Baptist Churches Reaching Florida

So much is happening in Florida churches throughout our 6 regions. Find a church. Or share how God’s working by submitting a story!

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Mission Hill Church builds for the future

Jessica Pigg 0
TEMPLE TERRACE—For about 40 years, the steeple-topped sanctuary of Mission Hill Church has been home for countless weddings, baptisms, living Christmas trees, one of the longest…
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Sproles recalls chaos and ‘God’s presence’ in FSU shooting

David Moore 0
Barry Sproles was in his car, about to leave the Florida State University campus Thursday (April 17) when he saw what looked like something out of a movie. But he knew it was real.
Read More...

Equipping the saints for small group ministry

Brooke Mannion 0
“There is a race for the hearts and lives of children,” said Dennis Dean, minister of children at Olive Baptist Church. “Beliefs and moral foundations are in place by age 13, and…
Read More...

Commissioned … Called to Go, Pray and Give

Brooke Mannion 0
“Many people have a view of missions as being overseas and around the world, but it is here in Pensacola and across the street too,” said Sean Cook, director of mobilization, Olive…
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At 140 years old, Lakes Church experiences change/maintains laser focus on mission

Jessica Pigg 0
Preparing to celebrate its 140th anniversary in May, Lakes Church in Lakeland has experienced significant change through the years, but the church’s DNA remains unchanged.
Read More...

Florida Baptist layperson, Kyle Ramsey, honored by Western Cuba Baptists

Jessica Pigg 0
HAVANA–Kyle Ramsey, a layperson at First Baptist Church Brandon, was honored recently by the Western Cuba Baptist Convention for the significant spiritual impact he has made over…
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Florida Baptists’ oldest church celebrates 200 years/looks to future

Brooke Mannion 0
First Baptist Church of Campbellton is more than just the first Baptist church in its community. True to its name and at 200 years old, it is the first continuously functioning…
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Central Florida Baptist church celebrates ‘God moving in a fresh way’

Jessica Pigg 0
What started out in the living room of Lovic and Angie Brandon’s home has now grown into a large congregation with more than 200,000 square feet of space that is being used to…
Read More...

Investing in men to invest in others

Cody Watson 0
PORT ST. JOHN–First Baptist Church of Port St. John has seen firsthand the value of investing in men. This year marked the fourth annual Men on Fire conference, a gathering…
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Florida Baptists share hope of John 3:16 on 3/16

Florida Baptist 0
From training believers to share their Christian testimonies … to inviting neighbors and friends to attend worship services … to videotaping John 3:16 in more than one language,…
Read More...

El pastor Javier Sotolongo lidera a su iglesia en un audaz crecimiento evangelístico

Keila Diaz 0
El compromiso de la Iglesia Bautista Estrella de Belén de establecer metas claras para la evangelización y el bautismo ha conducido a un notable crecimiento
Read More...

Pastor Javier Sotolongo leads church in bold evangelistic growth

Keila Diaz 0
Iglesia Bautista Estrella de Belén’s commitment to setting clear goals for evangelism and baptism has led to remarkable growth and transformation in both the congregation and…
Read More...

Statewide

Mission Hill Church builds for the future

Jessica Pigg 0
TEMPLE TERRACE—For about 40 years, the steeple-topped sanctuary of Mission Hill Church has been home for countless weddings, baptisms, living Christmas trees, one of the longest…
Read More...

Sproles recalls chaos and ‘God’s presence’ in FSU shooting

David Moore 0
Barry Sproles was in his car, about to leave the Florida State University campus Thursday (April 17) when he saw what looked like something out of a movie. But he knew it was real.
Read More...

Equipping the saints for small group ministry

Brooke Mannion 0
“There is a race for the hearts and lives of children,” said Dennis Dean, minister of children at Olive Baptist Church. “Beliefs and moral foundations are in place by age 13, and…
Read More...

