Floyd Follows Father

A desire to spread the word of Jesus Christ to the world pushes Nick Floyd’s already successful efforts in life. “I think Jesus has got to be my motivation,” he said. “That is the motivation for trying to get as many people as possible to hear that message and have their lives changed.”

After all, his father, Ronnie Floyd, is arguably one of the best-known Baptist preachers in the nation. His older brother, Josh, has won multiple state championships as head coach of the Shiloh Christian Saints.

Long story short, that’s a lot of achievement to live up to. Some might crack under the pressure.

Not Nick. Instead, he’s thriving.

In 2005 the Northwest Arkansas native graduated from Liberty University with a bachelor’s in biblical studies. Around that same time Floyd began serving as an intern in the young singles ministry at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas. From 2006-09, he assisted with the start of Prestonwood’s nearby north campus, where he would serve as Minister to Adults. At one point he was in charge of 17 Sunday school classes. In 2007, he earned a master of divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Afterwards he returned to Lynchburg, Va., to obtain a degree in Doctor of Ministry.

Somewhere in there Floyd also found time to get married and make room for two children. Meanwhile, his career is just getting started. He seems excited about how well life is turning out.

Still, one wonders why he chose to follow in his father’s footsteps.

“I didn’t want to be a preacher or pastor. I actually wanted to be the next Lee Corso on ESPN ‘College GameDay.’ But in junior high God began to change my desires and really did a 180 on me.”

Ultimately, Floyd surrendered to the ministry in his sophomore year. In February 2009, back when Floyd came on staff at both churches, his dad “made it very clear to me that this is not a succession plan.” Still, Floyd aspires “to preach and lead people.”

As it turns out, he’ll finally get his big break when the Springdale-based church expands to a third campus in Fayetteville this fall.

Floyd said he will oversee the day-to-day activities there and conduct a majority of the preaching.

Floyd’s motivation flies beyond financial incentives or peer recognition.

“I think my agenda is just to get the Gospel out to people around the world. I think that’s what people would expect – to be driven by something different.”