He currently serves as the minister of the Virginia Avenue Church of Christ in Chester, West Virginia (approx. 30 minutes northwest of Pittsburgh). Brother Brown enjoys “every opportunity to simply preach and proclaim the Word of God.” He also enjoys serving in the congregation’s year-round food pantry that is used to meet the spiritual needs of the community. Virginia Avenue enjoys a good reputation in the community and is known for preaching the truth.

FSOP has only enriched my desire to serve the King with all that I have to give. As I constantly remind and stress to the congregation that we do not WANT to go to heaven…we NEED to!

My favorite thing about the work is getting to serve alongside so many wonderful, godly people who care deeply about souls.

FSOP has shaped my life in ways I will probably never fully realize. I enrolled directly out of High School and knew next to nothing about seriously studying the Bible. Hindsight has shown me that the greatest thing I learned as a student was how to study to show myself approved; rather than teaching the opinions of its instructors, FSOP taught me to always let the word of God inform my beliefs. I am eternally grateful for the patience shown to me, and for the wisdom and knowledge imparted to me while I was a student.

FSOP gave me the foundation to begin studying for the rest of my life. The school taught me to seek out wise mentors, think carefully when studying scripture, and avoid extremism in life and ministry. The friendships that began at FSOP I cherish daily. These true companions are a proven example to me in love, care, and support.

I have the privilege and pleasure of preaching the pure and unadulterated gospel of Christ.

My time at the Florida School of Preaching assured me that preaching the word is what it comes down to. So, over the past years and through the most difficult times, that is all that I have done. It has made the difference, and I don't stray from that simple command (2 Tim 4:1-2).

FSOP has prepared me to be a knowledgeable student of God’s word and to be equipped for multiple different roles within ministry. FSOP taught me to be an open and honest thinker when it comes to religious topics and not just fit into a “church of Christ” mold. But rather just to be a Biblically based critical thinker.

One of my favorite things about ministry is One-on-one Bible studies when you can see the truth begin to take effect.

Being from Texas there were many options when I first began to consider schools of preaching. Looking back, I will forever be grateful to God for His providential care in allowing me to go to Lakeland. Between the Biblical instruction and the wisdom I was able to glean from the instructors, I am not sure which I value more. On top of that are truly great friendships made while there that have always influenced me positively in my work. Each year when I come for the lectureship it feels more like a family reunion than a class reunion and not just because I met my wife through the school. Thinking of all those that have been a part of my life because of FSOP, I can't help but sincerely feel that it has been a little taste of what heaven will be one day!

I enjoy traveling and visiting other congregations. I have been filling in part time at congregations around the state near my home in Lakeland, Florida since 2017.

FSOP has impacted my life in that it gave me the platform to study for a lifetime. The organizational tools that I learned at FSOP are ones I still use daily. I was blessed to have attended when I did and am grateful to have learned from such a variety of instructors, all with unique backgrounds and skill sets.

I'm not sure I can adequately give the credit FSOP deserves in my life. The teaching and reminder of remaining steadfast in the faith has influenced me over the last seventeen years. I started in 2003, almost twenty years ago, and in those two years I experienced a great deal of spiritual growth. I often reflect on those who served as teachers during my time there and the examples they set before me. I continually think about Paul writing, 'Imitate me as I imitate Christ' and realize that is exactly what they were striving to put into our hearts and minds. Spiritual growth did not end with graduation, but has continued upon the foundation of the Scriptures which were taught from FSOP. Jackie Stearsman often stressed the need to continually study and grow in knowledge of the Lord. Going to FSOP changed the direction of my life. It allowed me to find a new career that served the Lord and blessed me and my family. I have many ongoing relationships which continue to be a source of encouragement. It taught me to allow myself to heal and to find my wife, Kaci. God has blessed me greatly, and one of those great blessings is having attended FSOP.

I am currently serving as the minister for the Osprey Church of Christ in Sarasota, Florida, where I have been since December 2004.

The Florida School of Preaching has positively impacted my life with a sound and solid biblical educational program that I completed and graduated from in December 2001. It has cultivated many lasting friendships that I still maintain to this day. I have much love and appreciation for everyone who works for FSOP. Another way that FSOP has impacted my daily life is by the annual lectureship that allows me to be spiritually fed by other faithful brothers in Christ and reconnect with friends each year. When I contemplate my studies from all my classes during my 2 years at FSOP, I have continued in my reading of the Scriptures, meditating on God's precepts, statutes and all His word. I study so that I can provide answers to those who ask, and can understand God's word, giving myself wholly to them.

F.S.O.P. helped prepare me for the work of preaching the gospel to those in and out of the church. Brother B.C. Carr, director of the school when I graduated, always had sage advice for the students which included, “Grow a tough hide and a tender heart!” I never fully comprehended his advice until a few years ago, but it is absolutely necessary if one is going to be truly effective in working with brethren and for the Lord!

Teaching the lost is by far my favorite thing about ministry. There is nothing better than seeing people come to the knowledge of the truth and then having the heart to obey it. Oftentimes there is that “lightbulb” moment where their eyes light up and they know what they need to do. One 60+ year old man I studied with had tears running down his face and said, 'I have never heard it like this before.'

