NCB was founded in 1977 in the heart of the milieu of the San Francisco Bay Area.

The area was and is a crucible of social change and intellectual fervor, radiating out across the nation. NCB’s founders, a group of lay Christians, pastors, and scholars, established New College Berkeley to provide our students, both Christian and those interested in Christianity with a place to study and talk about how contemporary Christians engage contemporary issues.

NCB's founders were committed to providing high-caliber interdisciplinary studies for the laity. When NCB was founded, director Dr. David Gill and our first president Dr. Ward Gasque brought to the project their commitment to intellectual rigor, and a faith that makes a difference in our everyday lives, our vocations and our relationships. Co-founder Rev. Earl Palmer stressed the understanding of the Reformed tradition that Christianity should transform our whole lives.

They believed that all Christians, not only professional clergy, have a ministry. They believed that God's people are called to faithful service in the church and in the world, in the home and in the marketplace, in the professions, and in the public square.

Throughout its subsequent history, New College Berkeley has encouraged Christian believers to "walk in newness of life," drawing understanding, companionship, guidance, and strength from a community of Christians from various denominational affiliations and walks of life.

In 1992, NCB became an affiliate of the Graduate Theological Union. Today, NCB stands as the only (Gospel-affirming) school in the United States linked to a large theological consortium connected to a major public university. NCB is the only ecumenical Christian institute in the GTU consortium.

40 YEARS OF MINISTRY

Thank you for celebrating with us!

Our 40th anniversary celebration theme was “Now is the time—for faith, wisdom, and impact.” More than ever before, it is time for this “new college” for advanced Christian studies! Increasingly our faith is countercultural. How will we navigate the political, cultural, technological, and interpersonal challenges of our time if we are not fiercely committed to knowing God and following Christ?

A reflection on the evening by Board Member Phil Stillman HERE.
A slideshow of NCB’s history is HERE.
Photographs from the 40th Anniversary Gala are HERE.
A video of the event is HERE.
Thank you for your partnership with New College Berkeley!