Free Will Baptist North American Ministries is dedicated to planting churches across America as well as Canada, Mexico, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Chaplains minister to thousands of men and women serving the nation. And cross cultural church planting specialists connect with people who have come to America from all over the world. Learn more about our ministry: www.FWBNAM.com.

NAM Partners With Cadence International and Missionary Ethan McCraney

North American Ministries is pleased to announce a new partnership with Cadence International and Ethan McCraney (below), newly approved Cadence missionary.

Cadence International is an evangelical organization focused on sharing the gospel with military communities worldwide. Through intentional discipleship, hospitality, and mentorship, Cadence supports all branches of the military, offering care and support to service members, their spouses, and their families.

Ethan McCraney was approved as a Cadence missionary in October 2024. He is the oldest son of Free Will Baptist Navy Chaplain LCDR Mark McCraney (Danielle). Growing up in a military family, Ethan understands military life and its unique challenges. He feels deeply called to support service members as they navigate the ever-changing demands of military service.

Once Ethan completes his fundraising, he will be paired with an existing Cadence ministry, likely in the U.S., where he’ll assist with chapel services, organize activities and outreach events, and open his home to military families. Next spring, Ethan will marry Emma Morris, and together the couple will continue this important work, serving military communities and supporting Cadence’s mission.

North American Ministries is proud to support Ethan and his ministry. Please pray for him as he raises funds and builds relationships with potential partners. Ask God to provide for Ethan and bless his efforts to reach service members with the truth of the gospel.

To learn more about Ethan’s ministry or to partner with him through prayer and financial support, visit fwbnam.com/emccraney/.

NAM Fellowships With College and Student Leaders

It is always encouraging to spend time at our denominational colleges. This spring, North American Ministries was delighted to join chapels and lunches at Randall University and Southeastern FWB College.

We wish to thank the staff and students of these institutions for welcoming us to their campuses. We know the Lord is using these colleges and their students to build His Kingdom.

New WIN Training Contributes to Church Planting Success

This spring, North American Ministry’s first WIN trainings took place in Jamestown, North Dakota, and Ardmore, Oklahoma. NAM’s new chief strategy officer, Josh Bennett, met with fellow planters Justin Feight, Matt Hanshaw, and Cody Matlock to identify “What’s Important Next” in each team’s launch plans and set a strong foundation for their church plants. WIN training is just one of many ways NAM seeks to support and equip church planters to reach their communities with the gospel.

We are excited about the ways WIN training has already benefited current church planters and look forward to seeing how God uses this program to equip more planters in the future.

City Lights Celebrates Three Years With Church Planting Grant

San Diego, CA — City Lights FWB Church (led by Amos and Melissa Dillard) celebrated its third anniversary this April. NAM is proud of the work the Dillards, their team, and their church plant have done in San Diego over the past three years.

During the celebration service, lead planter Amos Dillard presented Chris and Ashly Littlecreek with the first Plant Cali Smith Legacy Grant — a $25,000 startup gift — for their church plant, The Altar, located in the heart of San Diego. NAM offers congratulations to City Lights Church! We are grateful for their passion to reach California with the gospel through church planting!

NAM Recognizes Outgoing Board Members

The Free Will Baptist North American Ministries board of trustees held its annual spring meeting May 6-7. In addition to conducting departmental business, NAM recognized outgoing board members Dr. Jeff Jones (Rose) and Rev. Frank Wiley (Linda) for 12 years of faithful service to the board.

CEO Dr. David Crowe noted, “We are grateful for their contributions, wisdom, and discernment, and we look forward to continuing to serve the Lord alongside them and their churches.”