CHURCH AMBASSADOR NETWORK ADVISORY BOARD
Kevin Baird (Executive Director)
Kevin Baird is the Director of Pastoral Ministries at Florida Family Voice, and a veteran minister for over 40 years. His educational background includes undergraduate degrees in religion and philosophy, as well as graduate degrees in both Historical Theology (M.Div.) and History of Christian Thought (D. Min.). His ministry experience has been extensive through the years as a lead pastor, church planter, national conference speaker, college professor, talk radio host, biblical worldview advocate in public policy, and media analyst on politics and culture. He has been an invited contributor to Fox and Friends, as well as other national media outlets including numerous newspapers, radio, and cable news networks.
In addition to his pastoral experience, he has been highly involved in activating pastors towards greater civic engagement and public policy advocacy. In 2008, he was one of a group of national pastors who challenged the constitutionality of The Johnson Amendment of the IRS Code 501(c)3, which restricts a pastor’s First Amendment rights in the pulpit. In 2013, he was the founding director of the South Carolina Pastors Alliance, a group of nearly 500 pastors networking together to influence legislation especially in the areas of life, marriage, family, and religious liberty. He has been a featured speaker at numerous rallies, conferences, and seminars representing the pastor’s role in important cultural conversations. Along with these speaking venues, he has spent significant time in the college classroom teaching aspiring pastors his course, “A Theology of Civic Reformation: Engaging the Culture with a Biblical Worldview.”
Most recently, as the Director of Pastoral Ministries for Florida Family Voice, his role is to connect the 12,600 self-identified, evangelical pastors in Florida with their civic leaders for prayer, partnership, and public policy engagement. This mission is called, The Florida Capitol Project. Through this project, he educates pastors concerning their historic and biblical role as civic influencers. Secondly, he equips pastors with leadership tools to be effective with their spiritual influence. Finally, he empowers pastors with opportunities for connection and ministry to their civic representatives. This mission is quickly spreading and becoming a powerful template to impact civic representatives not only in Florida, but numerous states across the nation.
He has been married to his wife Tracie for 42 years and has 3 children, 2 “daughters-in-love,” and 3 amazing grandsons.
Tracie Baird (Deputy Director)
Tracie Baird is currently the Deputy Director of the Florida Capitol Project, a vital mission program of Florida Family Voice to connect the 12,600 self-identified, evangelical pastors in Florida with their civic leaders for prayer, partnership, and public policy engagement. She has also been a veteran minister for over 40 years as a pastor’s wife, church planter, national conference speaker, and women’s pastor. Her educational background includes degrees in both Biblical Studies and Theology.
Her ministry has been described as transparent, “real,” and relevant. Her teaching and experiences coupled with her unique sense of humor have made her a much-acclaimed and appreciated speaker. Her winsome personality enables her to connect not only with state legislators, but office and support staff throughout the State Capitol.
Along with the mission of The Florida Capitol Project, she is also the Deputy Director of the Church Ambassador Network, a network of pastors from across the state of Florida representing various Christian denominations and fellowships. These pastors are relationally connected to bring spiritual leadership and pastoral care to the concerns and needs of the body of Christ in Florida.
Tracie has been married to her husband, Kevin, for 40 years and has 3 children, two “daughters-in-love,” and three amazing grandsons.
Rick Stevens, Diplomat Wesleyan Church, Cape Coral, FL
Pastor Rick Stevens has served churches from Oklahoma to New Brunswick, Canada. He has been a pastor, youth pastor, and church music director. Since January 1997, he has been the pastor of Diplomat Wesleyan Church in Cape Coral, FL. Pastor Stevens has been a faithful pastor to engage civic government for years, with a specific interest in education. He is married to Jan and has two children and four grandchildren.
Doug Bankson, Victory Church, Apopka, FL
Pastor Doug Bankson was originally from Altadena, California. Growing up, Pastor Doug travelled and sang across country with his father and brothers. When Pastor Doug was 19 years old he accepted a position as the youth pastor for Cornerstone World Outreach located in Sioux City, IA. It is there where he met the love of his life, Jeri, and in 1987 they were married.
After several years of serving at Cornerstone, Pastors Doug & Jeri felt a call to a friendly little town named Apopka. They began Victory Church and the church has flourished through the years and has been a leader in cultural engagement. Pastor Doug is now an elected civic representative in the Florida State House for District 39.
Rafael Mojica, Nación de Fe Church, Kissimmee, Florida
Rafael Mojica Atanacio, was born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico in a christian home. There he grew up and developed in different positions within the religious system. He began as a child preacher at the age of 12. He graduated from high school and began his university studies at the age of 16. He studied aviation and finished his studies as a private pilot. He has a doctorate in Sacred Theology, one in Divinity and another in Ministry. He established several companies. He enlisted in the armed forces of the United States, where he served as a chaplain in the army for six years.
