Staff

  • Administration

    John Blount

    John Blount

    Senior Executive Pastor

    A life-long resident of Jacksonville, John has been a member of FBC JAX since 1970. The impact of growing up here has resulted in a strong foundation of faith in God, a love for the Bible, and zeal for this church. The son of a builder, John graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Building Construction. He returned to Jacksonville to begin a 20-year career track that included working in his family’s construction business, commercial property development, and finally the establishment of his own business, which he led for eight years. During these years, John faithfully served as a Bible Teacher, Deacon, Vice-Chairman of Deacons, and Finance Committee member at FBC JAX. He was also Chairman of the Building Committee during the construction of several projects at the church, including the Children's Building and Welcome Center. In 2000, John followed God's call to close his business and join the FBC JAX staff as Facilities Administrator. In 2005, John was selected to serve as Executive Pastor of Business Administration. In 2011, he was appointed Senior Executive Pastor.

    John’s desire in ministry is to create an environment for God to do heart change in the lives of people. He believes that when the minister finds joy in God, that joy spills over into the lives of others helping them to enjoy God and worship Him. For this pursuit He claims the truth of Psalm 37:4: "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." John married his high school sweetheart, Ann. They have a son and a daughter.  He enjoys reading, writing, fishing, art and music. 

    Show all Administration Staff
    Hide all Administration Staff
    • Douglas Gregory

      Douglas Gregory

      Finance Administrator

      Doug is a Certified Public Accountant with 12+ years experience in Non-Profit Accounting.  He has been the Finance Administrator at FBC Jax since 2008.  His hobbies include but are not limited to: Music, Aviation, & Home Improvement.

    • Marlene Haddock

      Marlene Haddock

      Comptroller/Human Resources Director

      Born in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, Marlene has spent most of her life in Jacksonville. She was saved during a church service at the age of 8, but re-dedicated her life to Christ in 1989. Marlene studied business at the University of North Florida and has extensive experience in the local construction industry. She joined the FBC JAX staff in 2002 where she currently serves in the Finance Department. She is responsible for supervision of the day-to-day accounting functions and human resources for the church.

      A faithful volunteer in 3rd grade Sunday School and the “I Am Special” Ministry, Marlene believes we should love others as Jesus loves us. She claims the truth of Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Marlene and her husband, Ernie, have one daughter, Vicki, and three grandchildren (triplets) Jacob, (Emily and Zachary, deceased). She loves spending time with her grandson, reading, and teaching children.

       

    • Judson Leverette

      Judson Leverette

      Facilities Administrator

      Born and raised in Sylacauga, AL, Judson accepted Christ at age 11 in his home church of FBC Sylacauga. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Management from Milligan College, as well as a Master of Arts in Organizational Management and a Masters in Business Administration from Trevecca University. A United States Navy veteran with six years of service, Judson has worked in both business and churches throughout the Southeast. He joined the FBC JAX staff in 2007 to serve as Facilities Administrator where he embraces the truths of Psalm 100:2: "Serve the Lord with gladness!" Judson and his wife, Cindy, have one son, EJ. In his spare time, he enjoys "Yardening," home projects, and spending time with family.

  • Education

    Steve Clifton

    Steve Clifton

    Executive Pastor of Education

    Born in Los Angeles, CA, Steve was adopted and then raised in Dyersburg, TN. He earned a Bachelors of Church Music Performance degree from Arkansas State University in 1983 and has completed post-graduate work in the field of Education. At the age of 21, after spending many years as an unregenerate church member, Steve felt God’s call on his life and he surrendered to Him for salvation. For the past 33 years, Steve has served churches in Arkansas, Tennessee, and Florida. He came to FBCJAX in 1996 as the Associate Minister of Worship. Since that time, he has served on the Educational Staff in various capacities. In 2011, Steve assumed the role of Executive Pastor of Education and is responsible for the overall program of the Sunday School, Decision Counseling, and Church Membership.

