The nominations will come during this year’s Pastors’ Conference meeting, set for Nov. 9-10 at First Orlando, held in conjunction with the Florida Baptist State Convention annual meeting.

Ethan Jago, 5 Bridges Church, Panama City

Ethan Jago, lead pastor of 5 Bridges Church in Panama City, will be nominated by fellow Florida Baptist pastor Jeff Childers to serve as president of the 2025-26 Florida Baptist Pastors’ Conference.

Childers, lead pastor of  The Shepherd’s Church in Baker, said, “Ethan Jago is passionate, first and foremost, about seeing the Word of God taking its rightful place of authority in both the lives of individuals and in the church corporately. His life, ministry and preaching reflect that this is true. You can look merely at his resume without knowing him personally and discern that whatever this guy is doing, he is sold out in doing it.”

Jago’s resume includes being a U.S. Air Force Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape (SERE) Specialist for 15 years and then serving as a private military contractor for four years beyond that, Childers said.

“Even presently, he is continuing somewhat in that same vein as the founder and owner of a Brazilian Ju Jitsu training facility while also being the pastor at 5 Bridges Church,” he said.

Following his career in the military, he served as the young adults pastor at Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola.

Jago hosts the Battlefield Theologian Podcast, and he co-authored a study through 1 & 2 Peter, an eight-session Bible study for teens, with his wife Dianne, released in October 2024.

“Ethan would attack the responsibilities of being president of the Pastors’

Conference with the same dedication and fervor that he has exhibited in all these other accomplishments. But most importantly, he will do it with the burning desire to see the totality of the Word of God transcendent in the hearts and minds of every pastor present,” Childers said.

Jago holds a Master of Divinity in Apologetics degree and a Doctor of Ministry in Theology/Apologetics degree both from Liberty University.

He and his wife have three children.

Jeff Robinson, Grace Fellowship: A Church for All Nations, West Palm Beach

Jeff Robinson, pastor of Grace Fellowship: A Church for All Nations in West Palm Beach, will be nominated by fellow Florida Baptist pastor James Ross to serve as president of the 2025-26 Florida Baptist Pastors’ Conference.

Ross, pastor of Church on Bayshore in Niceville, said, “It will be my honor to nominate Jeff Robinson to serve as president of the 2025-26 Florida Baptist Pastors’ Conference. Having grown up in a pastor’s home, Jeff understands the unique pressures on pastors and their families. Jeff’s desire to strengthen and encourage fellow pastors is obvious to anyone who knows him.

“I learned this about Jeff when I first met him more than 20 years ago during my first semester as a student at the Baptist University of Florida (BCF at the time). He was a recent graduate and was pastoring nearby Iron City Baptist Church. He invested time in guys who were a step behind him, encouraging us and equipping us as we pursued God’s call on our lives.”

Robinson has served as lead pastor of Grace Fellowship: A Church for All Nations since 2016. Under his leadership, the church has experienced “incredible growth in baptisms, discipleship and leadership development,” Ross said, and Robinson has also “led the church to become more involved in Baptist life.”

Serving beyond his local church, “Jeff has modeled service to our convention, serving as the first vice president for the State Board of Missions and as the chair of the search team that recommended Stephen Rummage to the role of Florida Baptists’ executive director-treasurer. If Jeff is elected by my fellow Florida Baptist pastors to lead the 2025-26 Pastors’ Conference, I am certain that God will be honored, leaders will be equipped and unity will be strengthened,” Ross said.

Robinson holds an Advanced Master of Divinity in Apologetics degree from Southwestern Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Philosophy in Apologetics degree from Liberty University. He has taught graduate and undergraduate courses in philosophy, apologetics and theology, and he is the author of Persuasive Apologetics: The Art of Handling Tough Questions without Pushing People Away.

He and his wife have four sons.

JACKSONVILLE – Al asumir el cargo de director ejecutivo-tesorero de la Convención Bautista de Florida el 17 de agosto de 2024, Stephen Rummage fue reconocido con un servicio oficial de instalación durante la reunión de la Junta Estatal de Misiones los días 24 y 25 de abril en el edificio bautista en Jacksonville.

Durante el servicio de instalación, Josh Reavis, pastor de North Jacksonville Baptist Church, donde Rummage y su esposa Michele son miembros, se enfocó en 2 Timoteo 2 y desafió a Rummage a “mantenerse en lo básico”, centrándose en “el Señor, Su palabra y Su obra”. Exhortó al director ejecutivo-tesorero a no “discutir por palabras” sino a “presentarse como un obrero aprobado por Dios”, uno que interpreta correctamente “la palabra de verdad”. También lo animó a “vivir de manera digna de Jesucristo” y a “huir del pecado y correr hacia Jesús”.