Commissioned … Called to Go, Pray and Give

Brooke Mannion 0
“Many people have a view of missions as being overseas and around the world, but it is here in Pensacola and across the street too,” said Sean Cook, director of mobilization, Olive…
Read More...

At 140 years old, Lakes Church experiences change/maintains laser focus on mission

Jessica Pigg 0
Preparing to celebrate its 140th anniversary in May, Lakes Church in Lakeland has experienced significant change through the years, but the church’s DNA remains unchanged.
Read More...

Florida Baptist layperson, Kyle Ramsey, honored by Western Cuba Baptists

Jessica Pigg 0
HAVANA–Kyle Ramsey, a layperson at First Baptist Church Brandon, was honored recently by the Western Cuba Baptist Convention for the significant spiritual impact he has made over…
Read More...

Florida Baptists’ oldest church celebrates 200 years/looks to future

Brooke Mannion 0
First Baptist Church of Campbellton is more than just the first Baptist church in its community. True to its name and at 200 years old, it is the first continuously functioning…
Read More...

Central Florida Baptist church celebrates ‘God moving in a fresh way’

Jessica Pigg 0
What started out in the living room of Lovic and Angie Brandon’s home has now grown into a large congregation with more than 200,000 square feet of space that is being used to…
Read More...

Investing in men to invest in others

Cody Watson 0
PORT ST. JOHN–First Baptist Church of Port St. John has seen firsthand the value of investing in men. This year marked the fourth annual Men on Fire conference, a gathering…
Read More...

Florida Baptists share hope of John 3:16 on 3/16

Florida Baptist 0
From training believers to share their Christian testimonies … to inviting neighbors and friends to attend worship services … to videotaping John 3:16 in more than one language,…
Read More...

El pastor Javier Sotolongo lidera a su iglesia en un audaz crecimiento evangelístico

Keila Diaz 0
El compromiso de la Iglesia Bautista Estrella de Belén de establecer metas claras para la evangelización y el bautismo ha conducido a un notable crecimiento
Read More...

Pastor Javier Sotolongo leads church in bold evangelistic growth

Keila Diaz 0
Iglesia Bautista Estrella de Belén’s commitment to setting clear goals for evangelism and baptism has led to remarkable growth and transformation in both the congregation and…
Read More...

West

Equipping the saints for small group ministry

Brooke Mannion 0
“There is a race for the hearts and lives of children,” said Dennis Dean, minister of children at Olive Baptist Church. “Beliefs and moral foundations are in place by age 13, and…
Read More...

Commissioned … Called to Go, Pray and Give

Brooke Mannion 0
“Many people have a view of missions as being overseas and around the world, but it is here in Pensacola and across the street too,” said Sean Cook, director of mobilization, Olive…
Read More...

Florida Baptists’ oldest church celebrates 200 years/looks to future

Brooke Mannion 0
First Baptist Church of Campbellton is more than just the first Baptist church in its community. True to its name and at 200 years old, it is the first continuously functioning…
Read More...

Faithful, sacrificial giving impacts future generations

Brooke Mannion 0
"We currently reap the benefits of people who came before us and sacrificed,” said Jonathan Russell, pastor First Baptist Church of Milton, as he encouraged church members to have…
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Speaking the truth to a culture needing Christ’s love

Brooke Mannion 0
How does the Bible relate to the current cultural issues you face at work or that your children face in school? Why does identity matter? How does a Christian respond to the…
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Church offers warm embrace of God’s love as snow blankets northwest Florida

Brooke Mannion 0
For many in northwest Florida, the anticipation of snow was a whimsical delight and a thrilling opportunity to stay home from school and work, build snowmen and sled down hills,…
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Primera Iglesia Bautista de Panama City: ‘Missions is our DNA’

Brooke Mannion 0
PANAMA CITY–Political tensions were on the rise more than a decade ago in Venezuela where Hugh Redmon and his wife, Betsy, had served as International Mission Board missionaries…
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Next generation students provide help/encouragement after the storm

