YOUTH
Bishop Johnathon Pope
Florida Youth & Discipleship Director
Youth & Discipleship
With more than 20 years of youth, children and pastoral ministry experience, Johnathon has served the great state of Arkansas as Pastor to the LifeSpring Church of God for 9 years and Youth & Discipleship director for 4 years. Before stepping into pastoral leadership, Johnathon held youth and children’s pastor positions at three churches in Alabama over a span of 12 years.
Johnathon married his high school sweetheart Nicole and they will celebrate 25 years of marriage in September 2025. Together, they have 2 sons and one daughter in law: Nolan (Cacie) & Brody.
Most recently, Johnathon served the Delmarva-DC Church of God region as Youth and Discipleship Director and is thrilled to now serve the great churches in the "Sunshine" state of Florida.
Striving to help others find their hope in Jesus and purpose in the kingdom, Johnathon believes that God is raising up leaders for a “right now” ministry.
Johnathon married his high school sweetheart Nicole and they will celebrate 25 years of marriage in September 2025. Together, they have 2 sons and one daughter in law: Nolan (Cacie) & Brody.
Most recently, Johnathon served the Delmarva-DC Church of God region as Youth and Discipleship Director and is thrilled to now serve the great churches in the "Sunshine" state of Florida.
Striving to help others find their hope in Jesus and purpose in the kingdom, Johnathon believes that God is raising up leaders for a “right now” ministry.
Nicole Pope
Girls Ministries Coordinator
Girls Ministries Coordinator
Girls Ministries
As graduate of Lee University and with more than 20 years of ministry experience, God has taken Nicole on exciting journeys to serve as children’s pastor, college & young adult pastor, pastors’ wife and most recently Girls Ministry Coordinator to the Church of God Delmarva-DC region in Maryland. A sunshine loving girl who spent most of her childhood summers on the Florida Panhandle, Nicole is excited to serve the Florida Church of God family in the great "Sunshine" state as Girls Ministries Coordinator.
As a follower of Christ, above all else, Nicole's life goal is to follow Him in her path of life, wherever that takes the Pope family.
The greatest joy in life for Nicole is being wife to Johnathon, mom to Nolan and Brody, and mother-in-law to Cacie. "Watching my children serve the Lord & fulfill their calling is the best feeling in the world"
As a follower of Christ, above all else, Nicole's life goal is to follow Him in her path of life, wherever that takes the Pope family.
The greatest joy in life for Nicole is being wife to Johnathon, mom to Nolan and Brody, and mother-in-law to Cacie. "Watching my children serve the Lord & fulfill their calling is the best feeling in the world"
Upcoming Events & Information
You can find all of the upcoming events on our Events tab on the Home page!
YWEA25
Y&D Youth Ministry Certification Program
Interested in growing your skills in youth ministry? Look no further than Y&D Youth Ministry Certification Program designed to further your knowledge in this ministry. Through a series of requirements, you'll gain valuable insights and tools to enhance your ministry with the youth.
The 6 month program includes a monthly Zoom call (approximately 1 hour) If you're unable to attend, don't worry – you can always watch the recording at a later time.
In addition to the Zoom calls, you'll be required to read 5 books throughout the program, with a 2-page report due on each one. The reports should be double-spaced with 12 pt. font in Times New Roman (one report per month).
Finally, you'll be asked to write a final essay at the end of the program. This essay should be 5 pages long, double-spaced, and in 12 pt. font.
We are committed to supporting you throughout this season and look forward to seeing you grow in your ministry.
The 6 month program includes a monthly Zoom call (approximately 1 hour) If you're unable to attend, don't worry – you can always watch the recording at a later time.
In addition to the Zoom calls, you'll be required to read 5 books throughout the program, with a 2-page report due on each one. The reports should be double-spaced with 12 pt. font in Times New Roman (one report per month).
Finally, you'll be asked to write a final essay at the end of the program. This essay should be 5 pages long, double-spaced, and in 12 pt. font.
We are committed to supporting you throughout this season and look forward to seeing you grow in your ministry.
2025
We are excited to announce our upcoming dates for 2025! Mark your calendars, you're not going to want to miss these events. We can't wait to see you there! We are believing the Lord is going to do great things!
Looking for a Youth or Kids Pastor Position?
Florida Youth & Discipleship is currently seeking individuals who are passionate about working with youth and children. If you feel called to serve in this area, we encourage you to apply by filling out the application below. We are thrilled to see how God will use you to impact the lives of young people in Florida!
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florida State
TEEN Talent 2025
Florida State Teen Talent will be held
April 11-12, 2024
in Wimauma, FL
Location:
Lake Wimauma Convention Center
5408 SR 674, Wimauma, FL 33598
This is an International Teen Talent year. All 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will be eligible to compete at International Teen Talent at Lee University, Cleveland, TN. July 28th - August 1st. More information about International Teen Talent is forthcoming.