“Permanezcan en la misión”

Hablando ante la Junta Estatal de Misiones el 25 de abril, Stephen Rummage ofreció un resumen de sus primeros meses como director ejecutivo-tesorero de los Bautistas de Florida. En la Gira Continuando Juntos, Rummage informó que durante siete semanas viajó 5,500 millas por todo el estado, visitó 17 lugares y participó en 17 eventos. Dijo: “Fue un calendario desafiante, pero estoy muy agradecido de haberlo hecho”, y añadió que le ayudó conocer a los Bautistas de Florida “en su propio contexto”.

Durante la gira, Rummage y su esposa recibieron cientos de tarjetas de oración de pastores y líderes bautistas de Florida, y oran por esas necesidades y peticiones durante sus comidas juntos.

“Estoy muy emocionado por lo que Dios está haciendo entre los Bautistas de Florida en nuestras iglesias—cómo estamos marcando una diferencia para el evangelio juntos—y por lo que Dios tiene preparado para nosotros en el futuro”, dijo.

Basándose en Filipenses 3:12-14, Rummage animó a los Bautistas de Florida a “permanecer en la misión”. Permanecer en la misión, dijo, significa “reconocer que aún no has llegado”. Explicó: “Todos somos aprendices en un oficio que nadie ha perfeccionado”.

Segundo, permanecer en la misión también significa “recordar que perteneces a Jesucristo”. Rummage dijo: “El factor motivador para permanecer en la misión es darnos cuenta de que le pertenecemos a Él”.

Tercero, permanecer en la misión significa “rehusar vivir en el pasado”. El apóstol Pablo, dijo Rummage, “se negó deliberadamente a quedarse en el pasado—bueno o malo, logros o fracasos—para poder seguir avanzando hacia lo próximo que Dios tenía para él”.

Finalmente, permanecer en la misión significa “extenderse hacia lo que Dios tiene para ti”. Dijo: “Hay un premio por alcanzar. El premio celestial es, en última instancia, Jesús mismo: Su misión, Su gloria”.

Cuatro imperativos misionales

Rummage declaró que la misión Justo a tu lado de la Convención Bautista de Florida es “servir, equipar y apoyar a nuestras iglesias mientras hacemos discípulos de todas las naciones a través del evangelio de Jesucristo”.

Explicó cuatro “imperativos misionales para cumplir nuestra misión”:

1. Evangelizar a los perdidos y bautizar a los nuevos creyentes.

2. Llamar y discipular a más creyentes llamados por Dios para cumplir la Gran Comisión.

3. Plantar y revitalizar más iglesias.

4. Dar con mayor generosidad para apoyar nuestros esfuerzos misioneros cooperativos.

El director ejecutivo-tesorero informó los grandes avances que los Bautistas de Florida ya han logrado con estos imperativos. Instó a los asistentes a “tomarse un momento para celebrar cómo Dios está obrando a través de cada uno de estos imperativos”.

En evangelismo y bautismos, Rummage informó que las iglesias bautistas de Florida bautizaron a 30,701 personas en 2024. “Cada bautismo representa un alma salvada y un corazón transformado por la gracia de Dios. A Dios sea la gloria”, dijo.

En el llamado y la preparación de los llamados, afirmó que lo que más escucha de pastores y líderes en todo el estado es la necesidad de más personas para hacer la obra de Dios. Afirmó la decisión de la Junta Estatal de Misiones durante su reunión de abril de 2025 de proporcionar un adelanto rotativo de $1 millón a la Universidad Bautista de Florida mientras espera reembolsos de seguros para renovar su campus tras daños devastadores por huracanes. Este adelanto rotativo, dijo, “es una inversión que puede dar grandes frutos al preparar a la próxima generación de hombres y mujeres llamados por Dios”.

Rummage también afirmó que los líderes de ministerios de próxima generación de los Bautistas de Florida están equipando a muchos individuos para el trabajo del reino.

En plantación y revitalización de iglesias, Rummage dijo que Send Network Florida reportó que, durante el primer trimestre de 2025, los plantadores de iglesias registraron 840 conversiones, 305 bautismos y 5,742 conversaciones evangelísticas.

En dar con mayor generosidad, dijo que 2025 marca el centenario del Programa Cooperativo y que se retará a cada iglesia bautista de Florida a dar $100 adicionales por mes a la iniciativa cooperativa, con fondos designados para el bienestar pastoral y la movilización de la próxima generación.

Para concluir, Rummage afirmó: “Estoy emocionado por hacia dónde se dirigen los Bautistas de Florida. ¡Permanezcamos en la misión!”