I have been doing mission work in Gayana, South America, since 1983, having lived there on two different occasions. Recently, my wife and I spent six weeks in Gayana conducting three gospel meetings and three vacation Bible schools.

That is a hard question to answer. After learning that the Florida School of Preaching was approved for the GI Bill and that the government would pay me to go, I could not imagine standing before God on Judgment having this opportunity and passing it up. I did not start school desiring to be a preacher, but FSOP whetted my appetite for the word of God, and I wanted it even more. FSOP has given me a foundation in the Bible that no one can take away.

I genuinely love evangelism. Meeting new people and telling them about Jesus is probably my favorite thing to do in life. We all get to do that on a daily basis, of course, but to be afforded the different situations and opportunities where I can tell people about my Savior is something for which I am very thankful.

There's probably not been a single day since I graduated school ten years ago that I haven't thought to myself, 'I am so grateful for training I received at FSOP.' The effect that the school has left on me has been profound and life-changing. Not just learning how to deliver better sermons, how to lay out my thoughts and how to constructively study, attending the school has even changed how I approach logical problems and dealing with people on a personal basis. There are not words to adequately express how satisfied I am with the education I received at the Florida School of Preaching.

Being able to help train the next crop of preachers is a privilege and a blessing. When I consider the great privilege that it is, I can't help but think of the inspired words of Paul: 'Who is sufficient for these things?... Not that we are sufficient of ourselves ... but our sufficiency is from God' (2 Cor. 2:16; 3:5). It will always be true that souls are saved by faith; faith can only come by hearing; hearing can only come by preaching; and preachers must be sent. It is true that preachers are made, not born. There is no greater opportunity I know of than to help make preachers for the work in God's kingdom. Each moment in the classroom is a gift from God. I am convinced that oftentimes I learn more from the students than they do from me.

My education at FSOP has benefited me more than I will ever be able to fully describe. When I started at the Florida School of Preaching, I had been a Christian for 13 months. I had very little Bible knowledge having not grown up in the church, and I was still wet behind the ears. FSOP built the foundation of my Bible knowledge. There's always more to learn, but my time at FSOP put me on a track that I could have never reached on my own. FSOP also gave me with lifelong relationships that will last into eternity by the grace of God. I am thankful for my time at FSOP and if I had to do it all over again I would. Except this time I would relish the opportunity even more. The supporters of FSOP are fellowshipping in the work of God's kingdom. They are providing 'a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God' (Phil. 4:18).

I came to the school to learn how to teach Bible classes and to do personal work. I had a great experience at the school, learning all the curriculum that was ahead of me. I had great relationships with the instructors of the school. In my time there, I created some great bonds with some of the students that I will never forget. It was a great challenge for me.

The Florida School of Preaching has provided me with a stable foundation of biblical knowledge along with the tools to succeed in attaining my degree in Philosophy and Bible at Freed Hardeman. It also provided me a network of friends and companionship throughout the years.

Evangelist / Minister at the Midway church of Christ, Sarasota, Florida.

I love the people in this community and the opportunities that abound in reaching them.

This institute has given me much. The forging of new friends. An understanding of the Word of God. We were continually reminded of the requirement to understand it and to keep its original value and intent. We must also constantly leverage our talents to conduct God’s work, no matter the cost to us personally.

I am currently serving with the church of Christ in Paris, France. My role is preaching minister and evangelist.

My favorite things about my ministry are teaching, preaching, and evangelizing, which includes door knocking.

FSOP has made and continues to make many positive impacts on my life both spiritually and practically. I learned much of the Bible at FSOP, which helps me to accurately preach the gospel of Christ wherever I go. I also learned how to study the Bible and find the answers God gives. I will never and ever forget brother Jackie Stearsman for the much help he gave my family and I when I was a student there from 1997-1999. Today whatever I am, I give all the credit to God first, then to the Florida School of Preaching teachers who taught me how to use the sacred book of God and preach the gospel so that sinners can come from darkness to the marvelous shining light of the truth.

I have to say that I like the learning aspect and then being able to share that with others. To be able to present the Gospel and the Bible as a whole to others and allow them to see for themselves God's desire for us is one of my favorite aspects of teaching and preaching. While doing a series on proofs of the Bible, there was a young man who got a lot out of the lessons. While being taught the Bible, he was fascinated with all of the proofs from outside the Bible that support the Bible. Seeing him appreciate the Bible in a new way, and broadening his understanding that the Bible is part of history and not just something to itself outside of history, was one of my favorite things.

I first learned of the Florida School of Preaching while a member of the Orange Street church of Christ in Auburndale, Florida. I made the decision, with the support of family and friends, to attend in 2012, graduating in 2013. Having grown up outside the church in a non-religious home, the value of the teaching provided by the school is priceless. FSOP gave me not only knowledge and understanding of the Bible, but equipped me so as to be able to study the Bible and learn for myself from God's own word. In addition, FSOP also gave me the tools to be able to share the Gospel and the Bible with others in an effective and meaningful way. The school has impacted my life not just in the area of the Bible, but in daily living, family, friends, and work. I cannot express how deeply appreciative I am for the school, those who support the school, and the students who go there. FSOP is a good work for any members of the church seeking where to help with support.

