Multiple pastors from around the country met in Orlando, FL, for a church planting vision trip from January 31 through February 3, 2022. BBFI-approved church planter and pastor of Restoration Church in Sanford, FL, served as the host for the week. The group met on Monday night at Orlando Baptist Church to hear from Dustin Janney and the church’s vision for church planting. The church has a plan to start a new church every three years. On Tuesday night, the group met at the new location of Anchor Church in Maitland, FL. Justin Brownlee pastors anchor Church. This church recently merged with First Baptist Church of Maitland. In the first three weeks since the church has been meeting at its new location, it has doubled in attendance. On Wednesday, the group met in Davenport, FL, with church planters Joel Johns (Cornerstone Church), who also serves as the State Chairman for Florida, Brandt Leach (Life Church Horizon West), and Tim Forgette (Living Hope Church). Other area pastors that joined in the trip included Scott Carlson (Palm Springs Drive Baptist Church), Jason Henderson (Renewal Church), Vern Murray (Liberty Baptist Church). During free time on Tuesday afternoon the group went on an airboat tour on Lake Jesup, home of the most alligators outside of the Everglades.
Central Florida has been a major focus for church planters connected to the BBFI. In the past seven years, there have been six churches started with the support of the Florida BBF. Terry Kizer, BBFI 3rd Vice-President, plans to host future church planting vision trips to continue promoting church planting in the BBFI.