Panorama financiero

Durante su sesión administrativa de abril de 2025, los miembros de la Junta Estatal se enteraron de que el total acumulado del presupuesto CP de los Bautistas de Florida supera en $52,578 las proyecciones. Además, durante los primeros tres meses de 2025, los Bautistas de Florida dieron $5,193,672 en ofrendas designadas. La Junta aprobó una distribución del 4.5% del Fondo de Dotación CP, establecido en 2000 para generar ingresos que complementen las ofrendas del Programa Cooperativo, al presupuesto CP de 2025 de la convención.

Después de informar que se recibieron $815,363 para la Ofrenda Estatal de Misiones Maguire 2024, la Junta recomendó una meta de $1 millón para 2025, destinados exclusivamente al Fondo Send Network Florida para la plantación de iglesias.

La Junta también se enteró de que se proporcionaron $19,574.80 en asistencia financiera para 26 pastores durante el primer trimestre de 2025.

La próxima reunión de la Junta Estatal se llevará a cabo los días 21 y 22 de agosto en Jacksonville.

JACKSONVILLE– Taking on the role of executive director-treasurer of the Florida Baptist Convention Aug. 17, 2024, Stephen Rummage was recognized with an official service of installation during the State Board of Missions meeting April 24-25 at the Baptist Building in Jacksonville.

During the installation service, Josh Reavis, pastor of North Jacksonville Baptist Church, where Rummage and his wife Michele are members, focused on 2 Timothy 2 and challenged Rummage to “stick to the basics,” focusing on “the Lord, His word and His work.” He exhorted the executive director-treasurer not to “quarrel about words” but instead to “present yourself as a worker approved by God,” one who rightly divides the “word of truth.” He further encouraged Rummage to “live in a way worthy of Jesus Christ” and to “run from sin and run to Jesus.”

Speaking to the State Board April 25, Rummage provided a recap of his first several months serving as Florida Baptists’ executive director-treasurer. On the Continuing Together Tour, Rummage reported that the tour was conducted over the past seven weeks, when he traveled 5,500 miles throughout the state, visited 17 locations and participated in 17 events. He stated, “It was a challenging schedule, but I’m so thankful we did it,” adding that it was helpful for him to meet Florida Baptists “in their own context.”

Throughout the tour, Rummage and his wife received hundreds of prayer cards from Florida Baptist pastors and leaders, and they pray over these needs and requests during their meal times together.

“I am so excited about what God is doing among Florida Baptists in our churches–how we are making a difference for the gospel together–and what God has in store for us in the future,” he said.

‘Stay on mission’

Focusing on Philippians 3:12-14, Rummage encouraged Florida Baptists to “stay on mission.” Staying on mission, he said, means “recognizing you’ve not yet arrived.” Rummage explained, “We are all apprentices in a craft that no one has mastered.”

Second, staying on mission also means “remembering you belong to Jesus Christ.” Rummage said, “The motivating factor for staying on mission is realizing we belong to Him.”

Third, staying on mission means “refusing to live in the past.” The Apostle Paul, Rummage said, “deliberately refused to dwell on anything from the past–good or bad, accomplishments or failures–so that he could keep pushing into the next thing God had for him.”

Finally, staying on mission, Rummage said, means “reaching forward to what God has for you.” He said, “There’s a prize to pursue. The heavenly prize is ultimately Jesus Himself—His mission, His glory.”

Four mission imperatives

Rummage stated that the Florida Baptist Convention’s Right Beside You mission is “to serve, equip and support our churches as we make disciples of all nations through the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

He outlined four “mission imperatives for accomplishing our mission.” Those mission imperatives are:

1. Evangelize the lost and baptize new believers.
2. Call out and disciple more God-called believers to fulfill the Great Commission.
3. Plant and revitalize more churches.
4. Give more generously to support our cooperative mission efforts.

The executive director-treasurer reported the great strides that Florida Baptists have already made with these imperatives. He urged attendees to “take a moment to celebrate how God is working through each of these imperatives.”

In evangelism and baptisms, Rummage reported that Florida Baptist churches baptized 30,701 people in 2024. “Every baptism represents a soul saved and a heart transformed by God’s grace. To God be the glory,” he said.

In calling out and equipping the called, he said that “one thing” he hears consistently from pastors and leaders across the state is the need for more people to do God’s work. He affirmed the decision of the State Board of Missions during its April 2025 meeting to provide a $1 million rolling advance to Baptist University of Florida as it awaits insurance reimbursements to renovate its campus following devastating hurricane damage. The rolling advance, he said, “is an investment that can pay major dividends in training up the next generation of God-called men and women.”

Rummage also stated that Florida Baptists’ next generation ministries leaders are equipping many individuals for kingdom work.

