A Mission Advancement Initiative of the Florida-Georgia District
Connecting People to Jesus
For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
2 Corinthians 5:14-15
THE GOAL
Florida and Georgia continue to grow at a remarkable pace—nearly 2% each year—and now hold close to 35 million residents. At the same time, more than half of Americans have no connection to a place of worship, and one-quarter report no spiritual belief at all. This means millions of people across our District are living without saving faith.
This reality gives our mission an urgent clarity. When we neglect our calling to share Christ and love our neighbors, we leave them facing life apart from God. Research shows that new churches and ministries are uniquely effective, reaching up to seventeen times more new believers than established congregations. Because of this, the people of the Florida-Georgia District are committed to boldly planting new congregations, launching new ministries, and raising up new workers for the harvest.
Together—and trusting God’s provision—we are prayerfully working to raise $10 million to strengthen and sustain this mission. These funds will support church planting, new ministries, and church worker scholarships, ensuring that these vital efforts endure for generations.
Church Planting
Of the total funds raised, $6 million will be placed in an endowment dedicated to Church Planting. The earnings from this fund will support at least two new Church Mission Start Grants each year, providing $150,000 for every new start.
The Florida-Georgia District celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2023. Since its founding in 1948, God has grown this District from 22 congregations to nearly 200. Grateful for this history and eager to expand the reach of God’s Kingdom, the Florida-Georgia District remains committed to establishing new congregations so that more hearts may be connected to Jesus.
New Ministry Starts
$2 million will be endowed to support New Ministry Starts launched from existing congregations. This endowment is expected to generate more than $100,000 each year, which will be distributed through Kingdom Seed Grants of up to $10,000. These investments build on a compelling truth: new ministries and new churches reach significantly more new believers.
As congregations across the Florida-Georgia District work to “make disciple-makers,” we are compelled to strengthen their efforts through valuable resources like Kingdom Seed Investments. In 2024 alone, thirteen congregations received Kingdom Seed Grants of up to $10,000 to launch new ministries that connect people in their communities to Jesus. Many others received $300 Miracle Grow Grants to support a wide range of outreach initiatives.
Church Worker Scholarships
Of the funds raised, $2 million will be endowed to strengthen funding for Church Worker Scholarships, generating more than $100,000 annually. Over the past three years, scholarship requests from students preparing for ministry have nearly tripled. At the same time, expanded church planting will require even more trained and rostered workers to serve these new missions.
Choosing a vocation in ministry is a profound and life-shaping commitment. Whether becoming a pastor, teacher, Director of Christian Education (DCE), or another ministry professional, students must weigh many factors—including the financial realities of higher education. To ensure that cost never becomes an obstacle to answering God’s call, the Florida-Georgia District remains dedicated to supporting future church workers through a strong and sustainable Student Financial Aid Program.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
Compelled to share the gift of Christ’s love with others, we will make vital connections—like pieces of a puzzle joining together to create an inspiring image. As we seek to connect people to Jesus through new churches, new ministries and new workers, the following powerful outcomes are expected:
- Two new church plants per year
- Congregations engaged and excited about developing new ways to go and connect to their communities with new ministries both small and large
- Greater financial support for our church work students to minimize debt and encourage others to also consider preparing for ministry
- An increase in the number of new believers through Baptisms and affirmations of faith
- And, in unison with the Lord, there will be “more rejoicing in heaven” over each lost individual who comes to saving faith (Luke 15:7)
Because this bold plan of the Florida-Georgia District connects with your own passion to share joy in Christ with others, you are invited to become a partner in this plan through your prayers and financial support.
