Pensacola Christian College

Date: Aug 22 2006
Major: Religion/Religious (This Major's Salary over time)
PCC was not my first choice. As a matter of fact I made fun of PCC and its seemingly trite "Catch the Spirit" DVD and imitation Southern Gospel Music, and funny looking people. I vowed that I would never attend such an institution. Truth be told, I was a rebellious brat and if my parents had suggested that I attended a college located on a cruise ship in Hawaii, I would have found things to critisize. I can honestely say that the Lord led me to PCC. The calling to PCC is one I know is from the Lord. However, after attending Clearwater Christian College for one year (02-03) and Davis College (formerly Practical Bible College) for a semester (04), I understood the value and privilege in attending PCC. My former schools were fine, but lacking the excellence and distinctives that PCC offers. Even its harshest critic would admit that you feel like you are actually doing something at PCC rather than a small school with not that many opportunities. Clearwater may have had less rules and more freedom, but I did not feel as though I was experiencing "college." At Davis college, I was spiritually starved and confused with various doctrines and shallow chapels centered around music rather than the Word. To be a help I have compiled a list of negatives and postives concerning PCC.

Negatives:

1. STUDENTS: There are too many people that do not want to be there, nothing is more annoying than hearing complaints about a place I know God has called me to. (MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE THIS IS THE MAIN REASON WHY I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND PCC) Many of the students are dead spiritually and not excited about the Lord due to their complaining spirit. (IT'S A DRAG AT TIMES—BE READY FOR IT, the college needs revival)

2. FOCUS: The campus is run like a successful business, and at times I feel as though decisions are made based on attracting new students and getting bigger rather than on student needs (example: advertising the new surf machine and climbing walls—why not advertise new classes and for Bible majors—service opportunities or spiritual growth and revival. What you get them with is what you will have to keep them with) Prospective students are given priority over existing students.

3. KJV REPUATION: The school has a reputation for being KJV only—although they are actually Textus Receptus only and believe that the KJV is

an accurate translation of the Word of God.

A student will have to realize that by attending PCC you will be associated with that movement. (ok for me because I'm KJVO, but not for all)

4. CAMPUS CHURCH—that's really all I have to list, but I will explain. It's sad that Campus Church at times feels like a practice time for preacher boys (Sunday School—I can say that because I have been a preacher in several classes, and that's the feeling the students give me) and for ensemble members (church music specials.) Praise the Lord as a junior or a senior ministerial major I can intern during the year at a local church. Why not let collegians sing for the 'Rejoice Telecast" or non-professional (non-PCC staff) Campus Church adults sing just sometimes to make it look normal. Scott Roberts is great, but I can buy his CD, give someone else a chance to serve and you will see church growth.

5. MUSIC- As a fomer rap and rock addict and later on…CCM praise leader, the dangers of CCM have prompted me to be pretty conservative in my musical choices. I don't understand why the college wouldn't invite either Frank Garlock (who wrote the college hymn), Kurt Woetzel, Tim Fisher, or David Cloud to come into the school and clear up some of the confusion concerning CCM. TO GIVE PROOF. So many students are either convinced that CCM is right and they critize the fact that there is "dead worship" at PCC (which at times is true) and hypocrisy in the inclusion of southern gosepl on rejoice radio and in church (which is true)or they think that those who oppose CCM believe anything written past 1850 is of the devil. Here is my suggestion—PCC NEEDS A CONSISTENT MUSIC PHILOSOPHY. Either be for CCM and have valid reasons (please don't), or be against the dangers of worldly music and explain why (REGULARLY). We are told not to have rock, rap, or CCM, or country music but we are not told why and how that music actually affects us. Last year's Christmas Lights concert offended my parents who thought there was too much of the Contemporary style singing and music going on, I'm sure others were offended as well. I overheard some rebellious students remark "Hey, this isn't PCC style at all". PCC at times tries to appease everybody in respect to the music issue leaving students confused and bitter. The music at PCC is often shallow and trite, lacking the heart and innovative excellence say of something THe Wilds produce (a supposed BJU mind control center) or the Victorious Valley Girls Home Syle of singing. Rejoice Chior is the only bright spot of PCC music.

POSITIVES:

1. FACULTY: I know my professors care about me and want to see me grow in the Lord. Mr. Raper, Mr. Huddleston, Mr. Edmonds, Mr. Rushing are all knowledgeable and instructive as far as training those called to full time ministry (there are more, but those have helped me the most so far in my training.)

2. SAFE ATMOSPHERE: It's a blessing to be in a place where you have limitations on sin. Pastor Schettler was right when he said

You have freedom here, freedom to do that which is right. If you want freedom to sin, there are many schools that have that too.

Floor leaders for the most part do aid in the function of the college (no loud music or parties at night, and a sense that there is someone you can go to for help or a question rather than one RA who is never around (I'm giving a postitive vote for floorleaders..since I am to be one this year.)

3. OPPORTUNITIES: There is so much one can get involved in. If one is into sports there is every sport imaginable. If one is into the arts—they've got it. Christian Service—there is pages of different ones. PCC is a great place because one can choose how and what he wants in order to effectivly grow (as opposed to a place that does not offer much.) One can make as many friends as one chooses to make, because thousands of people mill around all day.

4. Beautiful Campus and Great Food for the best price- I know this may be carnal, but one is paying good money to go to a college and room there. One defintely gets his money worth in the nice dorms (minus Ballard which needs a good bull dozing), and the plethora of food choices (to borrow a PCC promo phrase "choices glalore") The campus is better than what is looks like on the DVD and actually a lot better place than what the old DVD portrayed (the new one is more accurate.)

CONCLUSION: For what one is paying it would be better to get over any minor problems and attend PCC for a much cheaper price at a higher value than other Christian colleges. Personally, I think there is not enough emphasis on the the Bible department, and to train more ministry Crown College may be a better option. The college would be awesome if the students caught on fire for the Lord and the collge focused more on ministry rather than other activities. If the Lord calls you here, you will be happy. If the Lord calls you elsewhere, then go there. e-mail me if you have questions…I will be honest and open ()