Together with his wife Claribel, they are the founders and Apostles of Nación de Fe Church in Kissimmee, Florida. They are the founders of a rehabilitation home for drugs and alcohol called "Casa De Fe" in the state of Florida. Their network of 146 churches extends to 19 countries and 17 states of North America. In addition, they founded the International Apostolic Network "The Father Children Design", the Online School of Paternity, the online university "Kingdom University", "Shub", a character training program for men, Network of Entrepreneurs of the Kingdom and sponsor the International Conference "Rompiendo los Esquemas". They are parents of three children and have four beautiful grandchildren. They currently reside in the city of Kissimmee, Florida.
Brian Garrison, Good Samaritan Anglican Church, Middleburg, FL
Brian graduated from the University of Florida in 1996 and served as a youth minister in the Central Florida area for 8 years. He attended Asbury Seminary, Orlando and received his M-Div from The Nashotah House, Wisconsin. He was ordained in 2005 in the Diocese of Central Florida by the Right Reverend John W. Howe and transferred to the ACNA in 2023. Brian and his family have been at Good Samaritan since that time. Brian is married to Susan and are blessed to have four wonderful children, Riley, Ezra, Isaac, and Madison. As a family they enjoy boating, going to the beach, fishing, and just spending time together.
His passion for ministry is to see the transforming power of Jesus touch people lives, make them whole, and lead them into the fullness of God’s design and desire for them. When we, the Church, do this together the world sees Jesus and experience His invitation to know Him and grown in love with Him.
George Cope, Orlando, FL
George has served over forty five years in the ministry, and pastored churches in various regions of the U.S, including an inner city church in Chicago and eight years here in Orlando. He is the Church Network Director, Emeritus for Vision Orlando which connects with hundreds of churches in the Orlando Area.
He earned a B.A. in Biblical Studies, an M.A. and Doctor of Ministry in Leadership. He has traveled the world preaching and teaching in over forty nine countries.
He was President of Zion Bible College in Rhode Island. He served on the pastoral board of Vision Orlando and joined Vision Orlando full-time as Pastoral Director in 2013.
Dr. George is happily married to his wife, Cheryl, for over fifty years and enjoys spending time with family of 1 daughter and 3 grandchildren.
Bobby Smith, South Daytona Christian Church, Daytona, FL
Bobby has been with SDCC since Noah landed the ark. Starting as an intern, he went on to be the Youth Minister before becoming their much loved Lead Pastor. That's almost 40 years of service. He is married to Cindy, who is the VPK Director for SDCC's highly acclaimed Preschool, and they have two grown and married children.
Bobby and Cindy have both been educated and degreed through Florida Christian College (now Johnson University Florida). He truly cares about people and works hard to help, mentor and connect people to Jesus. He's not afraid to get his hands dirty as he follows God's lead in all areas of life, even spending time in Haiti each year ministering to those sorely in need of hope. His heart is for the lost wherever they may be. People in his community know him to be a man of integrity with a caring heart. He always makes time for people and his wise counsel is a huge blessing to us all. Besides crafting relevant and inspiring sermons and lessons, Bobby continues to be instrumental in bringing unity to area churches through the Pastor's Prayer Gathering and ENOCH.
Abraham Rivera and Marilyn Rivera, La Puerta Life Center, Miami, FL
Born in the US to Latino parents, Pastor Abraham Rivera grew up in Miami where he met his wife, Marilyn. Together, they serve as the lead pastors of La Puerta Life Center – a bilingual, culturally diverse, urban church in Miami. A major part of his ministry is teaching others to live up to their God-given potential with a special focus on those in disenfranchised communities.
Outside of the church, Pastor Abraham is actively involved with various citizen organizations on the local, state, and national level. He serves on the executive board of Mission Miami, an organization that unites believers from all languages, cultures and denominations. He serves as the Florida representative of the Hispanic Action Network where he promotes citizen involvement and advocacy for Latinos in various social issues. He has served as advisor for several elected officials in the areas of community relations, religious affairs and faith-based initiatives in Florida Senate where he served as Chairman of Religious Affairs.
Pastor Abraham strongly believes in the importance of taking faith outside of the church walls and encourages others to be responsible citizens by doing the same. He is a frequent speaker at synagogues, churches, and community events as a good will ambassador promoting support for Israel and pro-Israel issues. He works to empower leaders. He has conducted leadership training in the US, Haiti, Guatemala, Colombia and Honduras.
Pastor Abraham is the recipient of various honors and awards for his work in the community, including the United States Congressional Award for Hispanic Leadership. Pastor Abraham currently holds a Doctorate in Divinity degree from Latin University of Theology in Los Angeles, California.
Together with her husband, Abraham, and her two children, Daniel and David; Pastor Marilyn Rivera serves as the lead pastor of La Puerta Life Center – a growing, dynamic church located in North Miami. She is recognized and respected as an energizing leader who specializes in empowering and motivating public involvement in conservative values.
