Our History
“Equipping the believer for the work of the ministry” (Eph. 4:12) is CFBC’s scripture of origin. The roots of the college stem back to October 1999 in Ridge Manor, Florida, where founder Pastor Fred Puentes was given the vision of equipping the saints for the work of the ministry.
CFBC started with its first group of students on August 5, 2008, under the name Launch Pad Ministerial Bible College, and held its first graduation on June 26, 2009, with seven students. In July 2010 the college took the name Central Florida Bible College.
CFBC began with a two-year Associate of Arts program. In 2016 the A.A. was renamed Christian Ministry Studies (CHM), and in August 2016 CFBC began offering a Bachelor of Arts with two majors: Pastoral Ministry and Christian Education.
Vision, Mission & Purpose
Vision
CFBC is a place to train men and women called to full- or part-time ministry and those interested in becoming better equipped to serve their local church. This church-based Bible College and its spirit-filled staff offer aggressive ministry training for the thorough equipping of Christian leadership, emphasizing balanced doctrine, servanthood, leadership, character development, and a biblical worldview.
Mission
The vision and purpose of CFBC are to teach, train, equip, and impart a biblical foundation for effective ministry through timely and cost-effective training of our students. Our goal is to help develop the call of the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, leaders and worshipers to bring the Kingdom of God to all the nations. (Eph. 4:11)
Purpose
God anoints and uses those who understand His purpose and are willing to be part of His plan. CFBC is dedicated to teaching, training, imparting, and equipping students for the work of ministry, being capable of functioning in the Five-Fold Ministry positions and other areas of ministry in the local body and in international ministry.
Statement of Faith
These articles summarize the core convictions held by Central Florida Bible College and Anchor of Our Souls Ministry. They are the doctrinal frame for every course we teach.
01
The Scriptures
We believe the Bible — Old and New Testaments — to be the inspired, infallible, authoritative Word of God, the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living.
02
The Godhead
We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — equal in power, glory, and divine attributes.
03
Jesus Christ
We believe in the deity of Jesus Christ — His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, vicarious and atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension, and personal return in power and glory.
04
The Holy Spirit
We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life, and through whose gifts the Body of Christ is built up and edified.
05
Salvation
We believe in salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone — that all who repent and receive Him are born again of the Holy Spirit and become children of God.
06
The Church
We believe in the universal Church, the Body of Christ, made up of all who have been redeemed, and in the local church as the visible expression of that Body for worship, discipleship, and mission.
07
The Ordinances
We believe in water baptism by immersion as a public testimony of faith, and in the Lord’s Supper as a remembrance of Christ’s atoning work, to be observed by the Church until His return.
08
The Great Commission
We believe every believer is called to participate in the Great Commission — making disciples of all nations through evangelism, teaching, and the planting of healthy churches.
09
The Return of Christ
We believe in the personal, visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ, the resurrection of the dead, and the final judgment of all people — eternal life for the saved and eternal separation for the lost.
For a more detailed doctrinal statement, request a copy from the Registrar.
Program Overview
Primary Program
Besides the Associate in Arts (A.A.), CFBC provides undergraduate coursework (120 total hours) divided into 30-hour units of study. Upon completion of the four-year coursework, the student earns a Bachelor’s in one of two majors — Pastoral Ministry or Christian Education — Ministerial Fellowship, and becomes a candidate for ordination through Anchor Of Our Souls Ministries.
Transfer of Credits
All credits are transferable to Christian colleges that recognize CFBC’s curriculum and program toward a Master’s degree. If you want to transfer credits elsewhere, it is your responsibility to contact the school to determine whether they will accept the courses.
Ordination
At the completion of the four-year coursework, students may continue with the Ministerial Practicum Program at affiliated churches and apply for ordination consideration by Anchor of Our Souls Ministries.
Outreach Programs
An exciting thrust of CFBC is the emphasis on world evangelization. Opportunities for short-term missions are offered — street witnessing, crusades, music, and drama. Each student must participate in an outreach before graduation.
Ministerial Practicum
The Ministerial Practicum is required for each program at CFBC and accounts for three credit hours of the 30 required per program. Students serve a minimum of 72 hours in their local church or another approved ministry.
Faculty & Administration
CFBC, like most Bible schools, would not survive without the dedicated efforts of our volunteer teachers and staff. Most of our teachers are also pastors, lay ministers, or hold full-time secular jobs.
Administration
- Dr. Fred Puentes — Founder and President
- Dr. Linda Hunt — Vice President and Proctor
- Debbie Cummings — Administrative Assistant
- Jan Matala — Administration, Bookkeeper, and Registrar
- Debra Tookes — Registrar Assistant
Instructors
- Dr. Fred Puentes
- Dr. Linda Hunt
- Apostle Darryl Kelly
- Minister Toñita Herring
- Apostle Karen Kelly
- Pastor Iris Kelly
- Minister Jan Matala
- Minister Gail Robinson
- Pastor Victoria Justiniano
- Pastor Ruben Justiniano
- Minister Debra Tookes
- Minister Debbie Cummings
Board of Regents
- Chair — Dr. Fred Puentes
- Vice Chair — Dr. Linda Hunt
- Secretary — Minister Jan Matala
- Treasurer — Minister Debbie Cummings