In planting and revitalizing churches, Rummage said that Send Network Florida states that church planters, during the first quarter of 2025, reported 840 salvations, 305 baptisms and 5,742 gospel conversations.

In giving more generously to support cooperative mission efforts, Rummage said that 2025 marks the 100^th anniversary of the Cooperative Program and that each Florida Baptist church will be challenged to give $100 more each month to the cooperative funding initiative, with monies earmarked for pastor wellness and next generation mobilization.

In closing, Rummage stated, “I’m excited about where Florida Baptists are going. Let’s stay on mission!”

Financial snapshot

During their April 2025 business session, State Board members learned that the year-to-date total for Florida Baptist CP budget receipts is $52,578 above projections. Additionally, during the first three months of 2025, Florida Baptists have given $5,193,672 in designated gifts. The Board approved a distribution of 4.5% from the CP Endowment Fund, established in 2000 to create an income stream to supplement CP giving, to the convention’s 2025 CP budget.

After reporting that $815,363 was received for the 2024 Maguire State Mission Offering, the Board recommended a 2025 goal of $1 million, earmarked exclusively for the Send Network Florida Fund for church planting.

The Board learned that a total of $19,574.80 was provided in financial assistance for 26 pastors during the first quarter of 2025.

The next State Board meeting will be held Aug. 21-22 in Jacksonville.

El tema de este año, “¿Soy llamado? ¿Me llaman?” Desafió a los asistentes a buscar la dirección de Dios para sus vidas en el ministerio y las misiones. La participación de estudiantes y adultos jóvenes en el campamento ha llevado a un creciente compromiso de la misión entre las iglesias hispanas en Florida. Cada verano, más de 125 jóvenes creyentes hispanos se embarcan en viajes misioneros, y algunos se comprometen al servicio a largo plazo a través de Send Relief y la Junta de Misiones Internacionales.

El campamento, que se celebró en el Centro de Conferencias Bautistas de Tampa Bay, contó con una diversa alineación de oradores, incluidos oradores de Baptist Collegiate Ministries de la Universidad del Sur de Florida, pastores locales y misioneros de Send Relief en los Estados Unidos y Puerto Rico. Emanuel Roque, el catalizador multicultural hispano de Florida Baptist, también habló con el grupo. Como resultado del fin de semana, 13 personas respondieron a un llamado a las misiones y al ministerio. Para equiparlos aún más, cada asistente recibió una copia del libro de Jeff Iorg, “¿Estoy llamado?”

Mientras los estudiantes eran inspirados y entrenados, 52 pastores y líderes de iglesias hispanas se reunieron para un evento de capacitación de dos días dirigido por Annel Robayna, el catalizador hispano de la Junta de Misiones Internacionales. Introdujo el proceso “8 pasos para continuar con la misión”, una nueva estrategia de equipamiento de la misión para las iglesias. Esta formación es una de las primeras realizadas en español, y varios pastores se han comprometido a replicar la enseñanza en sus iglesias. Además, cuatro pastores Bautistas de Florida ya se han asociado con una iglesia en Carolina del Sur para una iniciativa de misión en Cuba, con otras oportunidades de misión en desarrollo.

“Estamos viendo el fruto de años de oración por el avivamiento, el despertar espiritual y un movimiento de la Gran Comisión entre las iglesias hispanas”, dijo Roque. “Dios está obrando fuertemente”.

Las iglesias hispanas se unen en una iniciativa de oración de 28 días

En un esfuerzo paralelo, las iglesias hispanas de toda Florida participaron en una jornada  de oración de 28 días utilizando “Partners in Prayer” de Stephen y Michele Rummage. Esta iniciativa de oración, dirigida por el pastor José Cardona, pastor del Templo Bíblico Bautista de Oración en Winter Garden, proporciona una guía para la oración estratégica, uniendo a las iglesias mientras buscan el movimiento de Dios en sus comunidades.

Este tiempo colectivo de oración, que tuvo lugar del 1 al 28 de febrero, coincide con la gira Continuando Juntos de Rummage y también preparará corazones para sus mensajes en los próximos retiros y conferencias de pastores y esposas en Lake Yale. La guía de oración se ha distribuido a todos los pastores e iglesias hispanos, y también está disponible para descargar en la página web hispana de la Convención Bautista de Florida para un acceso más amplio.

A través de estos esfuerzos combinados en misiones y oración, las iglesias hispanas de los Bautistas de Florida continúan viendo al Señor trabajar de maneras poderosas, movilizando a una nueva generación para ir, servir y compartir el evangelio.