    “It is a joy serving the church with the gifts that God has given me,” says Steve. “Our Education Team desires to lead "the Church at work" in fulfilling the purposes outlined in Acts 2: Evangelism, Discipleship, Ministry, Worship, Fellowship, and Prayer. He claims Galatians 2:20-21 as his life verse: "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself up for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly." Steve and his wife, Laurie, have two children, Caleb and Sarah. He spends much of his free time rooting for his favorite team: The BIG Orange University of Tennessee Volunteers!

    Show all Education Staff
    Hide all Education Staff
    • Shelly Taylor

      Shelly Taylor

      Director of Preschool Ministries

      A native of Dallas, TX, Shelly walked the aisle of her home church as a six-year old child ready to tell her Pastor how much she loved Jesus.  At the age of 13, she was convicted of her sin and realized that Jesus died on the cross for her and that apart from Him there was no salvation.  She went on to graduate from Dallas Baptist University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with an Early Childhood concentration, Reading Specialization, Kindergarten Endorsement and Teacher Certification for Pre-Kindergarten through 8th Grade, as well as a Master of Arts Degree in Christian Education with a concentration in Preschool and Children's Ministry. Shelly also holds her Elementary Principal Certification through ACSI, Association of Christian Schools International.  In 1996, she began serving in Preschool Ministry at First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. From 1998-2006, Shelly served as Minister to Preschoolers at First Dallas.  She joined the FBC JAX staff as Director of Preschool Ministries in 2006.

      Shelly and her husband, Tye, have three children, Bayley, Bryne, and Thaddeus, as well as a miniature schnauzer named Annie. One of her favorite verses is Psalm 25:4-6:  "Show me Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths.  Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all day."  When she is not serving preschoolers and their families, Shelly enjoys spending time with her children and family, decorating their home, and reading.

    • Chad Smith

      Chad Smith

      Elementary Pastor

      A native of Moncks Corner, SC, Chad accepted Christ at the age of nineteen through the youth ministry of his home church – First Baptist Church Moncks Corner, SC. He feels it was an Extreme Makeover- God Edition! Chad earned his Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Montreat-Anderson College and a Master of Arts in Children’s Educational Ministry from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served churches in Kentucky, Georgia, and Tennessee, before joining the staff of FBC JAX in 2011. Chad is responsible for leading the church’s ministry to children in grades 1-5 and their families in the areas of Sunday School, AWANA, and special events. He believes that children are a gift from God. That’s why his desire is for each of them to know God personally and His gift for them.

      Chad’s favorite verses are Joshua 1:9 (“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”) and Jeremiah 29:11-13 (“’For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart”). Chad loves to laugh, make people laugh, and hear people laugh. Most importantly, he loves to be a husband to his wife, Betsy, and a father to his sweet daughter, Claire.

    • Dan Elkins

      Dan Elkins

      Middle School Pastor

      Dan has served as the Middle School Pastor at FBC JAX since 2005. He graduated from the University of Florda with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Microbiology in 2002 and has completed post graduate work towards a Master’s of Divinity Degree from Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY. As the Pastor of middle school students and their families, he leads a vibrant ministry that disciples and trains students to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ and to proclaim the Gospel to this generation of young people that they might believe and be saved. He and his wife, Marianne, have two daughters, Katelyn and Caroline.

    • Shane Johns

      Shane Johns

      High School Pastor

      A Jacksonville native, Shane was led to Christ as a sophomore by his Bible teacher at Trinity Christian Academy. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of North Florida, as well as Master of Arts degrees in Marriage and Family Counseling and Christian Education from Southwestern Theological Seminary. Following seminary, Shane served at a church in Texas for 12 years before joining the FBC JAX staff in 2011.

      “God has placed within me a burning passion and compelling desire to devote my life to impacting students, “ says Shane.  “My desire is to train and disciple students into a life of obedience and surrender, teaching them how to have an intimate relationship with Christ.”  His favorite verses are found in Philippians 3:13-14: “Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Shane and his wife, Allison, have been blessed with three children (plus one on the way).  When he is not serving students, Shane loves to hang out with his family and fish.

