Davis wanted to start a school similar to his alma mater, Chicago's Moody Bible Institute.

The school's first classes were held in an upper level of a store in the Lestershire neighborhood of Johnson City In 1911, the college relocated to the former location of the White City Amusement Park, also known as Wagner Park, which had failed the previous year.

The college also offers a "4 Plus 1" Elementary Education articulation agreement allowing graduates from the Christian Ministries program to pursue a MsEd in Childhood Education at a Christian university.

This provides certification that is reciprocal in 48 states, including New York and Florida, allowing graduates to teach in both public and private schools.

[6] In 2012, Davis College purchased Blessed Sacrament Church, which was heavily damaged by flooding in 2011.