Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff Borton.
Hi Jeff, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
My story starts being raised in Michigan and then moving to South Florida for many years. I love the diversity of culture, languages, and foods that exist in symbiosis there. I’ve travelled to many countries and met people from all walks of life which opened my eyes to the needs around me and around the globe.
Within this framework, I’ve worked with students for over 20 years in a church setting. Our belief is that the church should serve the city and meet the needs of the community. It has been a priority to teach this to students and kids to help them realize that “loving our neighbor” like Jesus commanded isn’t just when it is planned on the church calendar, but a lifestyle we embrace.
My role has changed in the past year, but my purpose has not. We serve our community locally, plant churches nationally, and have several global efforts that Long Hollow, my church, supports. Our prayer is that Long Hollow will display the love Jesus has for our community and meet needs both spiritually and physically.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Any worthwhile journey has some dark days, those are to be expected. From a Christian perspective, we realize those days of difficulty are the days that God uses to change us and help us to rely on Him. While I wish many of the dark days would never have happened, ironically, I don’t regret that they did. I am indeed a different person and walk with God much closer as a result.
Over the last. 2 years, watching so many in our community get sick, some even die has been very difficult. Our staff at church isn’t without exception. We’ve watched as many in our community have had their life forever impacted due to the virus.
While we cannot change what has happened, we are determined to love and serve others through it. We see these days as opportunities to encourage, meet needs and share the love of Jesus.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work is to engage others, mostly volunteers, to serve and love others. I also lead a paid team of people who work very hard and are great at what they do in engaging others. together, our team asks the Lord for wisdom, plans opportunities, and then executes the strategy for others to serve. Our prayer is that they would see how God used them and continue to do this on their own.
This past year our team has been able to help tornado victims, feed families during the pandemic, give gifts to local teachers, and care for first responders. We’ve also been able to partner with great organizations that care for the under-resourced in our community and fight trafficking.
I’ve worked with teenagers most of my life, so opportunities still exist in that world. I’ve authored a book and co-authored another, pertaining specifically to student ministry leadership. I speak at conferences and do some coaching with other churches. I love to see people grow in their own personal development and leadership. I get super excited to see someone live out the calling that they believe God has given them. In short, I love to “create opportunities”.
I hope I’m known as someone who genuinely loves Jesus and other people.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
After living in South Florida for so many years, most of those in Miami, my quiet place is “on or under” the ocean. I love being on boats and exploring what’s out there. I really enjoy free diving, spearfishing, and lobstering. While harvesting food is a lot of fun, what I enjoy most is the mental discipline of a good breath-hold and constant awareness of surroundings.
Freediving is a tension of relaxation and discipline that isn’t found many practices.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @jeffborton
- Facebook: /jeffborton
- Twitter: /jeffborton
Image Credits
Long Hollow Film
