About Helping Florence Flourish
Connecting Christ followers for Kingdom impact.
Working toward a visible demonstration of the Body of Christ to bless Florence.
Who We Are
A movement born from listening, prayer, and unity.
In 2014, Chris Scott, Erik Marechal, and Chris Handley read and discussed The Good City by Glenn Barth. After dreaming about what it would mean for Florence to become a “good city,” they invited Glenn to town to help begin a movement.
Through a listening tour, a team asked 66 Florence leaders what the most pressing issues were in our community. Four primary concerns emerged: homelessness, education concerns, broken families, and racial division.
Areas of Emphasis
Four concerns became the focus of the movement.
Homelessness
Meeting practical needs and restoring dignity through compassion and collaboration.
Education
Strengthening opportunities and support for children, students, and families.
Broken Families
Supporting the restoration and flourishing of families across Florence.
Racial Bridging
Building trust, unity, and relationships across racial and denominational lines.
Sustained by Prayer
From the beginning, prayer has undergirded the work.
From those early days, Helping Florence Flourish began planning monthly prayer gatherings. Over time, HFF added WinShape Camp, the Global Leadership Summit, ServeFLO, and networks among pastors, causes, neighborhoods, and regions.
Mission
Our mission is to connect Christ followers for Kingdom impact.
Core Values
The Four Greats
Great Compassion
“Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant.” Mark 10:43
We believe in sacrificial service, meeting real needs, and embodying the good news with tangible acts.
Great Commandment
“Love the Lord your God...and love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39
Love for God and love for our neighbors moves us to action.
Great Collaboration
“That they may be one...so that the world may believe.” John 17:21
No single church or organization can reach a city alone. We must come together to spread the gospel.
Great Commission
“Go and make disciples of all nations.” Matthew 28:19
Movements multiply when disciples transformed by Jesus go on to make more disciples.
What We Do
Engaging, energizing, and equipping the Church for these days.
ServeFLO
A season of service where individuals, businesses, churches, and nonprofits complete projects around Florence.
WinShape Camp
A summer camp created by Chick-fil-A founders and hosted locally for students from various backgrounds.
Global Leadership Summit
An annual leadership event that equips and encourages leaders across the city.
Prayer Gatherings
Monthly gatherings where Florence comes together across denominations to seek revival, help, and awakening.
Pastors Breakfasts
Gatherings that give pastors opportunities to break bread, pray, encourage one another, and collaborate.
Network Building
Connecting people with shared passions for ministry, service, and city transformation.
“Seek the welfare of the city…”
Jeremiah 29:7 reminds us to pray for and bless the place where God has planted us.
Will you join us?
Whether you are a church, business, nonprofit, or someone who loves Florence, there is a place for you in this movement.
Working toward a visible demonstration of the Body of Christ to Bless Florence.