Para obtener más información sobre estas iniciativas, visite la sección de Ministerios Hispanos del sitio web de la Convención Bautista de Florida en Www.flbaptist.org/espanol

The year was 1985 and Tim Wilder had flowing, longish brown hair and drove a customized van when he was tapped as youth pastor of the church in central Florida.

For the next 11 years, Wilder ministered to, shared the gospel with and discipled youth. In 1996 when the lead pastor of First Baptist Church of Kissimmee retired, church leaders asked Wilder to serve as interim pastor while they prayed for a new pastor.

It wasn’t long before church leaders saw their new pastor standing right in front of them: Tim Wilder.

On Feb. 2, 2025, the church celebrated the 40^th anniversary of Wilder’s ministry to the church and community.

A vision for the church

Even as a young pastor, Wilder recalled, “God gave me a vision for this church,” adding that Matthew16:18 grounds the vision: “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (NIV).

After sharing the vision with church members, Pastor Wilder met with Kissimmee local officials and asked them two questions: 1. What are the primary needs in this city? and 2. How can our church meet those needs?  Since then, he has worked tirelessly with church members and staff, volunteers and community leaders to bring this five-part vision to fruition:  Build for Strength, Build for Health, Build for Life, Build for Missions and Build for Worship.

During the recent celebration service, Wilder shared how the vision has unfolded through the years. 

Build for Strength. The church builds strong communities of believers through Sunday school small groups, discipleship training on Wednesday nights, and building Christian leaders on Sunday nights. The number of baptisms reached 1,855 in 2024.

Build for Health. Under Pastor Wilder’s leadership, the church partnered with Foundation Counseling, Inc. in St. Cloud.  Today, First Baptist Church of Kissimmee has a Christian counseling center on campus. Its fees are on a floating scale. In 2024, 241 clients were served, and seven counselors were available.

Build for Life. “The Osceola Pregnancy Center has outgrown its facilities,” said Wilder during the celebration.

“At least 1,100 families have been served. In 2024, 19 babies were saved from being aborted,” he added.

Moms are encouraged to join a discipleship group at the church. Also, because of Wilder’s vision, the church partnered with the Florida Baptist Convention to have a mobile anti-human trafficking ministry.

Build for Missions. Pastor Wilder prays for more intentional local and global mission trips.  For local missions, he envisions the church’s recreation ministry as a hub that attracts the community. Area residents come for gymnastics, soccer, pickleball, taekwondo and basketball.

“This ministry is an opportunity to have some gospel conversations with the unsaved,” he said. Many have made professions of faith, and others have joined the church because of the ministry. In 2024, 441 families were served, with 300 participants having no church affiliation.

Additionally, the church has built strong partnerships with eight local schools under Pastor Wilder’s guidance. The Serve the City Ministry serves in multiple capacities, including meals to partner schools during preplanning days. The church has held after-school programs to teach Bible lessons to children. Another community outreach is the annual fall festival. Pastor Wilder began this tradition when his children were small. Attendance has increased to 1,300 people for a family-friendly environment.

“This is an opportunity to preach the gospel to the community,” said Wilder.

For global missions, the pastor encourages First Baptist Church of Kissimmee to remain faithful to its commitment to missionaries abroad. He has prayed over countless church members who have been called to the mission field. Trenton Livingston of the International Mission Board is one of many. Livingston was born and raised under Pastor Wilder’s ministry.

“I was nervous when I first got behind the podium to preach. But Pastor Wilder approached me and told me that he had been preaching for 25 years and still gets nervous. That encouraged me.  The pastor prayed for me even when I was in the womb,” recalled Livingston.

Build for Worship. Pastor Wilder briefly highlighted the necessary repairs in the current worship center. He shared a video of what the physical transformation of the place of worship will look like once the renovation is complete.

A rich legacy

Reflecting on Pastor Wilder’s legacy at First Baptist Church of Kissimmee, longtime member Nancy Clemons, said, “When I saw his long hair and the customized van parked outside the church, I thought, ‘What have we gotten ourselves into?’ What I love about Pastor Tim Wilder is the way he preaches to us. I love the way he interprets Scriptures.”

Executive Pastor Jeff Lehman, who has served at the church for 13 years under Wilder’s leadership, shared, “I was 15 years old when I started attending First Baptist Church of Kissimmee because Youth Pastor Tim Wilder came over to my house and invited me to church.” Lehman added that during a youth camp organized by Wilder, he met his wife, Tessa.

Pastor Wilder and his wife, Nancy, discipled the young couple before marriage. Wilder later performed their wedding ceremony. The five members of the Lehman family are all involved in church ministry today.

Lehman expressed gratefulness for Wilder and his ministry, “Thank you for your commitment to God’s word. You are the same behind the scenes.”

