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
Kids Ministry Coordinator
Kids Ministry Coordinator
Kids Ministries
&
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"
YWEA26
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.
Youth & Discipleship Board
LEFT TO RIGHT: BEN PRIDGEON, JASON BONILLA, TONY TALAVERA, CHAIRMAN; JOSH HOLLINGSWORTH, YOUTH & DISCIPLESHIP DIRECTOR; BISHOP JOHNATHON POPE, MATT DYER, JACOB NEWTON, JOEL SPINKS
FYLA BOARD - FLORIDA YOUTH LEADERS ASSOCIATION
2026 - 2027 FYLA BOARD
LEFT TO RIGHT: BLAYNE SPIRES, Chair
JOSH DYER, Vice-Chair
ZACH BRADSHAW, YOUTH & DISCIPLESHIP DIRECTOR: BISHOP JOHNATHON & NICOLE POPE, JOSH EFIRD, JOSH CARSON, ESTEBAN JUAREZ, & RYAN KENNEDY
LEFT TO RIGHT: BLAYNE SPIRES, Chair
JOSH DYER, Vice-Chair
ZACH BRADSHAW, YOUTH & DISCIPLESHIP DIRECTOR: BISHOP JOHNATHON & NICOLE POPE, JOSH EFIRD, JOSH CARSON, ESTEBAN JUAREZ, & RYAN KENNEDY
FCLA BOARD - FLORIDA CHILDREN LEADERS ASSOCIATION
2026 - 2027 FCLA BOARD
LEFT TO RIGHT: SANDY DYER, Chair
TIFFANY TYRE, Vice-Chair
MICHEALA STACKHOUSE, YOUTH & DISCIPLESHIP DIRECTOR: BISHOP JOHNATHON POPE & NICOLE POPE, STEPHANIE EFIRD, JULIE SHIRLEY, JASON WRIGHT, & MICHAEL LAWSON
LEFT TO RIGHT: SANDY DYER, Chair
TIFFANY TYRE, Vice-Chair
MICHEALA STACKHOUSE, YOUTH & DISCIPLESHIP DIRECTOR: BISHOP JOHNATHON POPE & NICOLE POPE, STEPHANIE EFIRD, JULIE SHIRLEY, JASON WRIGHT, & MICHAEL LAWSON
Curriculum Resources
SEALED GO!
NEW!
SEALED GO Children’s Curriculum is here!
We’re excited to introduce SEALED GO, a new curriculum created to help children ages 6–11:
KNOW their faith.
GROW their faith.
SHOW their faith.
Our goal is more than helping kids learn what they believe—we want to equip them to live it and share it!
📲 For a limited time, scan the QR code to PREORDER and receive 25% OFF!
Quarter 1 Digital Delivery: September 1
It’s time to help a generation get SEALED in their faith and ready to GO!
SEALED GO Children’s Curriculum is here!
We’re excited to introduce SEALED GO, a new curriculum created to help children ages 6–11:
KNOW their faith.
GROW their faith.
SHOW their faith.
Our goal is more than helping kids learn what they believe—we want to equip them to live it and share it!
📲 For a limited time, scan the QR code to PREORDER and receive 25% OFF!
Quarter 1 Digital Delivery: September 1
It’s time to help a generation get SEALED in their faith and ready to GO!
Encouragement for Kids
Every child deserves to know they were made on purpose, for a purpose. God’s Word is the source of that truth. Kids who open these pages embark on a journey of discovering how much God loves them and the great plan He has for their life!
Pastor Lynn learned a few things in her three decades of kids ministry:
Children need to KNOW the scriptures—the only unchanging source in this world.
Learning God’s Word happens most successfully at home.
Embodied learning helps kids learn Scripture quickly.
Pastor Lynn learned a few things in her three decades of kids ministry:
Children need to KNOW the scriptures—the only unchanging source in this world.
Learning God’s Word happens most successfully at home.
Embodied learning helps kids learn Scripture quickly.
Kids Ministry
Kids in the Word is a dynamic, ready-to-use curriculum designed to help children ages 6–11 discover and apply the truths of Scripture in engaging and memorable ways. Through interactive object lessons, exciting games, Bible stories, real-life testimonies, and practical take-home activities, children are encouraged to grow in their understanding of God and His Word.
Organized into 24 lessons across three major themes—Our Great God, Living for God, and Going Deeper—this resource explores foundational biblical truths such as God’s faithfulness, prayer, obedience, faith, God’s guidance, and His plan for our lives.
Organized into 24 lessons across three major themes—Our Great God, Living for God, and Going Deeper—this resource explores foundational biblical truths such as God’s faithfulness, prayer, obedience, faith, God’s guidance, and His plan for our lives.
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.
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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Youth & Discipleship Videos
Kid Jam 2021
ENCOUNTER 2020
