This month, we reflect on a powerful gathering with Dr. Stephen Rummage as he encouraged our pastors and leaders to stay on mission amid division and distraction. We also explore how churches can clarify their calling, guard against threats like steeplejacking, and partner together for Kingdom impact. From local events and trips to leadership opportunities, there are plenty of ways to stay connected and engaged in our Family of Churches. Dive in and discover how God is moving across Northeast Florida.

At the heart of Dr. Stephen Rummage’s message to Northeast Florida pastors was a simple but powerful reminder: “Stay on mission.” In a season when distractions and division can easily derail the church, his call was clear—keep pressing forward, not alone, but together. As he put it, “Our mission flows from our fellowship—when we walk together in unity, we stay focused on what matters most.”

🛑 Could Your Church Be at Risk of Being Taken Over? Some churches unknowingly stand at a dangerous crossroads—declining attendance, aging leadership, and outdated bylaws can make them vulnerable to something few are talking about: steeple jacking. In this article, Chris Reinolds, Associational Mission Strategist, shares insights from Luke 19 and offers practical steps to protect your church’s legacy, its resources, and its future gospel witness.

👉 Don’t wait until it’s too late. Read the full article to learn how to recognize your church’s moment for renewal and protect what God has entrusted to you.

Thousands of families are about to move into one of the fastest-growing areas in Nassau County—yet zero churches are currently planned to reach them. As Jesus said in Luke 10:2, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” The question isn’t whether the harvest will come—it’s whether we’ll be ready.

📢 SBC 2025 Forum Gathering – RSVP Today!

Join us on Tuesday, April 1st, at 11:00 AM for a FREE event at Mercy Hill Baptist Church or online! Dr. Stephen Rummage, our new Executive Director-Treasurer, will help us navigate the key topics shaping the SBC in 2025. Don’t miss this grace-filled Q&A session—stay informed, ask questions, and connect with fellow church leaders.

Plus, check out opportunities for partnership, upcoming events, and job openings within our Family of Churches!

Is your church feeling stuck, uncertain about its future, or struggling to align leadership and mission? The Congregational Prism Journey offers a clear path forward, helping churches rediscover their God-given purpose, build a disciple-making culture, and ignite renewed passion for ministry. This proven process has helped countless churches move from maintenance to mission. Ready to explore how your church can thrive with greater clarity, unity, and impact? Click to read more! 🚀

What if I told you that in the next ten years, we could invest nearly a million dollars directly into strengthening our churches and advancing the gospel—without raising a single extra dollar?

Sounds too good to be true, right? But this is exactly the opportunity before us. Read More…

First Baptist Church Hilliard, alongside First Baptist Callahan, First Baptist Boulougne, and River Road Baptist Church, is investing in LOGO Church—not just financially, but through real, tangible encouragement and involvement.

This month’s newsletter is packed with ministry opportunities, staff needs, and upcoming events, including D-Life Training, Why Weekend, and Handel’s MESSIAH. Stay engaged, stay connected, and let’s continue to grow together in Christ!

Senior Adult Luncheon Schedule CORRECTION & How can the Church rise to meet Northeast Florida’s rapid growth?

The future of Northeast Florida is moving faster than we can imagine—families are growing, neighborhoods are expanding, and challenges are mounting. How can our family of churches rise to meet this moment? Read Chris Reinolds’ hope for a decade of humble collaboration, inspired leadership, and shared purpose in building God’s Kingdom across our community.

Discover how Pastor Jason Reid of Gardenview Baptist Church reimagined discipleship as an evolving, dynamic journey. Over five years, continuous innovation has unified their teaching, empowered members, and transformed Sunday school into an interactive, discussion-based experience. Learn how intentional, incremental changes can enrich spiritual growth and create a thriving church culture.

By implementing clear policies, training staff, and using resources like ECAP, we safeguard both our people and our ministries. Want to learn more? Check out the full article for insights and practical steps to protect your church today!

Discover the inspiring journey of Pastor Jimmy Flanagan and his wife Belinda as they guide Duval Station Baptist Church through 17 years of gradual, thoughtful transformation in worship. Through intentional, incremental changes, they’ve crafted a worship experience that bridges generations, honors tradition, and reflects their congregation’s heart. Explore how this process offers a roadmap for any church seeking to blend tradition with fresh expression.

For decades, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) was woven into the fabric of American life. But today, the SBC faces urgent challenges that call for a return to its mission roots. In this article, we explore how the SBC’s journey from rapid growth to centralization and fragmentation mirrors historical shifts seen in other denominations and what it means for its future.

As local congregations reconsider their role in disciple-making and collaboration, the SBC’s pathway forward hinges on transformative discipleship—moving from a mindset of “what we do” to “who we are in Christ.” With a renewed focus on local, regional, and national collaboration, the SBC has the potential to adapt, thrive, and inspire generations to come.

Read on to learn more about the key insights, challenges, and actionable steps for a revitalized SBC community.

As Northeast Florida continues to grow, the need for gospel-centered churches that can engage with the unchurched and foster spiritual health in our communities becomes more pressing. Recently, I had the privilege of speaking with Pastors Ryan Britt and Trey Brunson of The Church of Eleven22 about their upcoming campus in Yulee. Our conversation touched on their vision for this new location, potential concerns from local churches, and the importance of collaboration in kingdom work. We also discussed The Church of Eleven22’s exciting decision to partner with the Send Network to plant churches across the U.S. and beyond.

🌟 Exciting Updates & Opportunities Await! 🌟

Don't miss out on the latest news from Northeast Florida Baptist Association. Highlights include:

Pre-register for our upcoming Forum with Pastor Dean's book insights

Launch of the Found Faithful Framework pilot program for church leaders

Details on the 2024 Annual Meeting

Staff needs and partnership opportunities

Click to read the full newsletter and stay connected! 👉

We're thrilled to announce the launch of our Found Faithful Framework pilot program this September! This groundbreaking initiative is tailored for 12 handpicked pastors and church leaders, including both full-time and bi-vocational leaders. Forget cookie-cutter programs — this is about real, personalized growth