Building a Legacy: Investing in the Future of Our Family of Churches
Read All and Fill Out the RSVP to Attend
the Q&A on March 18th
The Associational Visionary Team (comprised of Stewardship, Administrative, Missions, Nominating, Credentials, and Associational Council) has passed a motion at their monthly Associational Vision Team meeting as follows:
To have the Executive Committee consider selling the property located at 850482 US-17, Yulee, Florida, to First Baptist Church Fernandina for the continued growth of their First Baptist Central Nassau Campus for $550,000. The proceeds would be used to establish an endowment of $650,000 ($550,000 from the property sale plus $100,000 already invested with Florida Baptist Financial Services) for the purpose of supporting leadership development, church planting, replanting, revitalization, and pastoral care/congregational strengthening.
Thriving in 2036
Reflecting on the foundational meeting of the Northeast Florida Baptist Association on October 25, 1938, a pivotal directive from our original Constitution stands out:
"Help the churches in the association to become better-functioning agents in the Kingdom work of our Lord."
This mission remains central to our purpose today. Our commitment is to foster collaboration among our family of churches, enhancing the collective vitality and effectiveness in advancing God's Kingdom. While our methods have evolved—from focusing on church rolls and fellowship opportunities to emphasizing international missions, pastoral relationships, church training, media resources, conflict mediation, interim leadership, and new church partnerships—the core message endures:
"Become better-functioning agents in the Kingdom work of our Lord."
Why Now?
The Associational Visionary Team has prayerfully considered how we can best steward the resources entrusted to us for the long-term benefit of our churches. The building at 850482 US-17, Yulee, Florida, was originally purchased, as noted in the 2003 Annual Meeting Missions Director Report, to provide a 2,000 sq. ft. modern office space for staff and a 1,000 sq. ft. meeting area for special gatherings. However, as the needs of our family of churches have evolved, our focus has shifted from maintaining physical office space to empowering churches, equipping leaders, and strengthening pastors.
Rather than keeping funds tied to an underutilized building, this proposal seeks to redirect these resources into a high-impact endowment, ensuring sustainable leadership development, church revitalization, church planting, and pastoral support for decades to come. Given the growing challenges of pastoral burnout, the aging leadership gap, and the increasing population within our region, now is the time to act.
Historical Investment and Future Vision
Between 2013 and 2023, the associational partnership reinvested approximately $35,000 into our churches through various programs, resources, processes, and relationship-building initiatives. As of 2025, our annual budget already directs $48,300 back into our family of churches to support leadership development, church strengthening, pastoral care, and strategic ministry initiatives.
Recognizing the pressing challenges and opportunities before us, we, the Associational Vision Team, propose a strategic reinvestment plan. By leveraging the proceeds from the sale of the Associational Office property ($550,000)combined with existing investments with Florida Baptist Financial Services ($100,000), we aim to establish an endowment fund of $650,000. Assuming an annual return of 7.8% (average since 2009), this fund is projected to generate approximately $50,700 annually, totaling $507,000 over the next decade.
This approach positions us to reinvest close to $1 million back into our family of churches over the next ten years.
A Hope for the Future: Thriving in 2036
By 2036, the Northeast Florida Family of Church’s Associational Vision Team envisions a vibrant network of congregations mirroring the dynamic growth and diversity of Nassau County and North Duval. With the population projected to increase by 45%, our region presents both opportunities and challenges for ministry.
Our Aspirations:
Vital & Vibrant Churches – Congregations equipped to disciple, serve, and engage their communities effectively.
Empowered Leaders – A leadership pipeline cultivating pastors and ministry leaders prepared for a rapidly changing cultural landscape.
Resilient Ministry – A regional response addressing the spiritual, emotional, and practical needs of pastors and church members.
This vision aligns with community demographic trends and emphasizes strategic planning, resource stewardship, and adaptive ministry approaches.
The Imperative for Action
To realize this vision, we must confront several critical challenges:
Aging Pastoral Leadership: The average age of Protestant pastors is 54, with half over 55, indicating an imminent leadership gap as many approach retirement.
Pastoral Burnout: Post-pandemic, more than 4 in 10 clergy have considered leaving ministry due to stress, mental health concerns, and exhaustion. Supporting pastoral health is vital.
Regional Growth: Nassau County's population is projected to exceed 145,753 by 2050 (this doesn’t include the growing population in North Jacksonville, where many of our Family of Churches serve), necessitating innovative ministry and outreach strategies.
Strategic Plan: 2026 to 2036
2026–2027: Laying the Foundation
Leadership Development: Invest $15,000 annually in Ministry Pipelines and additional leadership tools/processes such as HandCrafted Calling, Found Faithful Framework, Working Genius, etc.
Church Strengthening: Allocate $15,000 annually to support church revitalization, replants, and new starts.
Pastoral Care: Dedicate $10,000 annually to counseling, wellness retreats, and sabbaticals.
Strategic Staff Roles: Invest an additional $10,000 annually in part-time strategists for revitalization and church strengthening.
2028–2030: Expanding Impact
Localized Leadership Training: Develop region-specific programs to cultivate local leaders.
Church Plants: Support new church initiatives in high-growth areas.
2031–2036: Sustained Growth and Resilience
Self-Sustaining Leadership Pipeline: Leaders trained in earlier phases now mentor others.
Culturally Adaptive Churches: Congregations actively engage diverse communities.
Proactive Ministry: Churches adapt to regional growth while remaining gospel-centered.
Resource Allocation for the Future
By reinvesting the $650,000 fund into an endowment, we anticipate generating approximately $50,700 annually (7.8% interest).
This strategic financial stewardship enables:
✅ Long-term support for leadership development
✅ Ongoing church strengthening and planting efforts
✅ Resilient pastoral care programs
✅ Targeted investment in ministry needs
This approach empowers our association to invest over $500,000 into critical ministry initiatives, shaping the future of our region.
A Call to Collective Action
This proposal outlines a proactive, visionary approach to ensure the vitality of the Northeast Florida Family of Churches. By addressing leadership shortages, pastoral burnout, and regional growth, and aligning resources with strategic goals, we can move confidently toward a future where churches thrive and communities are transformed by the gospel.