Brooke Mannion 0
PUNTA GORDA–Like many churches in the path of Hurricane Milton, Tri-City Baptist Church in Punta Gorda was hit hard. On Friday morning after the storm, volunteers from the church…
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Brian Nall to serve as West region catalyst for Florida Baptists

Margaret Colson 0
Longtime Florida Baptist Brian Nall has been tapped to serve as newly elected West region catalyst for the Florida Baptist Convention.
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Relationships, encouragement and stewardship mark the ministry of Lewis Miller, West region catalyst

Brooke Mannion 0
Building relationships with pastors and the churches they serve has been one of the greatest blessings for Lewis Miller, West region catalyst for the Florida Baptist Convention.
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Tutoring Children and Youth: More than Just Reading, Writing and Arithmetic

Brooke Mannion 0
In every county, some students struggle in some way with schoolwork, leading not only to low test scores, but also to minimal self-esteem, fear of failure, conflict within families…
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Youth event at Florida church thrives with focus on discipleship

Florida Baptist 0
By Tim Ellsworth CRAWFORDVILLE, Fla. (BP) – An annual youth evangelism event at First Baptist Church had been slowly dwindling when Tyler Pearce started as student pastor four…
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North

Baptist association ‘advances legacy’ with focus on vision

David Moore 0
The average age of the 31 Baptist churches in this small north Florida town is 114. In fact, 22 of the churches in the Middle Florida Baptist Association in Madison are more than…
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Spontaneous revival spurs baptisms, memberships and more at New Home Baptist Church

David Moore 0
It was supposed to be a regular Wednesday night service that included a short business meeting at New Home Baptist Church in Perry, but when the testimonies ran long that night,…
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‘Dreams come true’ when two churches merge as ‘Team Jesus’

Brooke Mannion 1
"There are always going to be challenges when you merge two distinctly different churches, but passing the baton to The District Church is one of the most exciting things that I’ve…
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Christmas in August delivers joy to two Florida Baptist churches

Marisol Tarango 0
Christmas seems to come earlier and earlier each year. With Christmas day less than two weeks away, two Florida Baptist churches got a jump on the gift-giving and celebrated an…
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Hudson First Baptist Church: ‘Bleeding … but still going to serve Him’

Keila Diaz 1
Like many congregations in Florida, First Baptist Church of Hudson is no stranger to the aftermath of natural disasters.
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Partnership fuels rapid response in hurricane relief

Jessica Pigg 0
Although Lake City, located about 60 miles west of Jacksonville, may have been spared the brunt of Hurricane Helene’s record-setting storm surge and fierce winds, the storm still…
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The Bridge Church: ‘Making a Way for Hope’ After Hurricane Helene

Keila Diaz 0
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the Madison community in north Florida has found itself in yet another season of recovery.
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Answering the call to serve others

David Moore 0
Category 4 Hurricane Helene lashed out with high winds and storm surge in Otter Creek, a small community located about 20 miles east of Cedar Key, leaving widespread damage and…
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Pregnancy center at First Baptist of Dunnellon shares ‘the truth of the value of life’

David Moore 0
Some of the women seeking help at the Family Hope Resource and Pregnancy Center in Dunnellon may come expecting judgment, but Marcy Maste wants them to instead feel safe,…
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Perry church ‘praising Lord in good times and bad times’

Margaret Colson 0
Florida Baptist Disaster Relief launched its mass feeding operations at First Baptist Church in Perry on Saturday, Sept. 28, following Category 4 Hurricane Helene’s destructive…
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LOGO Church shares ‘compassion of Jesus’ amid ‘brokenness’ in community

David Moore 0
LOGO Church is not your typical church name, but then this church plant in Northeast Florida is not your typical church.
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Lake Rousseau Baptist Church:

David Moore 1
Pastor Jim Kinnebrew sometimes feels like God parachuted him right down in the middle of a new church plant.
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East

Investing in men to invest in others

Cody Watson 0
PORT ST. JOHN–First Baptist Church of Port St. John has seen firsthand the value of investing in men. This year marked the fourth annual Men on Fire conference, a gathering…
Read More...