       

    • Danny Crosby

      Danny Crosby

      Adult Education Pastor/ Men and Military Ministries

      A native of Mill Creek, NC, Danny grew up knowing “about” Christ. However, during his young adult years, strong Bible preaching, the godly example of a young lady (who eventually became his wife), and a deep conviction of sin led him to seek forgiveness and salvation through Christ alone. Danny earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theology with a minor in Evangelism and Preaching from the Baptist College of Florida and a Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He pastored churches in Florida and Alabama before joining the staff of FBCJAX in 2011. Danny oversees Adult Sunday School, Outreach and Assimilation, the Men's Ministry, and the Military Ministry. He also volunteers as a Chaplain in the Army National Guard. 

      “If what we are doing in the church does not, in some way, help fulfill the Great Commission and the Great Commandment,” says Danny “then it’s not worth doing.” Danny loves spending time with his wife and three children, eating good barbeque and seafood, and watching UNC basketball. He claims the promise of Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.”


       

    • Marilyn Kirkpatrick

      Marilyn Kirkpatrick

      Adult Education Director/ Women's and Single Adult Ministries

      A native of Kentucky, Marilyn attended a Catholic church throughout her childhood. At the age of 17, she encountered the saving grace of Jesus at a retreat and gave her heart and life to Him.  A passion for the Word and the work of God was birthed in Marilyn’s heart at that time. She moved to Jacksonville, Florida following her graduation from high school, where she met her husband, Mark.   

      In 1980, they joined First Baptist Church of Jacksonville.  Marilyn became the Women’s Ministry Director in 2005, and she currently oversees the Women’s Ministry, as well as the Women’s, Young Couples’, and Single Adult Sunday School ministries. Her heart’s desire is making disciples through “teaching them all that the Lord has commanded.”  Her passion to teach the Word in “every-day” life application method is the motivation of her ministry. Marilyn claims the truth of Ephesians 2:8-9:  “For by grace you have been saved, through faith, that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Marilyn and her husband, Mark, have one daughter, Katie.  In her spare time, she enjoys reading, knitting and riding bikes with her husband. 

    • Fran Hawk

      Fran Hawk

      Director of Special Education and Deaf Ministries

      Fran was born and raised with four brothers in a loving and caring Christian home in a farming town near Thomasville, Al. At the age of twelve, she realized there was something missing in her life, so during a local revival, she gave her heart to the Lord. A short time later, while attending a camp, she felt the Lord calling her into Christian ministry.  Fran earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Athens State University in Athens, AL and a Master of Religious Education degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Immediately following her graduation from seminary, Fran joined the staff at FBC JAX. During the past 56 years, she has served the church in many areas, including Youth, Preschool, and Children’s ministry. She currently oversees the  Special Education and Deaf Ministries, as well as serving as Church Historian.

      “If the Lord has called you into His special ministry of service, you cannot do anything else and be truly happy,” says Fran. “A calling is of the Lord.” Among her favorite verses are Philippians 4:13 (“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”) and Psalm 27:1 (“The Lord is the strength of my life”). Fran enjoys traveling to interesting places, reading historical books, cooking, sewing, and spending time with family and friends.

    • Linda Hodges

      Linda Hodges

      First Jacksonville Foundation/Director of Stewardship Education

      A native of Baltimore, MD, Linda holds a Bachelor of Science degree from George Washington University and a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University. She pursued a career in nursing and then medical research, but later “retired” to care for her growing family. Because she was no longer contributing to the household income, she decided to learn how to better manage their money. Her search for information led to a financial services career spanning 26 years. Linda became a Certified Financial Planner ®, a Chartered Life Underwriter, and a Chartered Financial Consultant. On February 13, 2000, Linda accepted Christ while watching FBC’s television broadcast. At that time, God gave her a passion for Biblical Financial Stewardship and a desire to help people get ready for the judgment. Linda joined the staff of FBC JAX in 2008 as Director of Development for the First Jacksonville Foundation. In 2011, her role expanded when she was appointed to the Education Staff as Director for Stewardship Education. She claims the truth of Galatians 2:20: “I am crucified with Christ. I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me so I live my life in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God Who loves me and gave His life for me.”


