Faith & Family
Christ For All Nations Kicks 2021 Off with a Roar, Announcing a New Church Coming to Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – After an all-too-long 2020, replete with shut-ins, shut-downs, and shut-outs, it’s time for the Church to gather again and make its voice heard, according to Daniel Kolenda, President of Christ For All Nations.
Hundreds of people gathered January 28 – 30, 2021 at the JW Marriott in Lake Buena Vista from all over the world to hear a special announcement regarding what is about to take place right here in the city of Orlando. Before mentioning what was announced, I’m going to take you on a journey to the weekend that changed so many lives.
Themed “The Comeback,” the Fire 21 Conference featured an amazing list of speakers including CfaN’s Lead Evangelist Daniel Kolenda, CfaN’s Vice President, Peter Vandenberg, Todd White, Eric Gilmour, Brian Guerin, Michael Koulianos, and Russell Benson.
Plus, the crowd was lead in dynamic, presence-soaked worship by Eddie James, Leonard Jones, Jenny Weaver, Naomi Akuchie-Cantwell, Amber Brooks, and new to the powerful line-up, Sean Feucht! Sean’s unique, street-outreach “worship-protests” have drawn national attention for their impact on 2020. That same “change-the-world” anointing will carry over into 2021.
Fresh on the heels of crossing the 80-million souls mark, CfaN is poised to take the Gospel even further over the coming decade. The Fire 21 Conference marked the beginning of a return to full-force and momentous move of God!
For the first time, Fire 21 Conference featured a parallel Fire 21 Kids Conference. Children enjoyed Christ-centered preaching and life-changing worship, alongside amazing fun and games – all tailored for their generation. Set in sunny Orlando, Florida, the theme park capital of the planet, Fire 21 was the perfect family getaway that promised a chance for encounters with the Holy Spirit and exceptional quality time, which both will produced lasting results long after the roller coasters stop.
I personally experienced the fresh fire of God and it was such a blessing to meet likeminded believers from all over the world.
Now for the big announcement, “Something Great Is Coming”, from the nations of the world to the neighborhoods of Central Florida, Evangelist Daniel Kolenda announced on Friday, January 29th the start of a new church in Orlando, Florida. The announcement was made with a big surprise blast of confetti, balloons, and streamers filling the conference room.
We Are Nations Church is set to launch in August 2021. The church isn’t looking for congregants who are already churched, but those who need a place to call their church home. Although Evangelist Kolenda’s number one priority is continuing to carry the torch of Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke in reaching Africa, his heart is also burdened to reach those in his own backyard here in Central Florida. Outreach teams will be hitting the streets to reach the un-churched, hurting, and lost prior to the opening date. Those relocating to the area are encouraged to join the launch team and “be part of something historic.” The church will be a separate entity from CfAN.
Evangelist Kolenda is passionate about his calling and says, “What if the same harvest we have seen around the nations of the world would happen here in Central Florida? What if hundreds of thousands of believers joined forces to preach the Gospel and proclaim the Good News? What would Orlando look like? What would America look like?”
Evangelist Kolenda Lays Out What Nations Church is and is Not
What This Means:
- Nations Church will be a thriving, life-giving, evangelistically orientated, local church.
- Nations Church will also serve as the hub for the community of laborers and their families that are gathering to be a part of the great harvest that’s coming!
- Kolenda will be the lead pastor and will dedicate a significant portion of his time to the church. He declared, “But I am not alone. God is assembling a dream team of leaders that will provide the highest quality pastoral leadership.”
What This Does Not Mean:
- Nations Church IS NOT replacing Christ for All Nations in any way – in fact, the two are completely separate entities. However, Nations Church is intended to provide a community for the army of laborers that are coming together under the Christ for all Nations banner.
- Christ for all Nations IS NOT cutting back on our global evangelistic work. In fact, we are increasing from 7-8 crusades per year to 43 crusades per year (not to mention the hundreds of collaborative efforts that will be ongoing within the team)!
- Christ for all Nations IS NOT taking our focus off Africa. In fact, we are focusing more intensely on Africa than ever before, launching local bases, conducting more crusades, and pressing into new nations and territories.
- If you haven’t already, I would be so honored if you would watch the video above of the Nations church announcement at our recent Fire Conference above.
If you would like to learn more about the vision and mission of this upcoming Evangelistic opportunity, you can visit their website at www.cfan.org or wearenations.church
Event Photos
Photos taken by LaTanya Newell and Kathleen Michelle.
