Leadership Retreat Recap

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship was founded in 1991 as a network of churches, individuals and partners seeking to be the presence of Christ in the world. From its inception, it has focused on efficiency and effectiveness in ministry, preferring working with others in community, rather than duplicating efforts. CBF includes innovative congregations, gifted and called field personnel bearing witness to Jesus Christ around the world, nearly 1,200 endorsed chaplains and pastoral counselors, 15 state and regional organizations, dozens of theological schools and partner organizations, and so much more.

On September 12-14, 2025, your regional organization – the Representative Assembly of Florida and the Caribbean Islands (RAFCI)- met in Venice, Florida at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center. In this lovely setting, your representatives from five different regions in the state of Florida and the Caribbean Islands, focused on developing connection and community. It was the first such retreat the RAFCI has held in its history with a primary focus on creating a deeper sense of family among the members and a deeper commitment to our mission as an RA for our region.

Every RA member made this retreat a priority and with 100% participation, another first, deepened in their bond of love for each other and for the work ahead. Rev. Laura Stephens-Reed, a certified coach who has worked with pastors and congregations in 17 different denominations, guided our work through thoughtful, creative exercises. The willingness of every member to be honest, vulnerable, trusting and spirit-led in visioning our future, led the RA to three primary goals including: healthy leadership, healthy structure, and healthy presence. CBF Churches across the state can be proud of their RA and the work they accomplished this past weekend. Stay tuned for next steps for CBF Florida and the Caribbean Islands in the weeks ahead on our new and improved website: