The ACCA was incorporated to provide an opportunity for smaller Christian College members to compete on an equal level of competition with schools of like size and athletic programs

The ACCA was established in 1983 as the National Bible College Athletic Association (NBCAA) to provide a national organization to hold championships, name all-americans, scholar athletes and promote member colleges. The name was changed to the Association of Christian College Athletics (ACCA) in June 2004. A commissioner was hired and a plan for membership growth was established.

The aim of the ACCA is to promote the education and development of students through intercollegiate athletic participation. Member colleges, although varied and diverse, share a common commitment to Jesus Christ and the principle that athletics serve as an opportunity to share one's faith.

The ACCA believes:

• That the process of the Christian student-athlete developing as a contributing member of a team and society is more important than winning or losing an athletic contest.
• That the Christian student-athlete performs as a positive role model on the campus and in the wider community.
• That the athletic experience is a means to share one's faith and not just an athletic endeavor.

Athletics in a Christian college are unique experiences which prepare men and women for a life of meaningful work and service. The athletic experience provides a dynamic growth process for learning discipline, teamwork, leadership, and mutual respect where the student-athlete and his/her preparation for life is more important to the coaches and the athletic administration than won-loss records and championships. For the student-athlete who wants to be a part of a team that competes on a regional and national level but realizes the importance of his/her education, the ACCA is the right game plan.

The ACCA is an organization bringing Christian colleges together not just for athletic competition; more importantly, it is an organization bringing colleges together who have a common goal and perspective as they serve Christ in higher education.