Florida School of Preaching — Organization Profile
The Florida School of Preaching (FSOP) is a preacher-training school in the Churches of Christ tradition, focused on equipping preachers and Bible class teachers for congregational ministry. FSOP describes its work as providing essential instruction for men who desire to preach but have not had the opportunity for formal training. The school began operations in September 1969 and continues to serve churches through classroom teaching, practical preparation, and ongoing resource publishing.
FSOP is based in Lakeland, Florida, operating at 1807 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland, FL 33803, in facilities associated with the South Florida Avenue church of Christ. FSOP notes that the school started with support from the South Florida Avenue church of Christ along with other churches and individuals, and it received a state charter in June 1972. From its Lakeland base, FSOP welcomes students pursuing ministry preparation as well as those seeking deeper Bible study.
Academically, FSOP offers a two-year, 120-semester-hour program focused on gospel preaching. The school emphasizes that its courses are directly connected to the work of a gospel preacher, centering the curriculum on Scripture and ministry-related study. FSOP also notes additional access points for learning, including satellite classes offered in various areas for those unable to attend the main campus, and that some classes each semester are available online for qualified students.
FSOP’s public teaching extends beyond the classroom through events and media resources. The school began hosting an annual lectureship in January 1975, an in-depth multi-day Bible study event with lessons from a variety of speakers. FSOP also makes lectureship materials available through multiple formats, including published lectureship books and recordings (audio and video), providing churches and individuals with ongoing access to teaching content.
In addition to training students, FSOP produces resources intended to encourage broader Bible study and faithful ministry. The school publishes The Harvester, a newsletter offering articles and teaching materials, and also hosts the Harvester Podcast for topical Bible discussions and studies. These resources help extend FSOP’s educational mission to a wider audience of congregations, families, and individuals.
People can engage with FSOP by applying for admission (full-time or part-time options), attending the annual lectureship, using the school’s online archives for audio and video teaching, and supporting the work financially through giving options (including recurring and one-time gifts). FSOP also provides clear points of contact for prospective students and supporters, including an admissions email and office phone numbers for questions about enrollment, scheduling, and partnership.
Key Links
- Website: https://fsop.net/
- About: https://fsop.net/about-us/
- Admissions: https://fsop.net/admissions/
- Apply / Register: https://fsop.net/apply-register/
- Catalog: https://fsop.net/catalog/
- Support / Give: https://fsop.net/give/
- Annual Lectureship: https://fsop.net/lectureship/
- Lectureship Audio Archive: https://fsop.net/audio/
- Our Team: https://fsop.net/faculty/
- Contact: https://fsop.net/contact-us/
Contact Information
- Email: fs**@**op.net
- Email: ad********@**op.net
- Phone: 863-683-4043
- Phone: 800-320-9780
- Mailing address: 1807 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33803
Socials
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Florida-School-of-Preaching-530632437100535/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fsop2718/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9f1q39Mwiu7it_sB0SfYsg
Leadership
- Ted Wheeler — Chairman (Board of Directors)
- Brian R. Kenyon — Vice-Chairman (Board of Directors)
- Tim Simmons — Secretary (Board of Directors)
- Chad Tagtow — Treasurer (Board of Directors)
- Rachel Grimes — Secretary (Staff)
- Brian Howard — Development Director (Staff)
- Jagie Kenyon — Development Assistant (Staff)
- Kathy Sweeney — Bookkeeper (Staff)
