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FROM THE STATES: Baptist College of Florida seeks president; Alabama Baptists donate to Ukraine relief


Baptist College of Florida seeks new president

By Barbara Denman/Florida Baptist Convention

GRACEVILLE, Fla. (BP) – A five-member Presidential Search Committee has been named by trustees of The Baptist College of Florida to find the next president to continue the legacy of the institution founded in 1943. The committee is actively seeking recommendations from Florida and Southern Baptists to find the next “visionary” leader who can guide the school in the future.

BCF President Thomas Kinchen, who has overseen the college’s expansion and growth for three decades, announced last year he will retire from the role.

Trustees named to the search committee are RC Mills, retired business executive and member of First Baptist Church in Jacksonville, chair; Chris Coram, associate pastor of North Jacksonville Baptist Church, vice-chair; Melodee Davis, administrator of Cornerstone Christian Academy and member of Avon Park Lakes Baptist Church; Otto Fernandez, pastor, Riverside Baptist Church in Miami; and Al Guettler, business owner and member of First Baptist Church in Chipley.

According to Mills, the search committee will be seeking a “uniquely qualified individual who can provide the visionary leadership needed to effectively lead The Baptist College of Florida going forward in the educational development of Christian men and women for Christian service and ministry.”

The committee is conducting a Southern Baptist Convention-wide search asking Florida Baptists and Southern Baptists to send recommendations as well as resumes.

“The Baptist College of Florida is in a time of expansion with locations in South Florida and Lakeland, as well as the campus in Graceville, and a thriving on-line enrollment,” Coram, the vice chair, said. “We are looking for a leader who can take us to the next level, go forward in 2022 and build on the great legacy of Dr. Kinchen.

“We want to hear from Florida Baptists and our SBC seminary leaders who they would recommend to lead the college in this critical time of development, great growth and change.

“Recommendations are vitally important.”

He stressed the committee would like to receive two things: “First, any recommendations of someone you consider has the potential to lead the college. Secondly, resumes of anyone who is interested in applying.”

“The committee will handle your recommendation confidentially and will be discreet in contacting any potential recommendations,” he said.

A secure email has been established for responses at [email protected].

Read the full story here.


Alabama Baptists commit $100,000 to Ukraine relief efforts

By The Alabama Baptist Staff

PRATTVILE, Ala. (BP) – The Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions is committing $100,000 from Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief funds to assist with Ukrainian relief efforts through the International Mission Board.

“The IMB is already working with local Baptist partners and churches in Ukraine, Poland and other border nations,” said SBOM Executive Director Rick Lance. “This contribution comes directly from Alabama Baptists through the Cooperative Program, the Myers-Mallory State Missions Offering and designated disaster relief gifts.”

He expressed appreciation for International Mission Board President Paul Chitwood and his leadership in the massive relief effort.

“The needs of refugees displaced by war in Ukraine will doubtless be great for many weeks and months to come,” Lance said.

Any gifts received through the SBOM will be over and above the $100,000 gift, Lance said. Gifts can be made in the following ways:

  • Checks should be made payable to: State Board of Missions, P.O. Box 681970, Prattville 36068-1970. Please designate checks for IMB Ukraine Relief.
  • Online donations by credit or debit card may be given here.

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  • BP Staff