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 MINISTRY TEAM
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In 2009 Jonathan was commissioned into the Navy Reserve as a Chaplain Candidate Program Officer and superseded to Active Duty upon his graduation from the Naval Chaplaincy School and Center in 2011.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 Carter has been recognized for his innovative spirit, relentless drive and passion for teaching. However, in 2017, his life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with scleroderma, an autoimmune disease that led to pulmonary fibrosis. With a grim prognosis of just 2-5 years to live, William faced immense challenges. By the end of 2019, he had been rejected for life-saving treatments by three major medical facilities. Yet, after a profound prayer in October, a miraculous event occurred. In December of 2019, he received a life-saving double lung transplant and began an incredible recovery, walking the hospital halls just six hours post-surgery.
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This miraculous recovery deepened William's faith profoundly. With the Lord’s direction he decided to dedicate his life to the world of ministry and enrolled at Reformation Bible College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in theology focusing on Christian thought. Currently, he is pursuing a Master of Divinity at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida. With a passion for Reformed theology and public service, William leverages his background as a civics teacher to bridge the gap between faith and governance. His ministry is rooted in the belief that God’s providence extends to all spheres of life, including government, and that public servants need the hope of the Gospel.
William and his wife, Angela, live in Orlando, caring for their two American Bulldogs and two cats. When not studying, teaching, or engaging with public officials, William prioritizes creating meaningful memories with his three biological children and four foster children, all while nurturing a deep love for Christ within his home. His journey from a successful entrepreneur to a dedicated ministry leader showcases the power of faith and resilience, inspiring others as he lives a life devoted to the Lord and exemplifies the strength found in faith, even amid life’s most daunting challenges.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MTS-FLORIDA
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