From its humble beginnings in 1985 when Dr. Joseph Guadagnino followed a God-given vision to launch a small Bible institute, South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary (SFBC) has grown into an accredited institution serving students from over 43 nations and 20 U. S. states. As it celebrates its 40th anniversary this September, the milestone marks not only decades of educational ministry, but a testimony of faith-driven perseverance through adversity. The college weathered years of limited resources, a nearly decade-long journey toward accreditation, facility relocations and financial strain during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through it all, SFBC has remained true to its mission to equip believers for purpose-filled leadership, emerging today with record enrollment, expanding academic offerings, and renewed vision under the leadership of President Dr. Mary Drabik.
Accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE), South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary currently offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in more than a dozen majors. New initiatives include launching a Master of Business Administration program in the fall, developing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and beginning a brand-new athletics program with men’s basketball and men’s soccer competing for the first time this season.
“We want to be the premier Christian college in South Florida – not just for ministry, but for mental health counseling, business, education and leadership,” said Dr. Mary Drabik, SFBC president. “Our online programs are growing. We’re launching athletics… The future is about developing the whole person – spirit, mind and body.” This requires knowledge of God’s Word, development of Christian character, specialized training for service, application of biblical principles to daily life, and the promotion of Christian love and unity.
Drabik, who began as a church volunteer then secretary, has worked at the college for 37 years, helped develop the entire course catalog and navigate through the accreditation process. She earned her bachelor’s in biblical studies and master’s in religious education at SFBC, an MBA from Whitfield Theological Seminary and has an honorary doctorate from Cohen Theological Seminary.
Her husband, Dr. Thomas Drabik, financial aid director, has also been a professor at SFBC since its beginnings in 1985, teaching biblical covenants. When asked what was the greatest accomplishment of SFBC’s 40 years, Thomas Drabik said, “That we’re still here. The enemy has been trying to close us from the beginning and we’re still here. Dr. Guadagnino has fight, and I think he transferred that fight over to Mary because she refused to give up.”
Since Drabik took on the leadership role at SFBC in 2016, the college has won ABHE’s annual enrollment growth award twice. She has also cultivated collaborative relationships with community leaders, resulting in greater visibility for the college, and developed innovative programs in response to unique needs.
For example, their English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program enrolls hundreds of students from abroad who speak English as a second language and need to improve their English before pursuing an advanced degree. Their College Academy allows homeschool high school students to pursue dual enrollment credit, with the possibility of earning their high school diploma and associate’s degree simultaneously upon graduation. SFBC has also developed a partner relationship with Faith Farm Ministries, a local addiction recovery ministry. The partnership makes it possible for Faith Farm students to earn up to 9 elective credits at SFBC for completing Faith Farm’s regeneration program, providing a direct path to a degree with many of those students also receiving scholarships.
Pastor Rick Aspden, chief executive officer of Faith Farm Ministries, completed a master’s in biblical studies at SFBC in 2024, saying he chose them because “the relationship and willingness to partner with other ministries is extraordinarily inviting. When you understand the heart of South Florida Bible College, it’s not about them – it’s about glorifying the Lord. They care deeply – not just about academics but about calling and transformation.”
History
Reflecting on their roots, Dr. Guadagnino, formerly pastor of Christian Love Fellowship, originally founded SFBC as a small Bible institute in 1985 to equip church members. It was transitioned into a Bible College & Theological Seminary by 1988 and graduated its first class in June 1990 with 80 graduates. Dr. Guadagnino left the pastorate in 2003 to devote himself fully to the college. Working closely beside him, Dr. Drabik was instrumental in navigating the arduous process of accreditation. A significant donation from the Harcourt M. And Virginia W. Sylvester Foundation, in honor of their deceased son, led to the establishment of the Steven R. Sylvester Memorial Library in 2007. The establishment of this library finally allowed the college to achieve candidate status with the ABHE in 2008. However, it took five more years before SFBC achieved full ABHE accreditation in 2013. With accreditation, students could now be assured of a quality education; it allows them to receive Pell grants and other financial aid and positioned the college for real growth. In 2016, Dr. Guadagnino passed the torch of leadership to Dr. Drabik, making her the first female president of an ABHE-accredited institution. It was a unanimous decision by the board, and although some at the accrediting agency questioned the move, Dr. Guadagnino said, “When I stepped down, I prayed and asked God. ‘Who should I choose?’ And He said, ‘Mary.’ I didn’t hesitate. She was faithful. She was loyal. And she had the heart of the ministry. Gender didn’t matter-obedience did.”
SFBC faced a new challenge in 2017 when their lease was discontinued, and they were forced to find a new location. After an extensive search, Dr. Guadagnino said they were shown their current 50,000 square foot facility in Deerfield Beach, and Dr. Guadagnino said, “God provided a ram in the thicket” (Genesis 22:13). The space was much more than they needed at the time, and Dr. Guadagnino said the previous Board, concerned about the cost, voted against the move and advised him to close the college. Instead, he chose to continue in faith, saying, “God built this college. Jesus is the founder. He’s the architect, builder, maker, founder and designer of South Florida Bible College. God gave me the vision. So, 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
For more Good News, read the GOOD NEWS August 2025 Issue at: https://digital.goodnewsfl.org/2025/august/#1