Former worship director Mark Epperson also commented, “The greatest example you’ve always given us is your love for God’s word, your family, this church and the community.”

Jeffery Singletary, Florida Baptists’ Central region catalyst, affirms Wilder and his faithful leadership through the years.

“Pastor Tim is a tremendous shepherd. He is a very kind and tenderhearted pastor. He cares deeply for his members and the community. His people love him very much, and he loves them. First Baptist Church Kissimmee is a great church with an even greater leader,” Singletary said.

During the celebration service, Kissimmee Vice City Mayor Angela Eady presented Pastor Wilder and his wife with a proclamation plaque from the city. As she read the proclamation, the vice mayor highlighted Pastor Wilder’s contributions to a better community over the past 40 years. For 25 years, the church’s Osceola Christian Ministry Center near downtown Kissimmee served the city’s homeless and less fortunate population.

Rather than keeping the focus on the past 40 years, Wilder continues to look forward. He shared what he called “God-size news.” A member recently donated a five-acre lot behind the church.

“We have prayed for 28 years for that land,” said Wilder. “We will build a one-stop shop for the Build for Life Ministries called Osceola Life Center. A two-story facility will house ministries that could transform lives: a Christian adoption and foster care ministry, a single moms ministry with a pregnancy center, a counseling office and an anti-human trafficking ministry.”

After 40 years, Wilder may have shorter hair and a more mainstream vehicle, but he holds fast to His God-given vision for First Baptist Church of Kissimmee and leans into the biblical promise of his favorite Scripture: “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (NKJV).

This year’s theme, “Soy llamado? Am I Called?” challenged attendees to seek God’s direction for their lives in ministry and missions. Student and young adult participation in the camp has led to growing mission engagement among Hispanic churches in Florida. Each summer, more than 125 young Hispanic believers embark on mission trips, with some committing to longer-term service through Send Relief and the International Mission Board.

The camp, held at Tampa Bay Baptist Conference Center, featured a diverse lineup of speakers, including speakers from Baptist Collegiate Ministries at the University of South Florida, local pastors, and missionaries from Send Relief in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Emanuel Roque, Florida Baptist’s Hispanic multicultural catalyst, also spoke to the group. As a result of the weekend, 13 individuals responded to a call to missions and ministry. To further equip them, each attendee received a copy of Jeff Iorg’s book, “Am I Called?”

While students were being inspired and trained, 52 pastors and mission leaders gathered for a two-day training event led by Annel Robayna, the International Mission Board’s Hispanic catalyst. He introduced the “8 Steps on Continuing the Mission” process, a new mission equipping strategy for churches. This training is among the first conducted in Spanish, and several pastors have committed to replicating the teaching in their churches. Additionally, four Florida Baptist pastors have already partnered with a church in South Carolina for a mission initiative in Cuba, with other mission opportunities in development.

“We are seeing the fruit of years of prayer for revival, spiritual awakening and a Great Commission movement among Hispanic churches,” said Roque. “God is greatly at work.”

Hispanic churches unite in 28-day prayer initiative

In a parallel effort, Hispanic churches across Florida engaged in a 28-day prayer journey using “Partners in Prayer” by Stephen and Michele Rummage. This prayer initiative, led by Pastor Jose Cardona, pastor at Templo Biblico Bautista in Winter Garden, provides a guide for strategic prayer, uniting churches as they seek God’s movement in their communities.

This collective time of prayer, which took place Feb. 1-28, coincides with Rummage’s Continuing Together tour and will also prepare hearts for his messages at the upcoming pastors and wives retreats and conferences at Lake Yale. The prayer guide has been distributed to all Hispanic pastors and churches, and it is also available for download on the Florida Baptist Convention’s Hispanic webpage for broader access.

Through these combined efforts in missions and prayer, Florida Baptists’ Hispanic churches continue to see the Lord work in powerful ways, mobilizing a new generation to go, serve and share the gospel.

For more information on these initiatives, visit the Hispanic ministries section of the Florida Baptist Convention website.

Haag served as the organization’s president and CEO for the past 18 years. Under his leadership, One More Child went from serving 3,351 children and individuals in 2007 to 250,259 in 2023. While One More Child’s global headquarters is based in Lakeland, its services have expanded nationally and globally, serving foster children, hungry children, single moms, struggling families and survivors of human trafficking. In his new role, Haag will focus primarily on expanding the organization’s Foundation, which was established in 2011, to directly support the mission of One More Child.

Robert has held leadership roles at One More Child over a 15-year span, serving as COO for the past four years. He was instrumental in developing the organization’s strategic vision and carrying out its national expansion efforts in North Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Texas.

In his new role, Robert will continue to lead One More Child’s growth and expansion while overseeing capital projects underway in Lakeland, Tampa, Jacksonville and Sarasota.

