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About Trinity
Chasing the Call Since 1932
God Calls.
We Equip.
You Advance.
At Trinity College of Florida, we recognize that God calls us to equip people with the tools they need to advance. Founded in 1932 by Dr. W.T Watson, our private, nonprofit Christian Bible college located on the Gulf Coast in Trinity Florida serves as an essential foundation for individuals seeking a biblically-centered education and to become servant leaders ready for life and career opportunities ahead. We cultivate an environment dedicated to individual development while instilling values of evangelicalism without adhering to specific denominational beliefs – enabling students to take their knowledge into any context after graduation with confidence that they have been adequately prepared. Our small family-like atmosphere has had a large global impact with its commitment towards equipping passionate Christian servants who will make a difference wherever their feet are planted; no matter what lies ahead, Trinity College of Florida is there every step of the way! Our goals are simple: To empower others through Christian Education so that they can pursue and spread God’s kingdom boldly!
Following God’s Call
Dr. William T. Watson, a tent preacher from North Carolina, and pastor of a large Christian and Missionary Alliance church in St. Petersburg felt the Lord leading him to establish a Bible college for the training of Christian workers. Following God’s call, he founded Florida Bible Institute in 1932, changing the name to Trinity College in 1947. Little did he realize when he started the College that a young man, Billy Graham, who would enroll in 1937 and graduate in 1940, was destined to become one of the great evangelists in the history of the church, although Dr. Graham is the College’s most famous graduate, he is but one of many in the past years who have gone on from the College to serve the Lord all over the world, and in many different roles.
Equipping the Called
Originally focused on training pastors and missionaries, the College has expanded its course offerings over the years to include worship ministry, youth ministry, elementary education, psychology, general studies, and business organizational leadership. An important characteristic of the College has always been its distinctly evangelical, but nondenominational, nature. At Trinity, students from a wide variety of church backgrounds have the opportunity to study God’s Word and be equipped to serve Him in an atmosphere of respect. In a world where nondenominational cooperation among evangelicals is becoming increasingly vital, Trinity College of Florida believes this type of education best serves its students as they prepare to live and serve more effectively. A major milestone in the life of the College was achieved in 1996 when Trinity was accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education.
Answers to Your Questions
How do I know if Trinity College of Florida is the right college for me?
Community
Choosing the right college is an important decision. It can be intimidating to make the transition from high school to college or to decide to return to college as an adult, that is why our students find comfort in the smaller, community-like environment at TCF where they connect in classes, student groups, chapel, athletics, and community.
Unique Value of TCF
The unique value that distinguishes TCF from other colleges is the emphasis we place on the Word of God being at the core of every subject. At TCF, you will be part of a strong diverse Christian community centered on a biblical worldview.
Double Major Difference
Bible and Theology classes are required for each degree program. Traditional students graduating with a B.A. will earn a double major in Bible and Theology and are required to take between 36-54 Bible/Theology credits. Not only is this a much higher standard than many other Christian colleges, but Trinity’s Bible and Theology classes also equip you to become a Kingdom influencer in any context.
Request information or schedule a tour of the campus. A phone call or visit with an admissions representative can help make your college decision wise and informed.
What is the doctrinal statement of Trinity College of Florida?
Trinity College of Florida believes that the Bible should be at the heart and core of all training and is the standard for evaluating all claims to knowledge. The Bible, as the inspired Word of God, is instrumental in thoroughly equipping God’s servants for ministry. This philosophy is reflected in the wide range of Bible and theology courses offered. The college believes that the Bible is the only framework within which a consistent, effective, and productive worldview, lifestyle, and life of service to God and humanity can be maintained.
We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are verbally inspired by God, inerrant in the original writings, and that they are the supreme and final authority in faith and life.
We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
We believe that Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary and is true God and true man.
We believe that man was created in the image of God, but that he sinned and thereby incurred not only physical death but also spiritual death which is separation from God.
We believe that the Lord Jesus died for our sins according to the Scriptures as a representative and substitutionary sacrifice and that all who believe in Him are justified on the ground of His shed blood and adopted into God’s family as His beloved children.
We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life, and by whom the church is empowered to carry out Christ’s great commission.
We believe in the resurrection of the crucified body of our Lord, in His ascension into heaven, and His present life there for us, as High Priest and Advocate.
We believe in “that blessed hope,” the personal, pre-millennial, and imminent return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust, the everlasting bliss of the saved, and the everlasting conscious suffering of the lost.
Trinity College of Florida believes and teaches the essential doctrines of the Christian faith that are commonly held to be the historic, Biblical, conservative, and evangelical position. The doctrinal statement above is applied within the academic and spiritual understanding of the nondenominational character of our student body and faculty.
What is the Trinity College of Florida Mission Statement?
Trinity College of Florida provides a biblically-centered education, equipping servant leaders for life and career opportunities.
The goals for achieving this mission are:
Spiritual – To orient, motivate and lead students to Christian maturity and spiritual depth.
Academic – To engage students with opportunities to integrate Biblical faith and learning.
Intellectual – To develop in students the ability for critical analysis and motivate in them a desire for continuing intellectual pursuits.
Professional – To produce graduates competent in the area of their professional training.
Social – To cultivate a culture that redefines how we learn, love, and live in a way that honors God, impacting our community for generations to come.
What is the Trinity College of Florida Vision Statement?
The vision of Trinity College of Florida is to be the premier provider of Biblically-focused, multifaceted and diversified higher learning to fulfill the Great Commission in the life and career. Trinity College believes that the Bible should be at the heart and core of all training, and that it is the standard for evaluating all claims to knowledge. The Bible, as the inspired Word of God, is instrumental in thoroughly equipping God’s servants for ministry. This philosophy is reflected in the wide range of Bible and theology courses offered. The College believes that the Bible is the only framework within which a consistent, effective, and productive world, view, lifestyle, and life of service to God and humanity can be maintained.
Who is the president of Trinity College of Florida?
Rev. Stephen P. Best
Rev. Stephen P. Best Appointed Interim President of Trinity College of Florida June 12, 2023 (Trinity, FL) – The Trinity College of Florida Board of Trustees announces the appointment of Rev. Stephen P. Best as interim President with the full responsibilities and authority of the Office of the President, effective June 5, 2023.
Steve is a graduate of Grand Rapids Baptist College (Cornerstone University) and Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary (Liberty University). He has served in church planting and pastoral leadership, global missions leadership, and various education roles including as an adjunct professor of Trinity College of Florida. He is married to Terri Jo Best, and they have 4 adult children and 13 grandchildren.
“I am honored to accept the role of interim President of Trinity College of Florida,” said Rev. Best. “I have a deep appreciation and strong connection to the history of the college and am thankful for the opportunity to lead Trinity College of Florida to be the premier provider of Biblically focused, multifaceted, and diversified higher learning to fulfill the great commission in life and career. This will be accomplished for the glory of God and the kingdom of Christ by the power of the Spirit as our faculty, staff, students, and alumni prepare and live for kingdom impact.”
What are the college’s accreditation, approvals, and memberships?
Trinity College of Florida is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE), an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.
Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (U.S. Department of Education database)