In my ministry, I have had the opportunity to meet and study the Bible with numerous individuals. However, my favorite part of my ministry has been the time spent with brothers and sisters in Christ. Each member of the brotherhood here in Waurika, Oklahoma, lives and exemplifies the commandment from our Lord that we are to love one another. (John 13:34, 35) They show this through their generosity, their willingness to work for the kingdom, and their genuine care for their fellow man. Due to the efforts of the congregation and the power of God through his gospel we have had four baptisms in the past year and three restorations. Additionally, we have had numerous Bible studies, and sown seeds of the word throughout the community of Waurika and the surrounding areas.

FSOP prepared me with not only knowledge of God’s word but the ability to effectively communicate it with any and all people. The two years I spent at FSOP, while strenuous, remain the best two years of my life because it not only armed me with knowledge of the word, but it forced me to grow exponentially in my personal faith as well.

My ministry has allowed me to build lasting relationships with inspiring Christians. Witnessing people's lives transform positively after embracing God's love is truly remarkable. It's fulfilling to see individuals restored, baptized, grow spiritually, and rely more on God than themselves. One of the highlights has been observing God's work in what some might consider a limited environment.

The Florida School of Preaching holds a special place in my heart. The supportive individuals who enriched my life, both behind the scenes and in the classrooms, are deeply appreciated. The knowledge and encouragement gained from the school's teachings have been invaluable. I eagerly anticipate continued work in God's kingdom, alongside my wife, Preya, and any congregation with whom we are called to serve.

One of my favorite things about ministry is the opportunity to spend more time in the Word, studying and teaching it, than I would be able to doing anything else. God’s word is the most precious and valuable physical possession any person could possibly have. It is a tremendous privilege to be able to devote my life to its study and presentation to others. I love seeing others come to recognize it as the Truth and obey it. There are certainly struggles and disappointments involved, but each time I have the privilege of baptizing a new brother or sister into Christ, I'm reminded of why I do it. I cherish each one of them.

The Florida School of Preaching opened a tremendous door of opportunity for me to pursue ministry in a way that was not available to me through other means, such as a brotherhood university. It was tuition free and helped with living expenses beyond what I was able to access through alternative means. I received encouragement and support when I needed it, made friends with other men with a shared faith and goals, and learned lessons that have remained with me. It provided opportunities to develop public speaking skills in chapel and preaching in various places on the weekends, and provided a Bible based, ministry-focused, intensive, full-time, education that prepared me to serve as a located preacher without unrelated courses that would have been unhelpful in ministry. Even though I previously thought I knew all I needed to from secular science and ethics classes about those subjects, our studies in both Christian evidence and ethics at FSOP have since proven invaluable.

My favorite thing about ministry is sitting in my office with individuals who have Bible questions and opening the Word and wrestle together to understand God's will for their/our lives. My other favorite thing is getting the opportunity to encourage young men to practice leading in worship.

Solid general Bible foundation: while we may not have read every book verse by verse, the courses have prepared me to be confident in preaching the 'whole counsel.' Resources: I still routinely reach out to previous instructors to tap into their wisdom and knowledge. This may be the best help with which FSOP has equipped me. Experience: through local opportunities to preach all the way down to classroom chores, I have been thankful for the hands-on experience in preparation for local work.

Currently, I am serving as the development director for the Florida School of Preaching, evangelist at the Lake Forest Church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL, and director of Soaring for Souls mission work.

My passion in ministry is evangelism. I love watching the word of God prick the honest hearts of those with whom I am studying. It is amazing to see their facial expressions change, and the flood of emotions appear as they realize they are in a lost condition and need to obey the gospel.

FSOP gave me a foundation in my faith that cannot be matched. I was a relatively new Christian with very little knowledge of Scripture when I began as a student. The FSOP instructors took a very immature man in the faith and trained me to rightly divide the word of God, and to be a soldier for Christ. I am forever grateful for the instructors, staff, supporters, and faithful members who believed in me and were so patient with a young preacher.

The Florida School of Preaching has impacted my life in so many ways, and I am extremely grateful. When I came to school in 1996, I was privileged to sit at the feet of men who had studied God’s word and had been on the battlefield for a long time. The wisdom they passed down to me is priceless. I am still in the ministry today because of God and these brethren. The instruction and encouragement that I received from them keeps me reminded that the Gospel of Christ is the greatest need that mankind has today, and it must be taught and preached to the entire world. They imparted to me a deeper faith and confidence in the word of God pertaining to its reliability and trustworthiness. A great number of my instructors have preceded me to be with the Lord or have moved on in life. However, their legacy is still here along with my current FSOP family in whom I am extremely grateful to have in my life. I am so thankful to be affiliated with a people who love the Lord and His word and are able to train men to carry the Gospel to a lost and dying world.