      Linda and her husband, Eddie, have four adult children and eight grandchildren. She enjoys reading and traveling, particularly when it involves seeing her family.

  • Worship

    James Whitmire

    James Whitmire

    Executive Pastor of Worship

    Dr.  Jim Whitmire has served as Executive Pastor of Worship at First Baptist Church Jacksonville, Florida, since August 2007.  He has recently served as visiting professor of music and worship at the Mid-America Seminary, Cordova, Tennessee, campus.  While at the Seminary, he also served as interim minister of music at First Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas, and Germantown Baptist Church in Germantown, Tennessee.  Dr. Whitmire is minister of music emeritus of Bellevue Baptist Church, Cordova, Tennessee, where he retired in December 2005 after 30 years of service.  He and his wife Linda have six children and 12 grandchildren.  
     

    Show all Worship Staff
    Hide all Worship Staff
    • Charles Darus

      Charles Darus

      Associate Minister of Music

      A native of Cairo, Georgia, Charles accepted Christ as a young boy while completing a God and Country merit badge in Cub Scouts. A passionate music lover, he received his Bachelors Degree in Music Education from Florida State University and a Masters of Music with a concentration in Music Ministry from the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Charles has served as a public school band director in Brevard County, Florida and as a member of the music staff of First Baptist Church in Dallas, TX.  He joined the FBC JAX staff in 2010 as Associate Minister of Music, focusing on leading the Middle School Music Ministry, coordinating the Adult Vocal Ensembles, directing the Young Adult Ensemble, and serving as the Minister of  Music and Worship for the South Campus. “In everything I do,” says Charles, “I want to make much of God through celebrating the accomplished work of Christ.” That’s why he claims the truth in Matthew 6:33: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

      Charles enjoys spending time with his wife, Carolyn, toying with his iPhone, making music, and playing golf.

    • Edson Dickinson

      Edson Dickinson

      Instrumental Director

      Edson Dickinson has been the instrumental director of First Baptist Church Jacksonville for 25 years. Prior to that, Edson received his Music Education degree from Florida State University and was a band director in the Duval County school system. Edson developed a love of writing and arranging music while in middle school, and has since had the opportunity to see many of his arrangements for church orchestra published. Edson says “It is one of the great blessing of my life to know that God has used music that I have had a part in creating to be a vehicle for worship in churches across America and beyond.” Edson's wife Donna has served as a flutist at First Baptist Church during all these years of his ministry there and together they have raised 3 boys.

    • Jonathan Welch

      Jonathan Welch

      Associate Director of Music

      Raised in Jacksonville, Jonathan accepted Christ while a student in high school. He graduated from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts and joined the music staff of FBC JAX in 2006 as Middle School Music Director. He currently serves as Associate Director of Music and is responsible for the High School Music Ministry and the Performing Arts Center. He also assists the Executive Pastor of Worship with the Chancel Choir, worship leading, worship planning, conducting, and special events. Jonathan’s greatest joy is seeing others become passionate about worshipping Jesus Christ to their fullest ability. His favorite chapter in the Bible is Romans 8.

      Jonathan is married to the love of his life, Meaghan. They have 3 children (all boys): Joshua (born in 2007) and Aaron and Aiden (twins born in 2009).

       

    • Teri Van Duyn

      Teri Van Duyn

      Children's Music Director

      A native of Macon, GA, Teri grew up in a ministry family. Her father was an Independent Baptist Preacher and her siblings all later chose a life of ministry. She attended Trinity Baptist College, studying education, administration, and vocal performance. 

      Teri joined FBC JAX in 1997 and became Children's Music Director in 2010. She and her husband, Brian, have one son, Ty.

  • Community Life

    Marcus Allen Jr.

    Marcus Allen Jr.

