David Tarkington, Pastor

David has served on the pastoral staff at First Baptist Church since 1993.  David was called to First Baptist initially to serve as Student Pastor. He led this ministry for over ten years before transitioning into the role of Single and Young Married Adults Pastor. In 2005, he was called to serve as Senior Pastor.

David was born in Paris, Tennessee. David's father, Jack, was a career Air Force man, so David has lived in many areas. He now calls Orange Park home and has lived here longer than anywhere else.

David is married to his college sweetheart, Tracy and they have two children, Ashley and Daniel.

David is a graduate of the University of North Texas and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Stanley Puckett, Education & Administration Pastor

Stanley has served at First Baptist Church since 2000. He has served in numerous churches throughout Florida in the role of Education Pastor. Stanley is a colonel in the US Army and serves as Chaplain.

Stanley is a native Floridian and calls Daytona Beach home.

He is married to Karen and they have two children, David and Kimberly.  Kimberly is married to Troy and they have one daughter.

Stanley is a graduate of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and directs the administrative aspects of our ministries as well as leads in all areas related to Christian discipleship and education.

Shelvin Lamb, Worship Pastor

Shelvin has served as the Worship Pastor at First Baptist since 1999. He is a Jacksonville native and probably the biggest Florida Gator fan you will ever meet.

Shelvin is married to Pam and they have two children, Daniel and Anna.

Shelvin is a graduate of the University of North Florida and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and leads all areas of worship at First Baptist, including choirs, orchestras and praise bands. 

Ryan Rouse, Student Pastor

Ryan leads all ministries here at First Baptist focused on junior high and senior high students. In addition to student ministries, he is the founder of "Community" a ministry to and with the homeless community in Jacksonville that gathers weekly.  Ryan is also a leader for portions of our global missions effort.

Ryan is married to Stacie and they have one daughter, Piper.

Ryan is currently attending the Baptist College of Florida

Skipper Rodgers, Children's Pastor

Skipper leads all ministries here at First Baptist related to children in kindergarten through sixth grade. This includes ministries designed to strengthen parents and families. He has served as interim Education Pastor in the past and is a leader for portions of our global missions effort. Skipper has served on staff since 2000.

Skipper is married to Tricia and they have three sons, Joshua, Caleb and Samuel.  Skipper and Tricia also serve as foster parents and are often blessed with even more children in their home.

Skipper is a graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Kaytee Jimenez, Missional Expressions Coordinator

Kaytee has literally grown up at First Baptist and has served in many capacities. She leads worship as part of our praise band at the contemporary service called "915," leads drama for our children and works with our choirs. Her primary role now is as the Missional Expressions Coordinator. This is a growing ministry and involves our efforts to serve the Lord by serving our community through school partnerships, community outreach, ministering to the hungry and those in need, etc. To see more about missional expressions, click here.

Kaytee is married to Neil and they have two sons, Eli and Owen.

Kaytee is a graduate of Samford University.

Kenzie Davis, Missions Coordinator

Kenzie serves as our Missions Coordinator, which primarily focuses on setting up and coordinating our international short-term trips, but also our focus on connecting with church planters and the adoption of unreached people groups. For more information on our missions emphases, check out the "One:Eight" page on our site.

Kenzie is a graduate of Gardner-Webb University.

Jennifer Kiep, Interim Preschool Ministries Director

Jennifer serves as the preschool ministries director. She ensures that we have adequate volunteers to care for babies and preschoolers every Sunday morning and Wednesday evening and other times the church gathers. She is responsible for training of preschool leaders and works to ensure we have a biblically based, safe environment for our preschoolers.

Jennifer is married to Eddie and they have three children, Jordan, Jared and Bethany.

Jennifer is a graduate of the University of North Florida.

Caleb Gardner, Student & Media Ministries Associate

Caleb was licensed to the gospel ministry here at First Baptist and serves as an associate in our student ministry as well as our media specialist.

Caleb is not married, but is available. If you have any prospects for Caleb, let us know.

Caleb is currently attending Florida State College at Jacksonville and will be transferring for ministerial studies to a college in North Carolina soon.

Jordan O'Brien, Worship Leader

Jordan leads our 915 Worship Band.