The new TeenTalent manual is now available for FREE on the youth store at https://www.cogyd.org/teentalent.
April 11-12, 2024
in Wimauma, FL
Location:
Lake Wimauma Convention Center
5408 SR 674, Wimauma, FL 33598
This is an International Teen Talent year. All 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will be eligible to compete at International Teen Talent at Lee University, Cleveland, TN. July 28th - August 1st. More information about International Teen Talent is forthcoming.
The new TeenTalent manual is now available for FREE on the youth store at https://www.cogyd.org/teentalent.
Code Name: Y.O.U.T.H.C.A.M.P.
| Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept It… An encrypted message has just come through: A secret organization needs YOU. This summer, step into a world of mystery, espionage, and high-stakes adventure at Florida Youth Camp—where every camper becomes a covert agent on a mission unlike any other. 🛰️ Top Secret Assignments 🎩 Disguises & Gadgets 🔍 Clues to Unravel 🚁 Epic Team Missions But be warned—danger lurks around every corner. Can you crack the case, outsmart the enemy, and complete your mission before time runs out? Kids Camp | June 16-20 Middle School Camp | June 23-27 High School Camp Week 1| June 30-July 4 High School Camp Week 2 | July 7-July 11 Camper Registration Link: https://form.jotform.com/250216214452142 Worker Registration Link: https://form.jotform.com/250405679798170 |
Curriculum Resources
Youth Sunday School
SEEN™ puts expert-tested, teen-transforming material in the hands of any youth leader. Three units make up each quarter. One unit is focused on spiritual growth, one is focused on character development, and one is focused on practical skills for life. Each unit is made up of four sessions in which essential principles are wrestled with and discussed through a biblical worldview.
Kids on a Mission 2022
Four action-packed lessons and activities designed for your local church Kid's Ministry.
Don't miss this valuable resource that will teach your kiddos to love missions!
Don't miss this valuable resource that will teach your kiddos to love missions!
Kids on a Mission 2023
NOW AVAILABLE!
The new Kids on a Mission curriculum is here!
These action packed lessons and activities will help instill a love for missions in your children.
The new Kids on a Mission curriculum is here!
These action packed lessons and activities will help instill a love for missions in your children.
2020 Girls Week
The curriculum is a fantastic study on this year’s YWEA Project and GOAM Project in Africa. It can be used anytime of the year and it is not necessary to have an organized club to utilize this excellent study on missions. All girls will enjoy being a part of this creative course!
Kids on a Mission 2024
NOW AVAILABLE!
The new Kids on a Mission curriculum is here!
These action packed lessons and activities will help instill a love for missions in your children.
The new Kids on a Mission curriculum is here!
These action packed lessons and activities will help instill a love for missions in your children.
SEALED
SEALED curriculum contains important truths, marked with a seal of authenticity that only God can place upon them. We’ve been warned that false doctrine is accumulating to destroy the faith of believers. “God’s solid foundation stands firm, with this inscription: The Lord knows those who are His…”(2 Timothy 2:19). God intently longs for us to arrive at the heavenly destination of His Presence. It’s up to us to stand firmly on His solid foundation, learn His truths, and keep the bond that holds us protected and preserved to Him: SEALED.
Youth & Discipleship Videos
Kid Jam 2021
ENCOUNTER 2020
FYLA CON 2020
Youth & Discipleship Board
LEFT TO RIGHT: CHAIRMAN; JOSH HOLLINGSWORTH, BEN PRIDGEON, YOUTH & DISCIPLESHIP DIRECTOR; BISHOP RYAN BRISTOW, JASON BONILLA,
MATT DYER, JOEL SPINKS, JACOB NEWTON, TONY TALAVERA
MATT DYER, JOEL SPINKS, JACOB NEWTON, TONY TALAVERA
FYLA Board
Florida Youth Leaders Association
FCLA Board
Florida Children's Leaders Association
LEFT TO RIGHT: JOEY REDMON, ESTEBAN JUAREZ, BEN PRIDGEON (SECRETARY), JOSH DANIEL (CHAIR), RYAN BRISTOW (YOUTH & DISCIPLESHIP DIRECTOR), BLAYNE SPIRES (VICE CHAIR), ZACH BRADSHAW, RICKY KELLEY .
LEFT TO RIGHT: TEKAYLA GRAHAM, CHRISTINA WAINWRIGHT (SECRETARY), SANDY DYER (CHAIR), RYAN BRISTOW (YOUTH & DISCIPLESHIP DIRECTOR), BEN TAULBEE (VICE CHAIR), TIFFANY TYRE