About Me

Some people call me a “mission mobilizer.” I am passionate about helping people connect with Christ and his mission in ways that change the world.

I am really an ordinary guy with no remarkable gifts or abilities. However, God has surrounded me with extraordinary people. To know me, you must meet some of them. My wife Carolyn and I (married 34 years – yippee!) have been blessed with three children, a wonderful son-in-law and three brilliant grandchildren. In addition to her loving work with Chinese scholars in America and in China, Carolyn is known for her ministry with women through conferences, Bible studies and mentoring relationships.

I am also blessed to be a part of a team of gifted and committed Christ followers at FollowOne International. Their extraordinary service routinely makes me look good.

I Love …

  • Underdogs. I am a stubborn Mississippi State fan. This relationship has taught me a lot about disappointment, forgiveness, and hope (“Wait till next year…”). I almost always pull for underdogs – regardless of the sport or political setting.
  • Real Dogs. I am still grieving the loss of our 13-year-old Black Lab, Bullie (March 2009). Someday, Carolyn and I hope to have another four-legged friend in our home.
  • Outdoors. I love the beach, the mountains, the flat pine forests of Mississippi, and the swamps of Florida. There have been seasons when I was big into things like fishing, hunting, camping, rock climbing, biking and hiking, but none of those make it onto my calendar very often now. Any day that I can be outside is a good day. Someday, if I have a choice in the matter, I hope to take my last breath outside.
  • Music. I sing a little and can beat on a guitar, but I am not a “musician.” I know enough to appreciate excellence, however. I like a wide variety of music but mostly listen to contemporary Christian, Country and classic Rock. On special occasions, Jazz or Blues music is appropriate.
  • Fiction. I love to read (or watch) works of fiction, preferably something “based on” a historical truth.
  • Growth. I love to see people develop and use their gifts – music, sports, writing, speaking, etc.
  • Differences. I love to meet people from different cultures — in an American restaurant or on a plane heading to Asia.
  • Good Food. I love a home-cooked meal with a small group of friends or family. As an introvert, six people at a table is a good number for me.
  • The South. I love my heritage … at least most of it. Although I have traveled the world, I appreciate my Southern roots: Mississippi, “Yes ma’am,” fried food, hard work, and family. I continue, however, to seek Jesus’ help in redeeming the negative parts of my “Southern-ness.”
  • Family. Although I am a very imperfect practitioner, I love my family. I am very proud of my wife, children, grandchildren, parents, sisters, nieces, and nephews.
  • Jesus. When I’m asked about my denomination or religion, I have the same answer. I love, serve and follow Jesus Christ. I have no joy apart from his gracious love.

Professional Info

I am the founder and president of FollowOne International, an interdenominational mission based in Winter Springs, Florida. FollowOne helps congregations develop effective outreach programs that impact the most strategic and underserved places in the world. I have traveled to forty countries and mentored church leaders across America and in Cuba, China, Russia, Korea, and the Philippines.

Boards and Associations

  • China Outreach Ministries (associate staff)
  • Perspectives on the World Christian Movement (lecturer)
  • Minorities for Christ International
  • China Harvest
  • China Source
  • Ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church

Career

Over the past 20 years, I served as the mission pastor of churches in Tennessee, Texas and Florida. In 1999 the Loftin family moved to Florida in order to help launch the Orlando campus of Asbury Theological Seminary. I served as the Director of Missions and Dean of the Chapel before founding FollowOne International in 2004.

Education

  • Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Mississippi State University
  • Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary
  • Doctor of Ministry from Asbury Theological Seminary (ABD)
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