Acknowledging these leadership transitions, Stephen Rummage, executive director-treasurer for the Florida Baptist Convention, said, “One More Child continues to be a major force for Florida Baptists in bringing hope and wholeness to children and families. Michele and I have been personally blessed by our friendship with Jerry and Christi Haag over the years. Dr. Haag’s transformational leadership at One More Child has made a huge contribution to God’s kingdom and Florida Baptists. I know he will continue to serve with distinction as he transitions to the One More Child Foundation.

“I am equally convinced that Stephen Robert will bring stellar and stalwart leadership as the CEO of One More Child. I know there are great days ahead for One More Child and the precious families this ministry serves.”

One More Child Board Chair Spike Hogan agrees, saying, “One More Child has undergone tremendous growth under the exceptional leadership of Dr. Haag. When I joined the board, we were just a Florida-focused ministry. Today, we are worldwide. Millions of vulnerable children and struggling families have received life-changing services because of his passion and innovative approach to helping people in their greatest time of need.”

Hogan, senior pastor of Chets Creek Church in Jacksonville, continued, “With Dr. Haag continuing to build the Foundation and Stephen taking the helm as the organization’s new CEO, we will grow stronger and expand wider to reach those who are suffering and hurting in our communities and across the globe.”

The Continuing Together Tour is an opportunity for local church pastors, leaders and Florida Baptists from across the Sunshine State to gather and “learn about our blueprint to help fuel your church in its mission, grow in community with your fellow Florida Baptist family, and learn how you can be part of what God is doing in Florida.”

Rummage and his wife, Michele, are traveling to Florida Baptist churches in all six regions—visiting 14 locations across 11 days. Kicking off the statewide tour, Rummage has already shared his vision at Idlewild Baptist Church in Tampa, Lakes Church in Lakeland, First Baptist Church Orlando, First Baptist Church Orange Park in Jacksonville, and First Baptist Church Daytona.

Rummage is using the Continuing Together Tour to remind Florida Baptists of the incredible privilege and weighty calling “to evangelize the lost, baptize new believers, disciple followers of Christ to fulfill the Great Commission, and give generously to support our cooperative mission efforts.”

In an online video, Rummage said the tour is an opportunity for him “to share what God has placed on my heart for the future of our convention and our communities,” said Rummage. “I believe that God is calling us to a season of renewed unity and bold action.”

“This tour is all about listening, learning and continuing forward together,” he continued. “Each stop on the tour is designed to be a meaningful time of fellowship, encouragement and vision.”

Taking to social media, Lakes Church called the morning a “gathering of vision and purpose.”

“Today, we were blessed to host an incredible gathering of pastors and ministry leaders at Lakes Church for the Florida Baptist Continuing Together Tour,” the church posted on social media. “Dr. Stephen Rummage shared his powerful vision for the Florida Baptist Convention, inspiring us all with a blueprint focused on fueling our collective mission.”

On its online post, the Central region church also expressed a distinctive mark among Florida Baptist churches—cooperative mission.

“What a joy to grow in community with our Florida Baptist family,” said the Lakes Church post. “Together, we’re part of something greater—God’s remarkable work unfolding across our state … God is doing great things in Florida!”

In another online post, First Baptist Church Orange Park in Jacksonville also expressed gratitude for the cooperative effort and unity among Florida Baptist churches. “We are thankful to be a Baptist church in partnership with our Florida Baptist Convention.”

Attending the tour in Lakeland, DeWayne Howard, pastor at GraceWay Church of Plant City, left encouraged and fueled to keep serving and pressing on. “What a great time we had at Lakes Church today for the Continuing Together Tour of the Florida Baptist Convention,” Howard said in an online post. “The worship with other pastors was amazing! Thank you to Dr. Stephen Rummage for sharing your heart, passion, and missional challenge with us today.”

Upcoming Continuing Together Tour locations and dates are:

Miami, Southeast Regional Center • Feb. 27 • 7-9:30 p.m. (Hispanic) 

Coral Springs, Parkridge Church • Feb. 28 • 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 

Miami, Southeast Regional Center • Feb. 28 • 7-9:30 p.m. (Haitian) 

Gainesville, Westside • March 4 • 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 

Sarasota, First Baptist • March 6 • 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 

Ft. Myers, Crossroads • March 6 • 6-8:30 p.m. 

Niceville, Church on Bayshore • March 11• 6-8:30 p.m. 

Tallahassee, City Church • March 19 •10 a.m-12:30 p.m.

Pensacola, Hillcrest • March 25 • 6-8:30 p.m.

To register for or to find more information on the Continuing Together Tour, go here.