Better Together: How one Florida association is partnering together for Gospel proclamation

Baptist Press 0
Southern Baptists are better together. That’s not just a slogan for the churches in the St. John’s River Baptist Association (SJRBA) in the St. Augustine and Palatka area of…
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St. Johns River Baptist Association offers gift of gospel at Putnam County Fair

Teodosia Rivera 0
It’s not rare for people to come home from the fair with all sorts of prizes and gifts—stuffed animals, handmade trinkets, funnel cakes—but at the Putnam County Fair, there’s one…
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Father/son share co-pastor role: ‘Ready for the future’

David Moore 0
Pastor Herb Reavis and his son Josh have been working together for about 18 years at North Jacksonville Baptist Church, but now they are serving as co-pastors of the church.
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Extended Family and a Church Called Refuge

Florida Baptist 0
Josh and Beth Glymph are different, but not in the way people might expect.
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East Central Baptist Network celebrates first Hispanic pastors/wives retreat

Teodosia Rivera 0
Hispanic church leaders and their wives from Daytona, DeLand, Deltona, Oviedo and Sanford gathered Jan. 18-20 at Park Avenue Baptist Church in Titusville for the inaugural East…
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Red Bautista del Este Central celebra el primer retiro de pastores y esposas hispanos

Teodosia Rivera 0
Líderes de iglesias hispanas y sus esposas de Daytona, DeLand, Deltona, Oviedo y Sanford se reunieron del 18 al 20 de enero en la Iglesia Bautista Park Avenue en Titusville para el…
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Florida Baptist Partnership with Ohio Baptists sets stage for ‘something bigger’

Teodosia Rivera 0
As Florida Baptists’ partnership with Ohio Baptists begins to take shape, leaders from both state conventions are realizing the opportunities for God to do “something bigger” in…
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Prison ministry sees more openness, needs at Christmas, chaplain says

Baptist Press 0
According to prison chaplain Paul Davis, the concepts that led to more than 85 decisions to follow Christ are not overly complex.   Listen to people. Help them understand they…
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United in Christ Across Cultural Differences

Brooke Mannion 0
The seven-man mission team from Hillcrest Baptist Church faced some challenges in Quito, Ecuador.
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Lightning strike claims life of teen, sparks revival

Florida Baptist 0
One lightning strike that claimed the life of a beloved teen girl has sparked a spiritual revival throughout an entire community in northeast Florida.
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Florida Baptist church partners with New England Baptists for gospel outreach

Jessica Pigg 1
To help penetrate the spiritual darkness and impact the Northeast with the gospel, Florida Baptist churches are partnering with the Baptist Convention of New England,  which serves…
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Central

Mission Hill Church builds for the future

Jessica Pigg 0
TEMPLE TERRACE—For about 40 years, the steeple-topped sanctuary of Mission Hill Church has been home for countless weddings, baptisms, living Christmas trees, one of the longest…
Read More...

At 140 years old, Lakes Church experiences change/maintains laser focus on mission

Jessica Pigg 0
Preparing to celebrate its 140th anniversary in May, Lakes Church in Lakeland has experienced significant change through the years, but the church’s DNA remains unchanged.
Read More...

Central Florida Baptist church celebrates ‘God moving in a fresh way’

Jessica Pigg 0
What started out in the living room of Lovic and Angie Brandon’s home has now grown into a large congregation with more than 200,000 square feet of space that is being used to…
Read More...

