Coronavirus Response

The vision at Bradfordville First Baptist Church is to make disciples who love upward, inward and outward. And this summer, the “outward” component of that vision will take on new meaning.

To meet this growing crisis in the community, volunteers at First Baptist Church in Naples have partnered with St. Matthew’s House to host a mobile, drive-thru food bank at the church every Tuesday and Thursday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Over the past several weeks, their collaborative effort has given away everything from fresh produce and dry goods to diapers and wipes.

The Baptist College of Florida plans to reopen campus for Fall semester classes beginning Aug. 10, 2020, President Thomas A. Kinchen announced May 21.

“Where do we go from here?” was the question Mark Wodka, director of the Canaveral Port Ministry (CPM), asked the Lord in mid-March, as the COVID-19 quarantine restricted cruise and cargo ship workers from coming ashore and finding respite at the ministry center.

I think we can all agree that so much in our lives has changed. Some of the change is good, like day pajamas are accepted as attire. However, not being able to see our families and Kid’s Ministry volunteers on a regular basis has been a bad change.

“In Covid-19 ministry days, churches are scrambling for ways to be the church,” said Brian Nall, executive director of the Pensacola Bay Baptist Association. “Most of that has been through a digital presence online.” Yet, food ministry is the first tangible way for churches of all sizes to reach out to communities in need, he said, “filling aching hearts and empty stomachs through boxes of hope.”

Connecting with children and families during this time of a pandemic has proven to be challenging for Florida Baptist churches.  Yet, First Baptist Church of Lake Wales knows making this connection is vital to investing in this next generation. 

When the Board of Trustees of The Baptist College of Florida (BCF) in Graceville met for their 2020 annual meeting, May 7, “virtual” history was made. For the first time in the life of the 77-year-old institution, trustees met virtually by means of videoconferencing technology.

Family Church in West Palm Beach hosted a “Digital Disciple Now” during Easter weekend April 10-11 as a time of spiritual growth for students who have been sheltering at home, isolated from friends and church activities.

Clearing the ministry calendar through June seems like the common sentiment echoing from children and student ministry leaders right now