Baptist College of Florida

Baptist College of Florida

Snuggled away in the Northwest corner of the county is the unassuming town of Graceville, Florida, the home of The Baptist College of Florida (BCF). Graceville’s peaceful tranquility only heightens the appeal for the school that has played a significant role in transforming Florida, the Southeast United States, and even the far reaches of the world.

In 1953, an institution that was then known as Baptist Bible Institute made Graceville its home. Over the subsequent decades, the school has enlarged its vision and broadened its reach by expanding academic programs, while never deviating from the original purpose of training men and women for ministry. Today BCF is central to the life of Florida Baptist as well as to the local community. From its home in the Panhandle, BCF has launched men and women on the single mission of “Changing the World through the Unchanging Word.®”

Currently, BCF offers degrees in Biblical Studies, Christian Counseling, Christian Education (Student Ministry and Church Staff), Christian Studies, Elementary Education, Leadership, Ministry, Missions, Music, Church Music, Music Education (Choral) and Music Education (Instrumental) on the Graceville campus. International study opportunities, degrees through distance learning online, and extension centers in Orlando, Pensacola and Jacksonville are also available. The innovative curriculum prepares students for numerous avenues of ministry includes, but is not limited to training for pastors, worship leaders, musicians, evangelists, student ministers, youth directors, children coordinators, leaders within the convention and corporations, counselors and educators. Our graduates serve in multiple areas of ministry within the home and foreign mission field, chaplaincy, and senior positions within the life of Baptists.

According to Dr. Thomas A. Kinchen, President of The Baptist College of Florida, “Our single purpose is to educate and train those individuals whom God has called to serve Him in a multitude of forms and places around the world. The diversity of service is as big as the mind and heart of God.”

Operating within the context of a Christian worldview, BCF seeks to develop those qualities in students that contribute to effective ministry. In the area of personal growth, the college fosters a desire for knowledge; develops cultural awareness; encourages the need to acquire, evaluate, assimilate, and use information. For spiritual growth, BCF provides the resources for gaining biblical and religious knowledge and assists students in living the Christian life. In terms of professional growth, students are equipped to gain the credentials that enhance opportunities for ministry.

Located within 30 minutes of Dothan, Alabama and one hour from Panama City, Florida, the campus provides a relaxed atmosphere for students, single and married, to study and grow spiritually. Students come from all over the world to study at BCF where they can receive training at instate tuition costs and the finest in academic excellence. The Baptist College of Florida is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the National Association of Schools of Music. It is a member of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, Association of Southern Baptist Colleges, and the Schools and Association of Christian Schools International.

Student life is enhanced by inspirational worship services held every Monday through Wednesday at 10:00 in the newly renovated R. G. Lee Chapel. Special emphases each year include the Prayer Conference, Missions Conference, Preaching Conference, Evangelism Conference, Powell Lectures, and numerous musical concerts and performances. Last year, BCF hosted the Grammy award-winning contemporary Christian recording group Casting Crowns. The lead singer of Casting Crowns, Mark Hall, is a 1995 graduate of the school. In September of this year, Shane & Shane, another popular contemporary Christian duo, will be performing on campus.

Recognizing that spiritual development is only one part of a wellrounded Christian life, BCF strives to ensure that there is always something exciting to do. The Assembly Center has a regulation basketball court, volleyball facilities, a weight room and aerobic training equipment and even has full showers and locker rooms. There are also pool tables and a game room for students to spend some leisure time after a day of academic pursuits. The Student Center houses Lake Vista Dining, where students can enjoy all of their meals in a casual atmosphere, overlooking picturesque Lake Albert. They can get a cup of coffee, snacks, and soft drinks while relaxing with friends in the King’s Cup Café. Since all campus facilities are connected to the wireless internet system, students can access email and the World Wide Web from most locations on the school property.

 

A 100-foot tower on campus provides the outlet for a 24-hour a day radio station, WFBU, 94.7. The radio station, owned and operated by The Baptist College of Florida, lives up to its theme of “Real Music…Real Mission…Real Message.” WFBU broadcasts a positive message of hope to listeners surrounding the Graceville community as well as world-wide audiences through webcast at www.wfbu.com. The message of salvation is clearly proclaimed through the wide variety of today’s best Christian music. One of the exciting components of the radio ministry has been partnering with Graceville High School by airing the Friday night football games. From the student led morning show, “Wake-Up Call,” to the “Friday Night Lights” broadcast of the football game, BCF students are out in the front in media ministries.

Near and dear to the heart of Dr. Kinchen stands the historic Heritage Village, located on campus. A collection of turn-of-the-20th-century homes, churches and other structures are reminiscent of a history worth preserving. From the old Cypress Baptist Church to the home of the Florida Baptist Historical Society, buildings are open for tours annually during various events. Some classes and office spaces in Heritage Village are used year round, and a beautiful guest house provides a comfortable place for visitors to stay.

Another one of the most treasured additions to the campus has been the Shepherds’ Cottages. Located adjacent to Heritage Village, the Shepherds’ Cottages are individual residences available to retired ministers based upon their income and ability to pay. The homes were built through donations and volunteer labor and contain some of God’s most precious possessions, His servants. Currently, three of the cottages are filled with retired ministers and their lifelong memories and inspirational stories of faith, family and ministry.

Visit the school and personally experience the exciting educational and spiritual opportunities available at BCF. Tours and interviews to answer any of your questions can be arranged by calling 850-263-3261 or toll-free at 800-328-2660.