Fruitland Baptist Bible College is owned and operated by the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.  The main campus is located in Hendersonville, NC (near Asheville).  The school is widely acclaimed for its emphasis on practical ministry training to equip its studentsfor service in the local church.  Many students continue their education after completing an Associate Degree at Fruitland.  Over 1400 Fruitland graduates currently serve as ministers in churches in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia. 

     The NRBA agreed to partner with Fruitland Bible College in early 2012 to establish a satellite campus in Rocky Mount to provide training for ministers and laymen that want to grow in their ministry skills.  Classes currently meet at the Word Tabernacle Church in Rocky Mount.  Dr. Bill Mackey, the former Executive Director of the Kentucky Baptist State Convention, serves as the Leadership Development Consultant for Fruitland.  He is an outstanding ministry resource for our association.

      A 16-course Ministry Certificate Program was developed that can be completed in two years.  The courses included studies in Old and New Testament, Missions, Evangelism, Bible Study Skills, Teaching and Preaching, Church Leadership and Administration, etc.  An outstanding group of instructors includes Rev. Bill Grisham, retired pastor of First Baptist, RM, who has provided a great deal of inspiration to the students. Dr. David Lenier, recently retired professor from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, will also be a wonderful addition to the teaching staff this summer. Other instructors have included ministry specialists that serve in various positions with the Baptist State Convention of NC. Southeastern Seminary and Fruitland have been so impressed with this program that they are granting partial college transfer credits for students that would like to continue their education further. 

     These classes can be a life-changing experience for any believer with a desire to grow in service for the Kingdom of God.  If you believe God is calling you to vocational ministry; want to be a more effective Sunday School Teacher, Deacon, or Ministry Leader; or desire to grow in your walk with the Lord, these classes can be a life-changing experience. 

     If you would be interested in taking a course or completing the program, contact the Association Office for more information or go to www.fruitland.edu.