What We Do
The Florida Baptist Association serves as a resource and support to the churches, communities, church support ministries, and leadership – pastoral and laity – of this four-county region known as the Big Bend of Florida. Using a multi-faceted focus and multi-dimensional approach, we are able to provide opportunities for growth, development, encouragement, guidance and support to both ministry groups and individuals.
Some of the ways in which we carry out this mission are:
Support to Church Leadership, Committees & Ministry Teams
- Coaching for pastors and staff members
- Assistance with conflict mediation and resolution
- Guidance for churches during pastoral transition
- Training for the pastor search process and assistance with interim pastor search
- Organizational leadership training and support
- Other help with church-related issues
Ministry Support
- Assistance to new churches
- Financial support and guidance for church planters
- Financial and physical assistance to Baptist Campus Ministries at FAMU, FSU and TCC
Peer Groups
- Pastor Prayer Groups - pastors meet in regional groups monthly for prayer and fellowship
- Big Bend Fellowship of Church Musicians - church musicians meet monthly for lunch to plan joint ministry projects
- Church Planters - pastors of recent church plants meet together for fellowship and prayer
- Church Ministry Assistants Fellowship – a quarterly gathering of ministry assistants for fellowship, growth and learning
Training Opportunities
- The Leadership Project – annual training event offering multiple focuses to provide a wide range of learning experiences for church lay leaders
- Annual Vacation Bible School Workshop for directors and teachers
- Annual Church Profile Training each August to equip church ministry assistants and clerks to complete annual reporting data
- Specialty conferences for individual churches – small groups, Sunday School, ministry leadership, committee leadership, financial administration, deacon ministry, age group ministry training, evangelism training and more – all tailored to the specific needs of a specific church
Preaching/Pulpit Supply/Teaching
- The Executive Director and other pastors and ministers in our Association are available to assist when needed for preaching, mission conferences and teaching special studies at your church.