On November 7-9, representatives from The Baptist College of Florida (BCF) in Graceville took part in the Florida Baptist Pastor’s Conference and the annual meeting of the Florida Baptist State Convention held at Lakes Church in Lakeland, Fla. The theme for this year’s convention meeting was “Blessed Be the Tie: A Family Gathering” and it was truly a family gathering.
Messengers, exhibitors, and visitors attending the 2021 convention were greeted by the smiling faces of BCF students serving in the registration area as they verified credentials and registered those in attendance. BCF was also well represented during the Pastor’s Conference with 2006 Graduate Stephen Wolgamott leading the Praise and Worship time and during the convention meeting, 2006 Graduate James Ross preached the convention sermon. United in worship and united during the business of the convention, several BCF graduates held leadership roles during nominations and reporting.
The 2021 annual meeting began Monday afternoon with powerful preaching and the BCF Jazz Band performing at dinner, followed by reports on Tuesday from all of the cooperating ministries in the convention. BCF was represented by a video of BCF President Thomas A. Kinchen addressing messengers and illustrating how The Baptist College of Florida is focused on sending out the next greatest generation of Christian leaders. Kinchen shared his heart and vision for reaching the world by equipping and preparing students for the challenges of sharing the Good News.
The BCF Admissions Team and Lakeland Campus Site Administrator Stephen Thomas manned an exhibit booth at the convention where visitors received information on regionally accredited and affordable degrees available on the Graceville campus, the Lakeland campus, and completely online. Homeschool and Private School juniors and seniors were introduced to the Dual Enrolled program available online. Around the booth, the convention was nothing less than a “family reunion” as many members of the BCF family and friends stopped by the booth rekindling friendships, signing the alumni book, and gathering information on upcoming campus projects and new ventures.
It was truly an exciting convention as BCF graduates were leading in worship, preaching, and presenting degree opportunities for future leaders. Championing the cooperative spirit of “Right Beside You” under the strong leadership of Executive Director-Treasurer Tommy Green, the entire convention was encouraging and uplifting. Within this cooperative spirit, BCF remains focused on training students in “Changing the World Through the Unchanging Word®.” Thank you, Florida Baptists for being right beside us.
For more information on how the faculty, staff, students, and alumni of The Baptist College of Florida are committed to changing the world, please call 800.328.2660 ext. 460 or visit the website at www.baptistcollege.edu.