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"
Online registration COMING SOON!
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
LEFT TO RIGHT: JOSH CARSON, ZACH BRADSHAW, CHAIRMAN; BLAYNE SPIRES, YOUTH & DISCIPLESHIP DIRECTOR, BISHOP JOHNATHON POPE, JOSH DANIEL, RYAN KENNEDY, JOSH DYER, JOSH EFIRD
FCLA BOARD - FLORIDA CHILDREN LEADERS ASSOCIATION
LEFT TO RIGHT: ROSE BUSCH, BEN TAULBEE, CHAIRMAN; STEFANIE EFIRD, YOUTH & DISCIPLESHIP DIRECTOR; BISHOP JOHNATHON POPE, NICOLE POPE, TIFFANY TYRE,
MICHAELA STACKHOUSE, JULIE SHIRLEY
MICHAELA STACKHOUSE, JULIE SHIRLEY
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.
Encouragement for Kids
Facing a Bully? God is Faithful! features four lessons for use at church, along with Faithful Connection and Family Connection pages to use at home.
This book includes a Bible study from the life of David, who faced the lesser-known giant Ishbi-Benob, and King Saul. Reproductible response sheets will help students interact with the Scriptures and apply the truths to their lives. The lessons also include prayer times, games, and object lessons.
A key part of each lesson is reading and discussing one chapter of the corresponding storybook, Gracie and the Bully, which is available through Pathway Press.
This book includes a Bible study from the life of David, who faced the lesser-known giant Ishbi-Benob, and King Saul. Reproductible response sheets will help students interact with the Scriptures and apply the truths to their lives. The lessons also include prayer times, games, and object lessons.
A key part of each lesson is reading and discussing one chapter of the corresponding storybook, Gracie and the Bully, which is available through Pathway Press.
Encouragement for Leaders
Walking With Jesus – Vol. 1–3 is a spiritually rich collection that immerses readers in the life, teachings, and transformational encounters of Jesus Christ. Authored by Bishop Toby Morgan, each volume offers a unique window into the heart of the Savior—from His early ministry to the miracles that stirred entire regions.Written with pastoral warmth and biblical depth, this series:
Brings the Gospels to life through vivid storytelling and rich cultural insight
Challenges believers to walk in obedience, faith, and the power of the Spirit
Encourages readers to rediscover Jesus not only as the Son of God but as the ever-present Lord who still calms storms and heals broken hearts.
Brings the Gospels to life through vivid storytelling and rich cultural insight
Challenges believers to walk in obedience, faith, and the power of the Spirit
Encourages readers to rediscover Jesus not only as the Son of God but as the ever-present Lord who still calms storms and heals broken hearts.
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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