also: Navigating Accreditation

The year at Ecola consists of three terms, Fall, Winter, and Spring, which are nine, eight, and seven weeks long respectively. Students may take the terms in any order and even over several years. Classes begin each morning at 9:00 am Monday through Friday with a half-hour devotional session, followed by a one-hour class, half-hour coffee break, and a second one-hour class. Students are free to use their afternoons for work, study or recreation.

Core Courses

Ecola offers a variety of courses designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Bible and Christian living. Some of the core courses include:

OLD TESTAMENT SURVEY (6 credits): An overview of Old Testament law, history, poetry, and prophecy. Exposition of selected books and texts, including background information, authorship, and dating, as well as highlights of selected books. Major themes are examined.
NEW TESTAMENT SURVEY (6 credits): An introductory study of the New Testament. Exposition of selected books including background information. Emphasis is placed on understanding the plan of redemption and the relationship of the New Testament teaching to the Christian life.
NEW TESTAMENT EPISTLES (6 credits): Exposition of selected New Testament epistles, including historical data, authorship, dating, and relevant cultural information. New testament teaching is examined in its relation to the early church in its cultural context, and the problems faced by early believers. Emphasis is placed on the relevance of New Testament teaching to twenty-first century Christianity.

Read also: Is the Spirit-Filled Life Bible right for students?
PRACTICAL THEOLOGY (3 credits): An examination of Biblical teaching as it relates to key areas of Christian living. The impact of Bible doctrine on areas of human experience such as relationships, dating and marriage, and worldview is considered.
CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE (3 credits): A foundational series of studies in major Bible doctrines. Emphasis is placed on the revealed persons and character of God in relation to the world, the church, and the individual believer. Other doctrinal studies include salvation, the church, and future events.
APOLOGETICS (2 credits): A consideration of principles and approaches to the defense of the Christian faith. Evidence is examined in specific areas such as creation. Scriptural truth is also contrasted with the teachings of the cults.
MISSIONS (4 credits): An introductory study of the nature, function, and worldwide mission of the Church. Along with a brief survey of world religions, individual opportunities for fulfilling the Great Commission are explored. Personal involvement in outreach is required.
HERMENEUTICS (1 credit): An introductory study of the tools, approaches, and methods of Bible study.

Read also: History of Atlanta Bible College

Ministry and Outreach Opportunities

Ecola emphasizes practical application of biblical principles through various ministry and outreach opportunities.

Short Term Cross-Cultural Mission Trips

These mission trips generally take place each year during spring break, and provide first hand missions experience. Accepted participants are involved in all phases of missions including, training, fund-raising, study of language and culture, preparation of program materials, travel, etc. A current passport may be required.

Summer Camp Ministry

Students attending Ecola who have an interest in youth ministry have an opportunity to be on the Ecola Summer Ministry Team. The Summer Ministry option is a combination course involving classroom instruction with a summer of practical experience in youth ministry. During the spring, weekly classes will cover the basics of working in youth ministry, followed by several weeks of more intense training before the team is sent out to counsel at camps for the summer. Every summer Ecola sends out teams of students to serve at Christian camps for eight weeks.

Local Church Involvement and Community Service

During the school year, Ecola students should find a local church assembly in which they connect well, and attend the same church throughout the year. Regularly changing churches is discouraged, except in the case of work schedule conflicts, in which case students may instead attend an evening service when and where available. Students may choose from a wide variety of outreach opportunities in which to participate throughout the year. Options include working with local youth groups, AWANA, street evangelism, worship leadership, as well as many others. Creativity is encouraged and the Ecola staff welcomes suggestions for new ministries, and allows some latitude for the fulfillment of the outreach requirement.

Opportunities for service to the community of Cannon Beach and the greater North Oregon Coast area abound. Occasionally, Ecola will schedule volunteer events, such as a beach clean-up. Regular winter storms cause damage to landscaping and houses, providing students with opportunities to be involved in practical ways.

ECOLA SCHOOL OF MINISTRY (S.O.M.) - 30 Credits

For those who have completed the first year of Ecola, we offer a second program with a focus on ministry and missions. Weekly classes cover further Bible study and the basics of working in ministry. Participants interact with full-time staff in a variety of ministry activities. School of Ministry students are selected from among those who apply. Contact our office for more information.

Academic Standards and Graduation Requirements

Academic Standards at Ecola differ substantially from other schools in that we do not rate a student’s success in the program based on grades or academic performance. However, we firmly believe in the importance of applying ourselves wholeheartedly to our search for truth and applying that truth to our lives. All of the subjects covered in Ecola’s course of study are relevant and applicable to everyday Christian life. Thus, a student’s concern for spiritual growth should also be reflected in academic initiative.

As with any learning institution, cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated. A student’s work should reflect personal discipline, clear thinking, and originality.

Like other colleges and universities, the graduation requirements for Ecola’s program are satisfied through the accumulation of credit hours. The 31 credits needed to meet the graduation requirements at Ecola each represent 15 classroom hours-equivalent to colleges and universities with 15-week semesters. In a departure from traditional programs, however, students at Ecola all take the same courses throughout the year, and the courses are completed when all three terms have been finished. Each student must have taken all tests and cleared all financial obligations to the school in order to graduate. The diploma is a certificate of completion received after earning a minimum of 30 credits.