Pastor Marilyn is known for her leadership and involvement in the community. She is the first woman President of the South Florida Hispanic Ministers Association and she is on the executive board of Mission Miami. Pastor Marilyn is currently the Florida representative of the Hispanic Action Network which promotes citizen involvement and advocacy in the areas of voter registration, immigration, and other social affairs.
She is well known for organizing citizen lobbyist groups. Her lobbying projects have influenced legislation in all levels of government and have garnered the attention of various national organizations including: Citizens United for Israel (CUFI), The Libre Initiative and Esperanza USA. Marilyn was instrumental in organizing the Latino evangelical vote to support Florida’s recent anti-BDS law.
Pastor Marilyn teaches leadership training seminars in the US, Brazil and Cuba. She serves as advisor for various organizations, most currently on the St. Thomas University Advisory Board. She is the recipient of many honors and awards for her work in the community. Pastor Marilyn holds various degrees including a Doctorate in Divinity from Latin University of Theology in Los Angeles, California.
Sam Chess, Grace Emmanuel Church, Port Saint Lucie, FL
Sam Chess has served as a Pastor on the Treasure Coast, of Florida, for more than 40 years. He serves as the Senior Pastor of Grace Emmanuel Church (EFCA) in Port Saint Lucie. (graceemmanuel.com) He and his wife Sue founded the church in 1990.
Grace Emmanuel has two radio programs called “GRACE ALIVE” on the regional Christian radio station WCNO. (WCNO.com) The four times a week program reaches from Ft. Lauderdale to Melbourne, FL and across much of the state.
Sam serves on the board of the Treasure Coast Christian Alliance, which brings together local government officials, business leaders, and clergy in unity and purpose.
Sam and Sue have three grown children and eight wonderful grandchildren. Sue Chess serves as the Executive Director of Care Net Pregnancy Services of the Treasure Coast.
Sam holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hobe Sound Bible College and a Master’s degree from Trinity International University.
Zach Terry, First Baptist Church, Fernandina Beach, FL
Zach, a devoted family man, is married to Julie and they are blessed with three children. They reside in North Florida, where Zach fulfills his role as the Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Fernandina Beach, FL.
Pastor Zach’s voice can be heard faithfully teaching the truth on terrestrial radio to a potential audience of 3 million listeners throughout the Southern United States. He is the author of Our Fight: Survive and Thrive in Spiritual Warfare and has been featured as a contributor in the Alabama Baptist Newspaper, Lifeway’s Stewardship Podcast, the Florida, and the Baptist Foundation Podcast.
Pastor Zach's commitment to his faith is evident in his academic pursuits. He holds a Master's degree from the prestigious Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he was honored with the Westminster John Knox Press Award for e xcellence in preaching and teaching the Christian scriptures. He is furthering his education by pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Leadership from the same institution.
Pastor Zach has served on the Florida Baptist State Board of Missions Administrative Committee. He's part of the exclusive "Large Church Roundtable," where thriving Pastors gather annually to encourage one another and to strategize for the future.
Zach has been invited to give the invocation for numerous sporting events like the Daytona Motor Speedway, home to the Daytona 500, and has spoken at the Lucas Oil Racing series.
In 2020, Vice President Mike Pence invited Pastor Zach to the White House to work with a group of Christian leaders to further religious freedom throughout the United States. In 2022, Pastor Zach stood at the lectern of the Florida Senate to pray over the state leaders for their opening session. In 2024, he was privileged to open a session of the Congress of the United States in prayer.
Paul Lodato, CTN President / Ft. Meyers
When General Manager Paul Lodato took the helm of Southwest Florida’s Christian Television Network station (formerly WRXY-TV) in 2005, he was the youngest general manager in the history of the CTN family of television stations, founded in 1979.
Under Paul’s leadership, the fledgling station that began broadcasting from a barn situated in the middle of a, 80-acre cow pasture has become a full-power television station in a state-of-the-art building that offers a production studio, full-service production services, on-location capabilities, and offices. Today CTN Southwest Florida reaches a potential two million people living in the six counties that border Southwest Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Paul is best known to his viewing audience as producer and host of the weekly programs “Contending for the Faith” and “Good News on Entertainment,” which air on CTN Direct TV, Dish Network, and Glory Star Satellite channel. In 2008 Gulfshore Business Magazine named him one of its “40 Under 40” business individuals who have distinguished themselves in their communities. Paul founded the Southwest Florida Film and Television Academy to provide media training for up-and-coming media professionals, and remains well established in the Southwest Florida business community. He also founded the Florida Pastors Network in 2018 connecting thousands of Florida pastors who share biblical world view to engage the culture.
In addition to being an accomplished preacher, singer, and songwriter, Paul serves with his wife, Ivette, in Light of the Word Ministries, the organization they founded together to equip the body of Christ to rightly divide the word of truth and to seek and save the lost.
Paul Lodato is recognized throughout Southwest Florida as a leader, communicator, and a man of faith who refuses to compromise the Word of God while being salt and light in today’s culture.