FMI History

Florida Men of Integrity (FMI) was birthed in 1997 out of a vision to encourage and support pastors in their efforts to help men to become better husbands, fathers and men of integrity. The first FMI Servant Ministry Team was established in Gainesville in early August 1997. The second FMI Servant Ministry Team was established in Ocala in late August 1997.

Over the next three months, Jack Munday, Tony Leger and Jim Guth shared the vision for this servant ministry across the State of Florida. Men who caught the vision were soon invited to attend an organizational meeting for FMI in Lakeland in the fall.

At that meeting of 19 men at “The Secret Place” in Lakeland in the fall of 1998, the organizational structure of FMI was formulated.  Jay Crouse was named the first Chairman of FMI.  However, within a few weeks, Jay resigned as Chairman to accept a newly-established position to direct the men’s ministries of the Southwest Diocese of the Episcopal Church. Tony Leger was then appointed as President and Chairman of FMI.

Jim Guth was appointed as FMI’s first Men’s Ministry Representative, and directed the ministry of FMI in the field. Tony Leger served as President and Chairman of FMI until July 2002. Dr. Jim Guth was then appointed as Executive Director for FMI.

Today, FMI is a statewide network of over 200 men (and some women) who work together to provide information, support and encouragement to pastors in their ministry to men and through men, and serve as the field ministry in Florida for the National Coalition of Ministries to men (NCMM). FMI serves all Christian churches in the State of Florida. FMI’s vision is to see a disciple-making men’s ministry in every church in Florida.