Training Men to Preach the Gospel Faithfully

Since 1969, the Florida School of Preaching has been equipping men to preach the truth, defend the faith, and serve congregations with sound doctrine. What began as a vision among faithful brethren has grown into a work that continues to strengthen the church across generations. The school offers an intensive two-year, 120-semester-hour program focused entirely on gospel preaching, operating from the spacious facilities of the South Florida Avenue church of Christ in Lakeland.

Preaching the gospel is the vital chain that brings together those who need to believe with the knowledge that makes belief possible. According to the New Testament, preachers are not made through mystical callings, but are taught. Following the simple pattern in 2 Timothy 2:2, our mission is to entrust the gospel to faithful men who will, in turn, be able to teach others also.

What We Do

The Florida School of Preaching provides intensive, Bible-centered training to prepare men for faithful gospel preaching.

Teach the Scriptures Accurately

Grounded in careful study, students learn to rightly divide the Word of God and handle Scripture with clarity and confidence.

Develop Effective Communicators

Preaching is more than knowledge. We train men to communicate truth clearly, confidently, and with conviction, purpose, and boldness.

Prepare Servants for the Church

Graduates are equipped to serve congregations with sound doctrine, strong leadership, and a commitment to faithfulness.

Our History

The Florida School of Preaching began through the vision of a few faithful brethren who saw the need for Scripturally balanced preacher training in Florida. B.C. Carr, while preaching for what would later become the South Florida Avenue church of Christ, was encouraged by B.C. Goodpasture and G.K. Wallace to establish a preaching school in Lakeland.

With the South Florida Avenue eldership agreeing to provide its facilities and brother Carr serving as director, the school opened its first semester in September 1969 and received its state charter in June 1972. The School continues to owe much to the South Florida Avenue church for both its role in establishing the work and its faithful, consistent support through the years.

Our Global Influence & Resources

Today, the influence of the Florida School of Preaching is truly global. Our graduates have carried the Gospel and served in mission efforts throughout the world, impacting congregations and communities across many countries.

This reach extends even further through our annual lectureship, hosted every January since 1975. Through lectureship books, digital media, internet streaming, satellite classes, and online learning opportunities, biblical education remains deeply accessible to students both locally and around the world.