Admission and Application Process

Admission to Ecola Bible College requires both the student’s completed application and completed reference forms. Please ensure that you read the directions for applying and submit all required information. Your application will not be reviewed until all required forms are received. Students may apply to start in any of the three terms, and it is free to apply.

Ecola accepts adult students without regard for race, age, academic history, or denominational affiliation. While our students are most often in the young adult years it is not uncommon to have students attend in the middle years of life, and occasionally during retirement. An applicant must be 18 by the day school begins to be eligible to attend. Ecola does not require a high school diploma as a prerequisite for admission, although a GED is recommended as a minimum academic background. Most of our students are high school graduates, and as such have basic reading, writing, and research skills. These are important to derive the most benefit from the program and to be able to interact with the other students who attend.

Although Ecola does not have a denominational affiliation, our doctrinal position is centered in the conservative evangelical tradition. Those from backgrounds which differ significantly may find attendance difficult due to differences in doctrine. While every academic setting will have some theoretical position, the teaching at Ecola in not designed to attack or undermine other positions, but rather to strengthen and illuminate the historic doctrines of the church.

Ecola is neither designed nor staffed to accommodate those with criminal backgrounds. It is our desire to maintain a safe and beneficial environment for all enrolled students. However, there are some circumstances where an individual with a minor criminal record may attend. Due to the close proximity of the campus to public school, preschool, and daycare facilities, Ecola is unable to accept applicants who have a history of sexual misconduct. For the safety of our students and the children of our community, we reserve the right to conduct complete background checks as part of the application process.

Once an application has been read and accepted, a letter notifying the applicant will be sent out from our office, usually within a day or two. In some cases it may take longer. The most common delay is when references are forgotten or misplaced during the rush of summer activities. Once accepted, a non-refundable tuition deposit of $150 will reserve a place in the student body. This assures that those who want to attend are able to, and that those who are unsure won’t keep others out by waiting until just before school begins to drop out. The deposit is simply a prepayment of the tuition fees and is not an additional fee. It will be deducted from the total amount due at registration, or when you make your prepayment.

Key Dates

Last day to apply - September 21
Registration - 2:00 pm, October 5
Classes begin - 9:00 am, October 6
Thanksgiving break - Noon, Nov. 26-Nov. 30
Last day to make up exams - November 25
Classes end - Noon, December 5
Christmas break - Dec. 5 - Jan. 4Please note: Students are not allowed to stay in the dorms over Christmas break. Please arrange to be out of your dorm by Friday December 6th at 3pm. Remember, it’s a 2 hr.
Return to campus - 2:00 pm, January 4
Classes begin - 9:00 am, January 5
Last day to make up exams - February 19
Classes end - Noon, February 26
Missions trips - February 27 - March 8
Spring break - February 26 - March 15

Please note: Students are not allowed to stay in the dorms over spring break.

Cost and Financial Aid

Ecola Bible College’s founding mission was to provide a quality Biblical education “at a cost that should prohibit no one”. Given this, we strive to keep our program affordable and attainable, without compromising on quality of instruction or student life.

While Ecola is not eligible for federal student aid programs, we do have discounted payment options, flexible payment plans, on-campus work-study opportunities, and some limited scholarships available.

PAYMENT PLAN DUE DATES 2025-2026

Half of a term’s total cost is due on registration day. Two subsequent payments are then due. There will be a $10 fee for any late payments. Payments must be postmarked no later than the following dates.

Community and Environment

Ecola is a community of Christians seeking to grow in conformity to the character of Jesus Christ. No community can exist without guidelines. It is assumed that those who desire to attend the school are in agreement with the aim and purpose of Ecola and desire to apply themselves to the study and application for which this institution exists. Ecola Bible College is an interdenominational, Christ-centered ministry, founded upon a commitment to teaching God’s Word and its applicability to everyday life. The purpose of Ecola is to help students develop a strong, personal relationship with the Lord Jesus. A warm supportive family atmosphere and the seclusion and rugged beauty of the North Oregon Coast provide the setting for Ecola’s unique approach to scriptural study. Spiritual growth is emphasized over academic achievement.

Ecola Bible College leases its facilities from the Cannon Beach Christian Conference Center. Students live in our dormitories and eat in our dining room.

Google Services and Data Usage

We use cookies and data toDeliver and maintain Google servicesTrack outages and protect against spam, fraud, and abuseMeasure audience engagement and site statistics to understand how our services are used and enhance the quality of those servicesIf you choose to “Accept all,” we will also use cookies and data toDevelop and improve new servicesDeliver and measure the effectiveness of adsShow personalized content, depending on your settingsShow personalized ads, depending on your settingsIf you choose to “Reject all,” we will not use cookies for these additional purposes.Non-personalized content is influenced by things like the content you’re currently viewing, activity in your active Search session, and your location. Non-personalized ads are influenced by the content you’re currently viewing and your general location. Personalized content and ads can also include more relevant results, recommendations, and tailored ads based on past activity from this browser, like previous Google searches. We also use cookies and data to tailor the experience to be age-appropriate, if relevant.Select “More options” to see additional information, including details about managing your privacy settings.

Conclusion

Ecola Bible College offers a unique and transformative educational experience for those seeking to deepen their faith and understanding of God's Word. With its focus on spiritual formation, practical application, and affordable cost, Ecola provides a strong foundation for a life of purpose and service. By providing a blend of academic study, ministry opportunities, and community living, Ecola equips students to face the challenges of the Christian life and make a meaningful impact on the world.

tags: #ecola #bible #college #programs