Changing the World through the Unchanging Word
Tucked away in the Northwest corner of Jackson 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 is committed to training and equipping the next greatest generation of Christian leaders. Championing the registered trademark of "Changing the World Through the Unchanging Word,®" BCF students have played a significant role in transforming Florida, the Southeast United States, and the far reaches of the world.
According to Dr. Thomas A. Kinchen, President of The Baptist College of Florida since 1990, "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."
A Wide Variety of Majors
Operating within the context of a Christian worldview, BCF has enlarged its vision and broadened its reach by expanding academic programs, incorporating multiple delivery methods and maximizing the use of technology while never deviating from the original purpose of training men and women for greater areas of service, leadership, and ministry.
Currently, BCF offers Master of Arts degrees in Christian Studies and Music and Worship Leadership, Bachelor of Arts degrees in Biblical Studies, Business Leadership, Leadership & Christian Education (Student Ministry and Church Staff), Christian Studies, Elementary Education, English, English Secondary Education, History & Social Studies, History & Social Studies Secondary Education, Ministry, Ministry Studies, Missions, Missions with a Concentration in Aviation, Music, Psychology, Bachelor of Music in Worship Leadership, Music Education (Choral) and Music Education (Instrumental), Associate of Arts in Christian Education, Associate of Arts in Music and Associate of Divinity, all available on the Graceville campus, online and at two Distance Sites - Orlando and Jacksonville.
Vocations and Leadership
The innovative curriculum prepares students for numerous vocations and avenues of leadership and ministry to include, but not limited to, training for pastors, worship leaders, musicians, evangelists, missionaries, student ministers, youth directors, children's coordinator, business and corporate leaders, leaders within the convention and denomination, teachers, counselors and educators. Our graduates currently serve in multiple areas of leadership and ministry on both the home and foreign mission field, chaplaincy, and within the military.
A Safe and Relaxed Atmosphere
Located within thirty minutes of Dothan, Alabama and one hour from Panama City, Florida, the campus provides a relaxed and safe 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 in-state tuition costs and the finest in academic excellence. The Baptist College of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music. The Baptist College of Florida holds membership in the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities.
Student Life
Student life is enhanced by intramural sports, student dorm competitions, and inspirational worship services held every Monday through Wednesday in the R. G. Lee Chapel. Special programs include the Prayer Conference, Missions Conference, Preaching Conference, Evangelism Conference, Powell Lectures, Annual English Department Play and numerous musical concerts and performances. BCF hosts popular artists throughout the year to include the Grammy award-winning contemporary Christian recording group Casting Crowns with the lead singer, Mark Hall, a 1995 BCF graduate.
Recognizing that spiritual development is only one part of a well-rounded Christian life, BCF strives to ensure that there is always something exciting to do. The two story BCF Wellness Center consists of a regulation basketball court, volleyball court, racquetball court, showers and dressing rooms, running track and weight room, aerobic training room and three exercise areas. There is also a pool table, ping-pong, and game area for students to spend some leisure time after a day of academic pursuits.
The Student Center houses the mailroom as well as the King's Cup Coffee Shop and Bistro where students can obtain specialty coffee and tea as well as snacks, soft drinks, and fast food items. The Deese Center is the dining facility that serves meals where students can enjoy overlooking picturesque Lake Albert while they dine. Since all campus facilities are connected to the wireless internet system, students can access email and the web from locations throughout the school property.
Financial Aid
Students at BCF participate in a full range of state and federal aid programs. In addition, many students are eligible for grants, employment, loans, institutional scholarships, and work-study programs. The BCF Financial Aid Office works tirelessly to help students to obtain the necessary means to reach their educational goals.
WFBU-LP and Heritage Village
A 100-foot tower on campus provides the outlet for a 24-hour a day radio station, WFBU-LP 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. Chapel services are broadcast Monday through Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. as well as special announcements, programs, and campus messages.
Near and dear to the heart of Dr. Kinchen stands historic Heritage Village and Shepherds' Cottages, located on the BCF campus. Heritage Village is a collection of late 19th and early 20th century homes, churches, and other structures 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 are used as classrooms, and all of them are opened during the Annual Heritage Festival when the entire village comes alive for the festival. Located adjacent to Heritage Village, the Shepherds' Cottages are individual residences available to retired ministers, some of God's most precious possessions, His servants, and built by volunteer labor. Cottages are filled with lifelong memories and inspirational stories of faith, family, and ministry.
Visit the school where students are trained, equipped and changing the world... BCF students are passionate about following the call that the Lord has placed on their lives. If you are looking at BCF to continue your education, we all stand ready to assist.
