In addition to the actual graduation ceremony, The Baptist College of Florida (BCF) in Graceville holds two special events to recognize graduating seniors for their academic achievements and identify one ministerial student for excellence in preaching. This semester, the two services were held on the Graceville campus on May 9 and 10.
BCF Senior Samuel Bodo was selected by the faculty to receive the Presidential Excellence in Preaching Award and given the opportunity to preach in the R. G. Lee Chapel in front of his peers and his professors. During the service held on May 9, Bodo shared a message from Ephesians 2:1-10, focusing on the question, “What keeps you going?” For a Christian, Bodo shared that “what pushes us and drives us is God and His mercy towards us because we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone.” According to Bodo, this motivation allows Christians to not only walk away from their own sin but to have a passion for reaching those still dead in their trespasses.
Bodo is a ministry major who has spent the last four years preparing and training in preaching and pastoral ministry. He currently serves as the Pastoral Assistant at the First Baptist Church of Graceville, Florida where he leads the youth group and preaches on Sundays in the Senior Pastor’s absence.
On May 10, BCF held Senior Honors Day where graduating seniors received their honor stoles and certificates for their academic achievements. Senior Class President Alexis Winsor welcomed those attending and shared the profound impact BCF has had on this class of graduates particularly, as they persevered through Hurricane Michael and the COVID pandemic. Her heartfelt welcome was followed by a senior led time of praise and worship. Class Vice President Kerrie Edwards presented the senior class project to BCF President Thomas A. Kinchen which was a donation toward hammocking locations on campus. Her presentation included a small hand-painted canvas of Kinchen relaxing in a hammock by Lake Albert.
Following the presentation of awards, Kinchen addressed the seniors sharing from Mark 12:41-44, highlighting the widow’s offering and how she gave her all; challenging the graduates to give their all to the one who truly deserves honor. There was a special luncheon held after the service in honor of the graduating seniors.
For more information on the commencement service to be held on May 20, at 10:00 a.m. in the BCF Wellness Center, please call 800.328.2660 or visit the website at www.baptistcollege.edu.