Pastor Lloyd And Katie Smith have been serving the the Forward family since June of 2021. Pastor Lloyd is an Ordained Bishop in the Church of God, and has served in ministry since 2000. They have three kids: Trevin, Ariana, and Luke. They focus on individual discipleship and relationship building as key values in ministry and believe that the Word of God is still applicable to today’s culture. This family has been a blessing to the families of Forward through, leadership, laughter, and love.

After being called to pastoral ministry as a teenager in Nicaragua, Joel served in student ministry for 13 years. Jonnilyn was raised in Palmetto and now works as an adoption consultant, helping families all over the country grow their families. They were married in 2014 and have two children, Harvey and Annie. Joining the Forward staff in September of 2021, Joel and Jonnilyn are excited to see people get connected to God and to each other at Forward!

Travis made his return to Forward in March of 2024. He brings a decade worth of experience to our church, serving in various roles as youth pastor, young adult pastor, worship pastor and media pastor. He and Julie have two sons, Judah & James.

Sam Thurman joined the leadership team of Forward in October of 2020. Before that, she was a member of the worship team for several years. Forward has been a family to her for a very long time. She first started attending as a child in 2008. Sam serves on several ministry teams and brings joy to all those around her.

Shane brings an immense amount of wisdom and experience to the Forward team. Each week he and his team serve our church as prayer partners in our services along with reaching out to care for our Forward family. Shane and his wife Janella are an integral part of what God is doing here at Forward Community Church.

Joining the Forward staff in 2025, Julie brings over 10 years of kids min experience to the team. She is a graduate of Lee University. She also holds a diploma in children’s ministry from KidMin Academy. As a licensed minister in the Church of God, Julie has a heart for pouring into the next generation and equipping them to dig deeper in their relationship with Christ.

Dawson joined the Forward staff in August of 2024, after seeing as a ministry intern at the church. He is a graduate of Southeastern University with a bachelors degree in children, youth, and family ministry. Dawson has a heart to see the next generation walk in their God given calling and destiny.

Ceaton was welcomed onto the Forward staff in the fall of 2024. He has completed the Church of God calling and ministerial studies program and is currently pursuing ministerial licensing. Ceaton’s family has a rich history in our movement and is a 4th generation Church of God minister.

Rose joined the Forward staff in 2023 after serving as a ministry intern. Rose and her husband Kory were married in 2018 after meeting and serving as youth leaders together. They have two incredible children (Gracie & Levi).
Rose has a heart to see people grow in their relationship with the Lord and find community at our church.

Bret and Ami began serving as the Next Gen Coordinators in 2024 after serving in several roles at Forward. As lifelong residents of Manatee County, Bret and Ami have been a part of our church for over a decade. Bret and Ami long to see young people encounter God at young age and walk faithfully with Him throughout their lives.

Nursery

Young Adults

Prayer

First Impressions

Photography

Mountain Movers