Lincoln Christian Institute will remain open despite college closing

LINCOLN, Ill. (WCIA) — Less than a month before their final day of operation as a university, a college in Logan County has plans to continue.

Lincoln Christian University will continue offering classes through the Lincoln Christian Institute.

The Institute will not offer degrees, nor will it be accredited. But officials are celebrating that the college will still be able to teach classes in Christian ministry and theology in Lincoln.

“There remain quite a few details to work out, but seeing this community rally to end one season with dignity and integrity has miraculously opened the door to a new season,” said LCU’s chair of the Board of Trustees Tanner Green. “And ‘miraculously’ is not a word I use lightly.”

Two full-time staff members, including LCU President Silas McCormick, will work with a group of fellows at the institute.

The institute also announced in a Facebook post their debt by June 1 will will be under $500,000. They estimated in October the debt would be more than $2.6 million. They attribute the decrease in debt from the sale of campus buildings to Open Arms Christian Fellowship, as well as alumni and community donations.

Lincoln Christian Institute launched in Spring 2022. Officials plan to launch a full schedule of courses and retreats for the fall soon.

Lincoln Christian University will have been open for 80 years. It closes May 31.

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