Ministry Teams
Expand Team

Introducing the MFBA Expand Team:

 Walking with Churches Toward Health and Renewal

Across the Southern Baptist Convention, approximately 800 churches close their doors each year and never reopen. Behind those numbers are real congregations, real communities, and real opportunities for gospel impact that are being lost. Stagnant, declining, dying, and even dead churches are not just statistics—they are a serious and urgent mission field within our own fellowship.

The Middle Florida Baptist Association is committed to helping churches not only survive, but rediscover health, vitality, and gospel effectiveness. That is why we are excited to introduce the MFBA Expand Team—a group of pastors who are passionate about walking alongside churches in the long, but hopeful, journey of renewal.

Reclaiming church health is not a quick fix or a one-size-fits-all program. It is a process that requires honesty, humility, prayer, and perseverance. It takes the engagement of the pastor, church leadership, and the full cooperation and support of the congregation. Renewal is not something done to a church, but something God does in and through a church when His people are willing to seek Him together.

The Expand Team exists to help guide that journey with care, experience, and encouragement.

Our Mission

“As the Expand Team, we listen deeply, love faithfully, lead toward health, and partner for renewal.”

  • We listen deeply — Every church has a story. We take time to understand your history, challenges, and hopes for the future.
  • We love faithfully — Churches are not projects; they are people. Our desire is to care well for pastors and congregations.
  • We lead toward health — We help identify next steps that move churches toward biblical, spiritual, and organizational health.
  • We partner for renewal — We do not walk ahead of you or behind you, but with you in the process.

Meet the Expand Team

The MFBA Expand Team is made up of local pastors who understand the realities of ministry in our communities and who have a heart to see churches thrive again.

  1. Pastor Joe Rowe – MorningStar Baptist Church

Pastor Joe brings years of pastoral experience and a shepherd’s heart for struggling congregations. He has a passion for helping churches strengthen their spiritual foundations while rediscovering their purpose in the community.

  1. Pastor Zac Funari – First Baptist Church, Greenville

Pastor Zac is committed to revitalization through discipleship and leadership development. He believes healthy churches grow from healthy believers who are equipped to live out the mission of Christ daily.

  1. Pastor Trent Abbott – Macedonia Baptist Church

Pastor Trent brings a practical, ministry-minded approach to church health, focusing on building unity, strengthening leadership teams, and helping churches move forward together with clarity and direction.

  1. Pastor Charles Matlock – The Bridge

Pastor Charles is passionate about outreach, community engagement, and helping churches rediscover hope, healing, belonging, and purpose. His heart is to help churches reconnect with both their communities and their calling.

How the Expand Team Can Help

The Expand Team is not a consulting firm and not an inspection committee. Our goal is not to critique, but to come alongside. Whether your church is feeling stuck, discouraged, uncertain about the future, or simply wanting to grow healthier, we are here to help you begin the conversation.

  • Clarifying mission and vision
  • Strengthening leadership and unity
  • Re-engaging the community
  • Navigating seasons of transition
  • Rebuilding spiritual vitality

Let’s Begin the Journey Together

If your church is sensing the need for renewal, or if you simply want to learn more about how the Expand Team can serve you, we encourage you to reach out. You may contact any member of the Expand Team with questions or to begin the process.

You may also contact David Garrett at the MFBA Office for more information or to be connected with the team.

Church renewal is not easy, but it is possible. With prayer, humility, and partnership, God can bring new life, new vision, and new fruit. The Expand Team stands ready to walk with you toward a healthier, stronger future for your church.