FLORIDA
ABOUT MTS-FLORIDA
Ministry to State - Florida is a ministry of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) and exists as a means to minister to those serving in the Florida state government through prayer, discipleship, and evangelism.
OUR MISSION
GOSPEL
Expose those in the government community to the transforming truths of the gospel through healthy relationships.
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WORLDVIEW
Provide encouragement and support in the development of a Biblical world and life view for those in government who make a profession of faith.
CONSCIENCE
Strive to be instrumental in establishing and maintaining a Biblical conscience throughout the government community who both create and implement policy.
CHURCH
Provide a healthy means to connect the church in a non-partisan manner with those in government.
PRAYER
Promote and facilitate specific and intelligent prayer by the body of Christ for those serving in government.
MEET THE FLORIDA
STATE CAPITOL MINISTERS
Jonathan Craig was born in Jackson, Mississippi and as the son of a Navy Chaplain lived in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Alaska, Virginia, Okinawa, and Georgia before attending college. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies with emphases in Philosophy, Mathematics, and Creative Writing from Valdosta State University. After a missionary internship in Sweden with Mission to the World, he attended Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi where he earned a Masters of Divinity with an emphasis in Missions.
While serving at First Presbyterian Church in Gulfport, Mississippi from 2009-2011 Jonathan was ordained in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA).
In 2009 Jonathan was commissioned into the Navy Reserve as a Chaplain Candidate Program Officer and superseded to Active Duty upon his graduation from the Naval Chaplaincy School and Center in 2011. His first Active Duty assignment was at Naval District Washington DC where he served as Manager of Navy Chaplain Operations at Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) and as Chaplain of the Navy Ceremonial Guard.
He conducted over 650 burials at ANC and played an integral role in providing pastoral care in the immediate aftermath of the Navy Yard shooting in 2013.
In September 2014 he reported to the Surface Forces Atlantic Ministry Center in Mayport, Florida where he deployed to the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th Fleets aboard the USS SIMPSON (FFG 56), USS LASSEN (DDG 82), and USS PHILIPPINE SEA (CG 58). During his tour in Mayport he was selected by the Navy Chief of Chaplains as the National Bible Association’s 2016 U. S. Navy Witherspoon Award Winner for outstanding work as a military chaplain.
Jonathan returned to the Navy Reserve in 2017 where his assignments have included Officer in Charge of 4th Marine Division, 4th Anti-Terrorism Battalion, Company E, Platoons 2 & 3; Battalion Chaplain for 4th Marine Division, 3rd Battalion, 14th Marines; and Chaplain for Navy Reserve, Commander Navy Region Japan. He is currently assigned to Navy Reserve, Commander Surface Forces Atlantic DESRON 28.
From February-October 2022 Jonathan was mobilized to Active Duty to serve as the Group Chaplain for Special Operations Command, Central Command at their Forward Headquarters on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
Jonathan served as Assistant Pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Tallahassee, Florida from 2018 until accepting the call as Florida Capitol Minister in 2019.
Jonathan is married to the former Susannah Perry of Bainbridge, Georgia. They have four children and live in Tallahassee, Florida.
William A. Carter is a devoted follower of Christ, dedicated husband to his beloved wife, Angela, and a loving father to two sons and a daughter. Residing in a picturesque home by a serene pond in Deltona, Florida, William shares his life with two cherished American Bulldogs, which he takes delight in playing with. Alongside his family commitments, William is a diligent student on a path towards achieving a Master of Divinity degree.
His academic pursuits are a reflection of his deep passion for the study of theology, seeking to unravel the profound mysteries of God, His creation, and the complicated ways in which humanity can grow a fulfilled communion with their Creator while reflecting His glory. William's diverse interests extend beyond the realm of academia, as he thoroughly enjoys fostering connections through social engagements, family gatherings, and hosting gatherings for enriching Bible studies, engaging games, and memorable BBQs.
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The genesis of William's spiritual journey traces back to his formative years when he began asking profound questions about the nature of the Trinity. Although his faith remained steadfast, his spiritual journey did
not conform to traditional church experiences throughout his youth. It wasn't until his early forties that a profound encounter with God brought him to his knees, face to the ground in deep humility.
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Since that transformative moment, William has dedicated a significant portion of his daily life to the pursuit of true, good, and beautiful knowledge and wisdom in devotion to our Lord and Savior. His lifelong aspiration is to share the depth of his knowledge and wisdom, as he continues to evolve in his spiritual journey. In his role as a Ministry to State Ministry Associate, William seizes the opportunity to fulfill this mission. He earnestly hopes and prays that others will recognize the significance of his cause and extend their support as he engages with those who serve our local government, offering prayers, teaching, and glorifying God in the process.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MTS-FLORIDA
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