Alva Jay McClain Grave

Alva Jay McClain

“He will long be remembered as scholar, theologian, educator, master teacher, and Christian gentleman.”
(lifecoach4God)

Early Life and Conversion

Alva Jay McClain was born on March 30, 1888, in Aurelia, Iowa, and later spent part of his youth in Sunnyside, Washington. Initially a gifted athlete—he attended the University of Washington and was active in sports—his trajectory shifted when a baseball injury and subsequent illness compelled him to leave his studies. During this time he attended a prophecy conference led by Louis S. Bauman, where he professed faith in Christ and sensed a distinct calling to biblical study and teaching.

He pursued his theological education at the Bible Institute of Los Angeles (Biola), Xenia Theological Seminary, and Occidental College, eventually earning his bachelor’s and Th.M. degrees—and later honorary distinctions.

Academic and Pastoral Career

In the 1910s and 1920s, McClain served as pastor at First Brethren Church in Philadelphia (1918–1923) and taught at the Philadelphia School of the Bible. Later he held professorships at the Bible Institute of Los Angeles (1927–1929) and Ashland University’s graduate school of theology, where he became the first academic dean.

His academic work deepened his love for Scripture, for teaching theology, and for linking doctrinal fidelity with evangelistic passion. A defining moment came in 1937 when he accepted the invitation to help launch a seminary under the banner of the Brethren movement:

Founding Grace College & Theological Seminary

In 1937 McClain became the founding president of Grace Theological Seminary (GTS) and later the associated Grace College in Winona Lake, Indiana. Under his leadership from 1937 to 1962 he shaped the formative years of these institutions—embedding a mission statement that declared “to know Christ and to make Him known” as central.

In his own words, McClain taught that theological education should not only train ministers academically but also root them in deep devotion and biblical truth. During his tenure the seminary developed a strong teaching faculty, rigorous curriculum, and built a reputation for evangelical faithfulness within the Brethren and broader evangelical world.

Theological Contribution

McClain was a prolific writer and lecturer. Among his best-known works is The Greatness of the Kingdom: An Inductive Study of the Kingdom of God (1959), in which he traced the biblical theme of the Kingdom of God from the Old Testament through the New. He also authored Romans: The Gospel of God’s Grace (published posthumously in 1973) which drew from decades of teaching notes and offered a robust expositional study of Paul’s epistle. McClain’s theological emphasis included the authority and inspiration of Scripture, a high view of Christ and redemption, and a holistic kingdom theology that linked God’s purposes in history with the church’s mission. He was a charter member of the Evangelical Theological Society and served on the editorial committee for the revision of the Scofield Reference Bible.

Vision for Ministry and Education

McClain believed ministry training should be simultaneously rigorous and pastoral. He frequently stated that the greatest aim of theological education was not merely academic excellence, but the spiritual formation of students and the advance of the gospel worldwide. Under his leadership Grace launched student missionary initiatives, strengthened its publishing programs, and built an ethos of global outreach. Despite chronic health difficulties (stemming from his youth injury and subsequent ill-health) McClain remained active in lecturing, publishing, and leading the seminary—showing remarkable resilience and dedication to his vocation.

Legacy and Influence

McClain retired as president of Grace in 1962 and was named president-emeritus. He passed away in 1968.  His legacy is felt in multiple enduring ways:

• Institutional impact: Grace College & Theological Seminary, which he founded, continues to train ministers, educators, and global workers. The “McClain Heritage Society” honors those who give to the institution in his name.
• Theological resources: His books, articles, and teaching notes continue to be used by pastors, students and scholars—especially The Greatness of the Kingdom and Romans: The Gospel of God’s Grace.
• Kingdom theology emphasis: McClain’s focus on the “Kingdom of God” theme influenced mid-century evangelical thought and continues to provoke reflection on how the church engages both spiritual and social dimensions.
• Global mission outlook: The mission statement he embedded at Grace—“to know Christ and make Him known”—remains a guiding principle.
• Educational models: McClain modelled how one leader could shepherd an institution with integrity, academic seriousness and evangelical conviction, bridging preaching, scholarship, and administrative leadership.

Lessons for Today

McClain’s life offers practical and enduring lessons for Christian leaders and educators:

• Champion Scripture and scholarship together: He married rigorous theology with a high devotional tone—a pattern still needed in many institutions.
• Root institutional mission in eternal vision: McClain did not build primarily to serve his generation, but to see the gospel spread through future generations.
• Think long-term: His career spanned decades, and his institution outlives him—reminding us to invest in structures and vision beyond ourselves.
• Maintain personal resilience: Despite injury and ill-health, he persisted—ministry is rarely easy; faithful endurance matters.
• Live out the gospel in all facets: His own story—from athlete to scholar to seminary founder—shows that spiritual formation and practical service go hand-in-hand.

Conclusion

Alva J. McClain was more than a seminary president or theological author—he was a kingdom-builder, educator, and theologian whose influence continues decades after his passing. Born in Iowa, shaped by adversity, grounded in Christ, he founded an institution, wrote enduring books, and cast a vision that combined scholarship with missionary urgency.

His legacy reminds us that Christian education must equip minds and hearts, that theology matters for life and mission, and that one person’s faithful obedience can shape institutions and generations. For those who value evangelical truth, theological depth, and mission-driven service, McClain remains a guiding figure—his life inviting us to “know Christ and to make Him known.”