__________________________________________________
LaTanya Newell is the Faith & Family Associate Editor for Florida National News. Politics Associate Editor Kathleen Michelle also contributed to this report. | info@floridanationalnews.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – As the Easter weekend arrives, all of us at Florida National News and the FNN Faith & Family Show extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones.
Florida National News Wishes Floridians a Joyful and Restorative Easter Weekend
Whether you are gathered around the dinner table with family, attending church services, enjoying the springtime outdoors, or simply taking a quiet moment for yourself, we hope this weekend brings you a renewed sense of peace, purpose, and connection.
Faith & Family: Florida National News Celebrates Easter with Warm Wishes and Gratitude
Easter is a time of hope and transformation—a reminder of new beginnings and the power of faith, love, and community. It’s also a time to reflect on what truly matters: compassion, togetherness, and giving thanks for life’s blessings.
We are deeply grateful to be part of your lives and to serve the people of Florida each day. Your continued support allows us to uplift, inform, and inspire communities across the state.
From our family to yours—Happy Easter, Florida!
___________________________________________________
FNN Faith & Family
News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Faith & Family
Exponential 2025 Unites over 5,000 Global Church Leaders to Experience “Greater Things”
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News Faith & Family digital reporter Hidekel Griffin was on location as Exponential 2025 united over 5,000 passionate church leaders from 25+ countries, representing 100 networks, denominations, and churches, for a powerful gathering at First Orlando Baptist Church. The annual conference, focused on church growth and multiplication, inspired attendees through dynamic worship, thought-provoking teachings, and a shared mission to spread the Gospel.
Photo by Faith & Family digital reporter Hidekel Griffin
Exponential: Empowering Leaders for Church Growth and Multiplication
Exponential is a global movement dedicated to accelerating church multiplication by equipping leaders with actionable strategies, resources, and training. The conference featured renowned speakers including Christine Caine, Drew Hyun, Derwin Gray, Jennie Allen, Joby Martin, Sarah Jackson, Dan Owolabi, J.D. Greear, Ed Stetzer, Gui Franco, Moses Mukisa, Tom Jackson, and Noemi Chavez.
Throughout the event, leaders engaged in worship, strategic discussions, and networking to advance their mission of multiplying healthy, reproducing faith communities.
Photo by Faith & Family digital reporter Hidekel Griffin
The “16% Mission”: Transforming U.S. Churches for Exponential Growth
A central theme of Exponential is the “16% Mission”, which aims to reach a tipping point where at least 16% of churches in the U.S. actively engage in multiplication. The organization provides resources such as:
A comprehensive digital library with multiplication tools
Online courses and leadership training
Year-round conferences and networking opportunities
Photo by Faith & Family digital reporter Hidekel Griffin
Looking Ahead: Exponential 2026 Announces “You’re A Multiplier” Theme
The momentum continues into Exponential 2026, with the theme “You’re A Multiplier” aimed at empowering leaders to take bold steps in church multiplication.
For those looking to multiply their churches and make a greater impact, registration is now open at www.exponential.org.
_____________________________________________________________
Hidekel Griffin, Digitial Reporter
FNN Faith & Family
news@FloridaNationalNews.com
Faith & Family
NRB 2025 Convention in Grapevine Brings Together Over 5,800 Christian Media Professionals for Key Industry Discussions
GRAPEVINE, TEXAS (FNN) — The National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) Association welcomed over 5,800 Christian media professionals, including 345 international attendees from 52 countries, to the highly anticipated 2025 NRB International Christian Media Convention. Held in Grapevine, Texas, from February 24–27, the convention served as a leading global platform for Christian communicators to network, engage in industry discussions, and witness the latest developments in the faith-based media sector.
Covering the event for FNN Faith & Family, reporter Hidekel Griffin highlighted the major discussions and milestones from the convention, which featured 58,000 square feet of exhibits and 271 exhibitors, including 62 first-time exhibitors. The event offered a comprehensive look at the impact of Christian media globally, underscoring the ongoing evolution of media platforms and communication tools, especially in the context of new technologies like artificial intelligence.
Opening Session Highlights Key Themes for 2025
At the Opening Session of NRB 2025, Troy A. Miller, NRB President & CEO, addressed the packed room of Christian broadcasters and media professionals, emphasizing the organization’s continued role in advancing Christian communications. Miller’s speech underscored the NRB’s 80-year history in fighting battles for Christian media through the transition from traditional radio to digital platforms, streaming, and the emerging world of artificial intelligence (AI). He remarked:
“This organization has been on the forefront for Christian communicators, fighting the battles that will keep you doing the ministry that God has called you to do,” said Miller. “For eighty years, this organization has fought continuously as we have transitioned from radio into television, to satellite, to digital, to streaming, to internet, and soon, into all things AI.”
