FBC honors its own for being right beside churches

By Keila Diaz Last updated Mar 14, 2019

The Florida Baptist Convention family came together from across the Sunshine State for an employee appreciation lunch where executive director-treasurer Tommy Green honored those reaching milestone employment anniversaries and thanked everyone for the ministry work they do.

Tommy Green said he was grateful for how the staff comes right beside churches.

Patrick Coats has been with the Convention for 5 years. Serving as the Black and Multicultural Church Catalyst, Coats is passionate about bringing pastors together across racial and ethnic divides to further the Kingdom. He also helped bring multiethnic pastors and congregations together to celebrate baptism and unity during the One Family Beach Baptism event that took place on May 5 at Bill Baggs Cape Florida Park. More on that here.

John Voltaire has also been with the FBC for 5 years. Voltaire serves as the Haitian Church Catalyst, encouraging and ministering to Haitian churches and their pastors. Voltaire was also part of the One Family Beach Baptism event and encouraged many Haitian congregations to participate.

Melissa Patterson was another who was recognized for her 5 years of service. Patterson administrates the Workspace database and oversees the collection of the annual church profiles. She also directs incoming calls and provides the first line of support when someone calls the Convention.

Delton Beall has also served with the FBC for 5 years. Beall is director of Florida Baptist Disaster Relief. As such, he makes sure strategies are in place for Florida Baptists to mobilize when an emergency takes place in our state and others, offering practical ways to minister and provide relief to those affected while sharing the love of Jesus.

Lance Beauchamp was honored for his 10 years of service. Beauchamp serves as Baptist campus minister in the Tallahassee area, ministering to students at Florida State University, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and Tallahassee Community College. His work allows him to bring the Gospel to students and connect them with churches to continue developing their faith.

Delicia Garland has been with the Convention for 15 years and serves in two ministry areas – Migrant Ministries and Women’s Missions and Ministry/Missions Education. Her dedicated support is vital to these groups as ministry needs are met all around the state.

Craig Culbreth was honored for his 20 years with the FBC. Culbreth serves as East Florida Regional Catalyst. He is driven by bringing churches together as well as coming right beside them to help them be missional.

Steve Baumgardner was honored for 35 years of service. As Director of Support Services, Baumgardner manages information technologies services, accounting/budgeting, human resources and property management. Additionally, he oversees church planting and revitalization and the church loans program.

By Keila Diaz, Florida Baptist Convention, May 18, 2018

Florida Baptist Convention staff

Keila Diaz

Keila earned a B.S. in Communications from Florida International University in Miami. She writes news and stories about Florida Baptist churches, creates and posts social content to the FBC’s social media channels, and is a Baptist Press contributor. When she’s not working, Keila enjoys bike rides and spending time with her family.