I couldn't quit - only He could shut it down!" They were able to purchase the building outright in 2019, securing their capacity for growth. And despite financial setbacks from the COVID pandemic, SFBC is now on strong footing after receiving a historic donation in 2021 from a Palm Beach pastor who sold his church property and donated the proceeds to the college. Collegiate athletics Making an entrée into collegiate athletics this fall, SFBC has recruited an accomplished team of coaches and spiritual mentors to lead their inaugural season. Coach Mike Jarvis, formerly head coach at three Division I programs, including Boston University, George Washington University and St. John's University will be head coach of SFBC’s basketball team. He also led the basketball program at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) before leaving the program in 2014. Currently teaching leadership classes at SFBC, Coach Jarvis said he is honored to coach the basketball team, saying "Dr. Mary is one of the most incredible leaders and people that I've ever met in my entire life. Any program is only as good as the person at the top and she has created a real family." Jarvis said he believes the basketball program can "bring more visibility and positive notoriety to SFBC. It gives the community an opportunity to experience a biblically centered education through the doorway of sports." Jarvis will be joined by two-time NBA Champion with the Los Angeles Lakers and senior pastor of Jesus People Proclaim International Church in Deerfield Beach, Apostle Billy Thompson, as executive coach. During his career, Thompson played three years with the Miami Heat and played overseas in Israel for five years before serving as team chaplain for the Miami Heat. Focusing on individual skill development and spiritual mentoring, Thompson said, "My job is working with the players to pour into them and help them with their personal game… coaching their skill, not X's and O's." Thompson said the athletic program "is going to offer opportunity for athletes… who have faith in God and want to increase their faith while playing." The head coach of the men's soccer team is Rafael "Rafa" Muniz, a former professional soccer player from Brazil, who has directed several soccer programs in the U. S. The entire athletic program is built on faith, character and teamwork. The college even has a new mascot – a ram named Qorban, which is the Hebrew word for sacrifice. "The Rams" are currently partnering with other schools to utilize their training facilities and will announce their full schedule on the website, so fans and alumni can cheer them on. Notable alumni Today there are more than 1,000 alumni from SFBC who are impacting the world for Christ all around the world and right here in South Florida. Among them is Pastor Brian Quigley, campus pastor at Calvary Chapel North Lauderdale, who earned a master's degree in biblical studies from SFBC. Quigley, who has served as a pastor for 11 years, said he chose SFBC for its in-person learning environment and doctrinal alignment. "I wanted to really grow and understand the Bible more," said Quigley, adding that "being exposed to other students and pastors from different denominations really helped me understand where others are coming from. It was really healthy and challenged me spiritually." Ranked among the top 10 most affordable Bible Colleges by ABHE, SFBC also makes biblical education attainable. "They were very generous and supportive, especially for people in ministry," said Quigley. "It wasn't purely academic – there was a lot of practical ministry, and the staff communicated with a lot of passion, which distinguished them from other institutions." Honored as "alum of the year" in 2024, Rabbi David Barsky earned a master's in biblical studies and a doctor of ministry from SFBC then served as Dean of their School of Jewish Studies before leaving to found the Messianic congregation Beth Yeshua in Coral Springs 27 years ago. "I loved teaching there because most of my students were pastors, and I would present things to them from a Hebraic standpoint," said Barsky. "I've watched SFBC grow dramatically over the years… Now the physical facility is absolutely superb. The library keeps growing. The staff is very well qualified, but I think the one thing that sets them apart is attitude. I found that the atmosphere there was absolutely what the Bible teaches. They really care about the students." Barsky was also excited that SFBC has partnered for years with the sister city of Ariel in Israel. Each year volunteers from SFBC serve the community, teach English and experience the richness of the Holy Land, creating deep bonds between the college and the city of Ariel. Asked what having an accredited college like SFBC means to South Florida, Barsky said, "I think it brings prestige to our faith community… You work hard there, but the rewards are absolutely enormous." "What makes their 40 years so impactful to the community is they are equipping people to go into ministry," said Aspden. "I think it's incredible," Quigley added. "It's a tremendous plus for our community. And with ministries like SFBC and Calvary Chapel growing side by side for 40 years, it's a very special thing we need to celebrate as a church community." Looking ahead, Dr. Drabik said, "We're building on what Dr. Guadagnino started with a vision that includes innovation and discipleship at its core. Our goal is to equip more students to impact the world for Christ, not just in ministry but in every sector of society. We're very proud of what we've accomplished, but we're just getting started." If you would like to learn more, visit sfbc.edu h - - d y - h - s o C - o s - , s e d - n h t . " e p y . - s a - t E - y - f - e I , f d o , . o d , , , COVER STORY 29 AUGUST 2025 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition Associate of Arts Degrees • Biblical & Theological Studies • Business Administration & Management • General Studies • Ministry and Leadership • Psychology Bachelor of Arts Degrees • Biblical & Theological Studies • Business Administration & Management • Christian Counseling • Ministry and Leadership • Psychology Master of Arts Degrees • Biblical Studies • Business Administration • Mental Health Counseling • Divinity • Pastoral Counseling • Theology Doctoral Degrees • Ministry English Program (EAP) • English for Academic Purposes In 2024, the SFBC had more than 750 students enrolled. They currently offer the following programs: 40th Anniversary Celebrations South Florida Bible College will celebrate its 40th Anniversary with the following upcoming events and invites alumni, ministry leaders, fans of the college and members of the community to join them. Meet and Greet the Alumni – September 24 from 5:30 to 7:30 p. m. at South Florida Bible College, 2200 SW 10th St, Deerfield Beach. Worship Concert with Contemporary Christian Artist Blessing Offor "Brighter Days" Honoring 40 Years of Ministry and Miracles – September 25 beginning at 7 p. m. at South Florida Bible College, 2200 SW 10th St, Deerfield Beach. SFBC 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner – September 26 at 5:30 p. m. at The Addison Of Boca Raton, 2 E Camino Real, Boca Raton.
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