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Elim Bible Institute is a college in Lima, New York, offering one-year, two-year, and three-year certificate and diploma programs intended to prepare Christian leaders and workers for service, both in ministry and the workforce.  Among Bible schools with Charismatic emphasis, Elim has an international reputation for excellence.

Our History

It all began in 1924 with the vision of a young backwoods preacher, Ivan Q. Spencer.  The message he said, seemingly emblazoned in lights, was "revival" - and he was captured by the need to train young people for the work in the renewal movements he believed would soon sweep throughout the world.

The trademark of that young man's subsequent ministry, and of the school which he founded in 1924, centered around the importance of seeking God daily, renewing of vision, and dependence on the resources of God.  From the beginning the school experienced the sweet and powerful ministry of the Holy Spirit, which over the years has drawn thousands to the Elim campus. 

Our Campus: A History of Seeking God

The current campus in Lima, New York was originally the home of Genesee Wesleyan Seminary (GWS). It was founded in 1832 as a result, according to historians, of the impact of Charles Finney's revival crusades in Rochester. Genesee College, a liberal arts school, was added to the campus in 1850. Twenty years later, the students and faculty moved to Syracuse to the institution known today as Syracuse University.  Elim purchased the campus in 1951, after outgrowing facilities in Hornell and Red Creek, New York. Today the 18 building 75-acre campus serves a growing student body, but some things have not changed.

A Word from the President of Elim

In the Bible (Exodus 15:27 ) Elim was an oasis, a place of serious refreshing from the harsh wilderness for the Children of Israel.

Similarly today, Elim is about encountering God, being refreshed and experiencing transformation!  At Elim, we believe our mission is to prepare Christian workers and servant-leaders in a vibrant spiritual atmosphere that emphasizes family and models spiritual formation, discipleship, healing, worship, Biblical and academic excellence, and practical ministry training.  Nancy and I, along with our staff and faculty, invite you to visit us and experience Elim for yourself