Visionary pastor recognized for transformational ministry after 40 years

Teodosia Rivera 0
Tim Wilder arrived at First Baptist Church of Kissimmee when the average cost of a new car was around $9,000, the first clunky cell phone made its debut, and “Back to the Future”…
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Continuing Together Tour fuels Florida Baptists’ collective mission

Jessica Pigg 0
The Continuing Together Tour has officially launched, with Stephen Rummage, Florida Baptists’ executive director-treasurer, sharing his vision for the Florida Baptist Convention.
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Central Florida Baptist church committed to Cooperative Program giving

Jessica Pigg 0
Members of First Baptist Church of Winter Garden know what it means to cooperate. During the past 16 years that Tim Grosshans has served as pastor, he has led his congregation to…
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‘Never alone’: Church planter grateful for loving response from other churches/Florida Baptists in…

Jessica Pigg 0
The sobering sights of a fridge being flipped over, baby dolls floating by, and scattered Legos across the lawn greeted Ronnie Rentz, who planted Covenant Hope Church in St.…
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First Orlando continues prayer for pastor’s wife after attack

Baptist Press 0
Lucy Pat Curl, the wife of a leader in First Baptist Church’s Pastoral Care ministry, remains in a coma four days after an attack at her home.
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‘God at work’ in students’ hearts and lives at Univ. of Central Florida

Jessica Pigg 0
What is Brad Crawford’s one message to those who may be disheartened about the darkness in the world and what that might mean for the next generation? His one message is a simple…
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Hispanic Florida Baptists celebrate graduation as trained chaplains

Florida Baptist 0
ORLANDO—Thirty-eight Hispanic Florida Baptists were recognized Jan. 18 at Primera Iglesia Bautista de Orlando as they graduated from the Florida Baptist Convention’s chaplaincy…
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Church earns ECAP accreditation, opens ‘door for gospel conversation and trust’

Jessica Pigg 0
Florida Baptist executive pastor Chris Dotson believes that building a fence really high is a matter of “gospel integrity.” He takes this conviction to heart in guarding South…
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30 families celebrate life together at baby shower

Keila Diaz 0
They arrived with broken dreams, financial challenges and worries about the future. They left with practical gifts, cherished memories and renewed hope.
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Southwest

‘Future is as bright as God’s promises’ asserts southwest Florida pastor

Jessica Pigg 0
From the moment Kevin Taylor and his wife, Sarah, crossed over the Caloosahatchee River, on the Cape Coral Bridge, and had the “sprawling peninsula” in their sights, they knew “the…
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Southwest Florida church celebrates ‘God’s faithfulness’ in 2024

Jessica Pigg 0
Every man, woman and child. This is not just another catchy tagline—it is the mission of Summit Church.
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Setbacks become ‘opportunities to grow and see God move’ for southwest Florida church

Jessica Pigg 0
In a town known for its hardworking agricultural community, rodeos, airboat rides and other adventures, a pastor in DeSoto County has become known as the “disaster pastor,” with…
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La Iglesia Bautista Bethel devastada por las aguas de la inundación: “Soy tan bendecida que quiero…

Margaret Colson 2
“Everything utterly destroyed–furniture, seats, resources.” That’s how Pastor Rafael Sanchez described the newly renovated church building of Tampa’s Iglesia Bautista Bethel,…
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Iglesia Bautista Bethel devastated by flood waters: ‘So blessed I want to cry’

Margaret Colson 0
“Everything utterly destroyed–furniture, seats, resources.” That’s how Pastor Rafael Sanchez described the newly renovated church building of Tampa’s Iglesia Bautista Bethel,…
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Disaster relief chaplain discovers ‘pure joy’ in pointing others to Christ

David Moore 0
Diane Traynor is not really a fan of hurricanes, but after their arrival she springs into action­–ready to offer soothing words, a listening ear and the hope of Christ.
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Church plant reaches growing Hispanic population in southwest Florida

Jessica Pigg 1
Deemed as one of the “10 Best Places to Retire” in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, Port Charlotte is not just a growing community for retirees—but also for young…
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‘Friendly neighborhood church’ seeks to ‘trust God with the results and simply rest in Him’

Jessica Pigg 0
The night Frank Brand and his wife, Jennifer, were to fly to southwest Florida in view of a call, Brand received a call from a church in Georgia.
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Fort Myers church committed to spend ‘less on ourselves,’ give ‘more to missions’

