It is an exciting time on The Baptist College of Florida (BCF) campus as graduating seniors complete their academic requirements, determine which direction the Lord is leading them, and receive accolades for a job well done. Recently on campus, Senior Honors Day was held to celebrate and recognize the academic achievements of graduating seniors and to congratulate the winner of the Presidential Excellence in Preaching Award.
The first award presented was the Presidential Excellence in Preaching Award to graduating senior Brandon Jesse Judd. Each semester, seniors in the pastoral ministry/preaching class prepare and present sermons with the possibility of being selected to receive the preaching award and the opportunity to preach in the R. G. Lee Chapel before their peers and faculty. Commended for his undeniable gift of preaching, Judd earned the honor and preached a motivating sermon from 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, focusing on the question, "Where does your priorities lie?" Judd emphasized that the most important thing in the world is sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. He presented three points about the gospel; “it’s simple, it’s very trustworthy, and it provides grace.” Judd did an outstanding job sharing what the Lord put on his heart and raised expectations for future student preachers.
On November 30, before gathering in the BCF Wellness Center for the Senior Honors Day Luncheon, friends and family members of the graduates assembled in the R.G. Lee Chapel for a special honors chapel service recognizing seniors who excelled academically. Senior Honors Day activities included a time of praise and worship led by graduates, recognition of those who had earned high GPA (grade point average) honors, the presentation of the senior class project, and a challenging message delivered by BCF President Thomas A. Kinchen. Preaching from Mark 12:41, Kinchen asserted that we can be honored in numerous things and not just in wealth or material possessions. He stated, “The only pedigree that matters is that of Christ our Lord." It was an inspirational reminder for graduates as they continue their journey of "Changing the World Through the Unchanging Word.®"
The Presidential Excellence in Preaching Award has been presented and Senior Honors Day has taken place, the only item remaining on the graduates' check-list is the final commencement ceremony to be held on December 10. Seniors will walk across the stage in the BCF Wellness Center to receive their hard-earned degrees and turn their tassels. Following this special day, several will go on to seminary or graduate school to pursue a master’s degree, while others will begin filling positions of leadership in areas of ministry, missions, music, education, business, and psychology.
For more information on the Fall 2021 graduating class at The Baptist College of Florida, please call 800.328.2660 ext. 460 or visit the website at www.baptistcollege.edu.