Many of the children who learn to worship inside the walls of the newly constructed children’s building at First Baptist Church of Milton will one day bring their own children to learn to worship in the same building, he believes.

“Throughout the building process, we learned and practiced sacrificial giving and prayer for current and future generations,” added Russell.

In 2020, First Baptist Church of Milton began a phased long-range plan to remodel the church kitchen and build a new food pantry, followed by construction of a new children’s building. The first phase of construction was fully funded by the sale of a campground the church owned but did not use.

The more extensive children’s facility was funded through Project Reach, a 30-month commitment made by church members to give to the building project. During the three-year campaign, the church focused on reaching up to glorify God, reaching in with ministry to current church members and reaching out to the community.

Following the initial campaign, Project Reach(ing) the Goal extended the campaign for six months, enabling anyone desiring to continue to give to help provide furnishings for the building. At the end of 36 months, the church had completely funded construction and furnishing of the facility with zero debt.

With only a few design issues to be resolved, the process was smooth and resulted in a beautiful facility to minister to generations to come.

“Any time we weren’t sure how to make something work, the Lord provided,” said Russell. “Our committee, led by Al Faulkner, did an outstanding job of managing the costs and the needs for ministry.”

With the nursery, preschool and elementary children previously spread out across the campus in different buildings, the new facility gives parents the ease of checking into one area with children in multiple age groups. The central welcome center and check-in near the entrance has created more consolidated security as well.

In addition to classrooms for children of various ages, the facility houses a supply room, a small kitchen and a quiet room for nursing mothers.

Children are welcomed into the facility on Sundays and Wednesdays and for special events throughout the year, like vacation Bible school this summer, when the church will minister to children who come from all over the county to learn about God’s love.

During the past 16 years that Tim Grosshans has served as pastor, he has led his congregation to increase its giving percentage to the Cooperative Program each budget year, topping 10 percent.

“For 16 years straight, our church has outgiven the church budget,” said Grosshans. “We’re a strongly committed Southern Baptist church that is committed to the Cooperative Program.”

Describing the Cooperative Program as being the “financial fuel for reaching every person for Jesus Christ in every town, every city, every state and every nation,” he said it allows the central Florida church to partner alongside churches across the Sunshine State and nation to champion a great “movement” of reaching people.

100 years of cooperative giving for Southern Baptists

This year, Southern Baptists are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Cooperative Program, Southern Baptists’ unified funding initiative for fulfilling the Great Commission.

First Baptist Church of Winter Garden is not alone in its commitment to the Cooperative Program. Since the Cooperative Program’s inception in 1925 through 2023, Florida Baptists have given $1,349,685,999 cumulatively through the unified funding initiative to propel great missions and ministry for the advancement of the gospel. Final numbers for 2024 Cooperative Program receipts from Florida Baptist churches are still being tallied.

As the Florida Baptist Convention receives Cooperative Program funds from churches throughout the state, it sends 51 percent to the Southern Baptist Convention for cooperative efforts and retains 49 percent for missions and ministries in Florida.

These crucial Cooperative Program funds have sent missionaries around the globe through the International Mission Board, fueled evangelism and church planting in North America, reached people with the gospel throughout Florida, helped educate countless pastors and missionaries at Southern Baptists’ six seminaries, and driven many more gospel-centered endeavors.

Ministry fueled by generosity

When Grosshans was asked what is so special about his congregation, he reiterated the church’s mission-minded generosity and joy. “We’re a church committed to an ever-increasing generosity to missions,” he said. “It’s probably the warmest fellowship with great unity and joy.”

This joy and generosity fuel the church to give over and beyond each year to local missions, reaching the next generation and influencing culture with the gospel.

In its commitment to “loving God and sharing His love with others,” the church was pivotal in opening the Hope Center Thrift Store, where every purchase provides vital services to members of the community.

The church also is committed to reaching the next generation. For more than 65 years, the church has used education to reach children, students and young families with the gospel. Both the Winter Garden Academy—a childcare and preschool ministry—and Foundation Academy—a kindergarten through 12th grade private school—have played a vital role in the church’s mission to “disciple and evangelize” young people, said the pastor. Foundation Academy now enrolls more than 1,300 students.

Seeing more than 100 people make professions of faith this past year, Grosshans is confident that First Baptist Church of Winter Garden is not slowing down anytime soon.

‘Great missionary movement’

In celebrating 100 years of the Cooperative Program, Grosshans wants First Baptist Church of Winter Garden to champion the cooperative effort of Baptists for the next 100 years—all for the glory of God.

“We are privileged to be a part of a great missionary movement called the Southern Baptist Convention,” he said. “We need to take joy in that and celebrate what we can do cooperatively.”