The 2025 NRB Convention saw a remarkable increase in international engagement, with attendees from around the world coming together to explore issues of media influence, censorship, pro-life values, and the ongoing fight for Christian values in public life. Miller’s address was a powerful reminder of the essential role of Christian media in modern society.
Spotlighting Key Sponsors and Partners
The NRB 2025 Convention was made possible through the support of Gloo AI, a Platinum Sponsor, and other key partners such as Patriot Mobile (Silver Sponsor) and Ignite America, Prime Video, and Wonder Project (Bronze Sponsors). These sponsors played a pivotal role in helping to create an environment where Christian communicators could expand their reach and advance their missions in the face of an ever-changing media landscape.
For a full list of NRB Convention sponsors and their roles in supporting the event, attendees were encouraged to visit the official NRB website.
Educational Panels and The Great Commission Forum
Throughout the event, NRB hosted a packed schedule of panels, talks, and networking opportunities. One of the most anticipated events was the Great Commission Forum, which offered insights into the global impact of Christian media. Featured speakers included Rev. Samuel Rodríguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), and musical artist Mimy Cifuentes. The forum provided a space for attendees to explore the power of media in spreading the Christian message across borders and cultures.
Discussions on local broadcasting, values-driven media, censorship, and pro-life and pro-family values were also central themes during the week, showcasing the challenges and opportunities for Christian communicators navigating the complex media ecosystem.
Honoring Israel and Leadership in Media
On Wednesday, February 26, the convention began with the annual sold-out Breakfast to Honor Israel. This event was a poignant moment for attendees to come together and support the Jewish community in the U.S. and abroad. The breakfast included performances of the U.S. and Israeli national anthems by Bishop Robert Stearns, founder and executive director of Eagles’ Wings, and a keynote address by Livia Link Raviv, the consul general of Israel to the Southwest U.S.
Additionally, the event featured a fireside chat with David Parsons, vice president and senior spokesman for the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ), and Elan Isaacson, head of security for the Eshkol Region, who shared firsthand accounts of the difficulties faced by Israeli citizens amidst the ongoing conflict. The breakfast was sponsored by the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ), and Magen David Adom (MDA).
The Media Leadership Dinner and Keynote Remarks
On the evening of Wednesday, February 26, the convention hosted its annual Media Leadership Dinner—an invitation-only event for presidents and leaders of NRB member organizations and their guests. This exclusive gathering provided an opportunity for high-level networking and collaboration among Christian media professionals.
The highlight of the dinner was the keynote speech delivered by **Jonathan Turley, a nationally recognized legal scholar and professor at J.B. & Maurice C. Shapiro of Public Interest Law and at George Washington University Law School. The dinner was sponsored by the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) and Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM).
The NRB 2025 International Christian Media Convention concluded on Thursday, Feb. 27, with another full day of affiliate events, workshops, talks, exhibits, and networking opportunities. The Closing Gala featured a musical performance by The Erwins, the presentation of the annual Special Service Awards, and a keynote address from Dr. Robert Jeffress, senior pastor at First Baptist Dallas. The Gala was sponsored by Evangelism Explosion International.
Recipients of the Special Service Awards included:
Hall of Fame Award | Richard (Rich) P. Bott, Bott Radio Network
William Ward Ayer Award | Roger Kemp, RK Media
Billy Graham Award for Excellence in Christian Communications | Samaritan’s Purse
Milestone Award | David Benware | KALS 97.1FM | Moody Radio | Joe Battaglia
NextGen Award | Dallas Jenkins
President’s Award | Lauren Libby
Chairman’s Award | Anne Graham Lotz
Board of Directors Award | Candace Cameron Bure
Sports3 days agoOrlando Pride Drops First Match of 2025 Season in 1-0 Loss to Washington Spirit
Florida4 days agoSon of Florida Sheriff’s Deputy Opens Fire at FSU, Killing Two, Injuring Six
Faith & Family3 days agoHappy Easter from Florida National News
Entertainment4 days agoLove, Culture, and Comedy Collide in The Wedding Banquet (2025)
Esma Dennis
February 3, 2021 at 7:33 am
This Editor is anointed, and filled with God’s glory and grace!
LaTanya Newell
February 3, 2021 at 8:58 pm
God bless you! Thank you so much!!