Jessica Pigg 1
When it comes to fulfilling the Great Commission, Crossroads Baptist Church in Fort Myers has discovered that less is more.
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Church Family Conference equips every generation to share gospel

Jessica Pigg 0
More than 200 people—from every generation and across two campuses—converged on Fellowship Church in southwest Florida for the fifth annual Church Family Conference, July 28-31.
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Southwest Florida church ‘prayed up and ready to grow’

Jessica Pigg 0
The simple, coastal town of Englewood, located about 35 miles south of Sarasota, is mostly known for its Fishermen’s Village and being a family-friendly escape.
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‘Completely committed’ southwest Florida church celebrates groundbreaking

Jessica Pigg 0
As shovels of soft dirt were turned in the soil, members of Calvary Baptist Church in Arcadia are envisioning hearts being softened to the gospel as community residents turn to…
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SouthEast

Mission Hill Church builds for the future

Jessica Pigg 0
TEMPLE TERRACE—For about 40 years, the steeple-topped sanctuary of Mission Hill Church has been home for countless weddings, baptisms, living Christmas trees, one of the longest…
Read More...

Sproles recalls chaos and ‘God’s presence’ in FSU shooting

David Moore 0
Barry Sproles was in his car, about to leave the Florida State University campus Thursday (April 17) when he saw what looked like something out of a movie. But he knew it was real.
Read More...

Equipping the saints for small group ministry

Brooke Mannion 0
“There is a race for the hearts and lives of children,” said Dennis Dean, minister of children at Olive Baptist Church. “Beliefs and moral foundations are in place by age 13, and…
Read More...

Commissioned … Called to Go, Pray and Give

Brooke Mannion 0
“Many people have a view of missions as being overseas and around the world, but it is here in Pensacola and across the street too,” said Sean Cook, director of mobilization, Olive…
Read More...

At 140 years old, Lakes Church experiences change/maintains laser focus on mission

Jessica Pigg 0
Preparing to celebrate its 140th anniversary in May, Lakes Church in Lakeland has experienced significant change through the years, but the church’s DNA remains unchanged.
Read More...

Florida Baptist layperson, Kyle Ramsey, honored by Western Cuba Baptists

Jessica Pigg 0
HAVANA–Kyle Ramsey, a layperson at First Baptist Church Brandon, was honored recently by the Western Cuba Baptist Convention for the significant spiritual impact he has made over…
Read More...

Florida Baptists’ oldest church celebrates 200 years/looks to future

Brooke Mannion 0
First Baptist Church of Campbellton is more than just the first Baptist church in its community. True to its name and at 200 years old, it is the first continuously functioning…
Read More...

Central Florida Baptist church celebrates ‘God moving in a fresh way’

Jessica Pigg 0
What started out in the living room of Lovic and Angie Brandon’s home has now grown into a large congregation with more than 200,000 square feet of space that is being used to…
Read More...

Investing in men to invest in others

Cody Watson 0
PORT ST. JOHN–First Baptist Church of Port St. John has seen firsthand the value of investing in men. This year marked the fourth annual Men on Fire conference, a gathering…
Read More...

Florida Baptists share hope of John 3:16 on 3/16

Florida Baptist 0
From training believers to share their Christian testimonies … to inviting neighbors and friends to attend worship services … to videotaping John 3:16 in more than one language,…
Read More...

El pastor Javier Sotolongo lidera a su iglesia en un audaz crecimiento evangelístico

Keila Diaz 0
El compromiso de la Iglesia Bautista Estrella de Belén de establecer metas claras para la evangelización y el bautismo ha conducido a un notable crecimiento
Read More...

Pastor Javier Sotolongo leads church in bold evangelistic growth

Keila Diaz 0
Iglesia Bautista Estrella de Belén’s commitment to setting clear goals for evangelism and baptism has led to remarkable growth and transformation in both the congregation and…
Read More...