President Kinchen gives pop quiz at Baptist College of Florida record graduation

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BCF graduates fill out paperwork prior to graduation.

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Assistant professor of music, Ron Branning, with his daughter, Marlana Branning, who majored in Christian studies and plans to work in women’s ministry.

GRACEVILLE (BCF)—Graduates from The Baptist College of Florida spring class of 2008 must let the living God guide their ministry and their lives, Thomas A. Kinchen said May 16 during the annual spring commencement ceremony.

Kinchen, the school’s president, was the keynote speaker for the event, in which 64 students received degrees, making it one of the largest graduating classes in BCF’s history.

“Take out a half sheet of paper,” Kinchen told the graduating class during his introductory remarks, “we are going to have a pop quiz.” His two question pop quiz asked, “Who do men say Jesus is, and who do you say Jesus is?”

“Many people say that Jesus is just a good man,” Kinchen stated. “But He is more than just a good man, He is the God man. He is the story on the bumper sticker, the story in jewelry, and the story on the billboard. He is the living God, current Savior, Lamb without blemish, the guiding light, the one sent to redeem, and the carpenter busy preparing a place for you. He Lives!”

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Kinchen with graduate Jennifer Pickler, the recipient of the Student Achievement Recognition award from the Music Teachers National Association.

Four students had the unique experience of graduating with their spouses. Justin and Shelly Young, as well as Matthew and Cassandra Adams, celebrated their accomplishments together.

Two graduates, Jeremiah Elrod and Andrew Hunter, were the first students to receive their bachelor of arts degrees in contemporary worship ministry, BCF’s newest degree.

Graduating senior, Kimberly Graham, provided special music during the ceremony, singing Shepherd of My Heart which declares devotion to the Lord in good times and bad. Graham plans to teach music at a public school.

Jennifer Pickler, who majored in church music, received the Student Achievement Recognition award from the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA). The award is given to a deserving student who plans to teach in an independent or collegiate studio and provides each recipient with a free one-year active MTNA membership.

Pickler plans on opening her own studio and teaching private music lessons following her June wedding.

Assistant professor of music, Ron Branning, had the pleasure of watching his daughter, Marlana Branning, receive her diploma. Branning majored in Christian studies and plans to work in women’s ministry.

Other members of the class of 2008 excelled academically with 26 students graduating with honors. Graduates have a variety of plans, including continuing their education at seminary, beginning full-time ministry positions and teaching elementary school students.

Two BCF alum, Peter L. Chamberlain, president of B. R. Chamberlain & Sons, Inc. and James W. McCall, pastor of First Baptist Church in Sebring, were presented with Honorary Doctorates of Christian Letters, one of the highest honors granted from an academic institution. Kinchen commended them for their exemplary lives of service and devotion to Jesus Christ.

“Pete Chamberlain epitomizes the life of the dedicated Christian businessman,” Kinchen said. “He has set the base of his business in the provision of our Lord; his priorities in the service of our Lord, and his hope in the grace of our Lord. Through service in his church and community Pete has been a channel of our Lord’s blessings for countless persons around the world. I am grateful that Dr. Peter L. Chamberlain is a friend to The Baptist College of Florida and to its President.”

Of McCall, he said he is a fine example for BCF graduates.

“Jay McCall is my ideal image of a Baptist preacher and pastor. He has the heart of a kind pastor, the fervor of an ardent evangelist, and the mind of a keen student of the Word of our Lord,” Kinchen said. “He is the very finest example of what an alum of The Baptist College of Florida should be.

“My fondest wish would be that each of the graduates of The Baptist College of Florida would serve our Lord with the boldness, grace and dignity displayed by Jay McCall,” Kinchen concluded.