    Executive Pastor of Community Life

    A native of Jacksonville, Marcus Allen, Jr has been part of the FBC JAX staff for the past five years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from the University of North Florida and a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Marcus served in churches in North Carolina and Texas before joining the FBC staff. He currently  serves as the Executive Pastor of Community Life, as well as the Campus Pastor for the South Campus location. 

    Show all Community Life Staff
    Hide all Community Life Staff
    • Marcus Allen Sr.

      Marcus Allen Sr.

      Counseling Ministry Director

      A native of Jacksonville, Marcus holds a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of North Florida and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and nationally-certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor.

      A Vietnam Veteran, Marcus served four years in the United States Marine Corps. In the mid-70s, God called Marcus to become trained as a counselor that approached Mental and Emotional Health and Healthy Relationships from a Christ-centered perspective. 

      “I believe that the human psyche is a result of the purposeful design of a loving God.  If we are going to understand and work with our emotions, behaviors, and relationships, we need to start with what God says in his Word as the foundation. This basic premise demands that we petition the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we seek to use sound psychology and proven counseling techniques to help people accept and incorporate God’s truth in their lives.” 

      Marcus is married to his lovely wife, Sue. They have one son and four granddaughters.

       

    • John Fuller

      John Fuller

      Counselor

      John trusted Christ at age 25 following a men's Bible study breakfast.  It was clear to him that Christ was God, He died for sin, and he needed a Savior.  "The changes were amazing," says John. "He is still working in and even through me to this day, to appreciate Him and the gospel that has the power to save and keep us."

      A graduate of East Carolina College with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, John also earned his Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL.

      He joined FBC JAX's Counseling Ministry in 2002 after serving many years in private practice. As a licensed counselor, John desires to learn the Bible in such a way that he uses it effectively as his primary resource, for those who come for counsel and for his life and godliness. He mentors men and couples, encouraging others to follow Christ and His Word as individuals who worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. He serves joyfully, claiming the truth of 1 Peter 1:3: "Blessed be the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."

      John and his wife, Mary, have four children and nine grandchildren. He loves to spend time in the outdoors, especially if it includes walking on the beach or playing tennis.

    • Melissa Whitlow

      Melissa Whitlow

      Counselor

      Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling.

      Married to Stuart, mother of two

    • Steve McCollum

      Steve McCollum

      Pastoral Care Minister

      A native of Corpus Christi, TX, Steve received Christ at a revival service in his home church. The following year, God called him to full-time ministry and opened doors to prepare him for a life of service. Steve earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Texas A&M University and a Master of Religious Education degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. For 24 years, he served as Chaplain for the Florida Department of Corrections at Florida Correctional Institution (Lowell), Reception and Medical Center (Lake Butler), Lancaster Correctional Institution (Trenton), Union Correctional Institution (Raiford), and Lawtey Correctional Institution, as well as Region II Regional Lead Chaplain. In addition, he served as Minister of Education in churches in Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida.

      A member of the FBC JAX Pastoral Care staff since 1997, Steve currently ministers to the hospitalized and bereaved members of the congregation, leads the GriefShare Support Group, coordinates the FBC JAX Prison Ministry, and serves as Volunteer Chaplain for the Department of Corrections’ Ward at Memorial Hospital and is a member of their Safety Committee. He loves the opportunity that ministry gives him to serve the Lord and his fellowman. “I want to lead folks in dire circumstances to put Christ first in their lives and allow Him to meet their deepest needs,” says Steve. His favorite verse is Matthew 6:33: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

      Steve and his wife, Brenda, have two daughters and two granddaughters. His greatest joys are found in leading someone to Christ and spending time with his family.

    • Paul Murphy

      Paul Murphy

      Pastoral Care Minister

      Paul was raised in east-central Alabama and trusted Christ as his personal Savior at the age of 11.  Following his graduation from Trinity College of Florida with a B.A. in Religious Education, he pastored three churches and served on staff at two others. Paul joined the FBC staff as a Pastoral Care Minister in 1997, fulfilling his passion to encourage those who are hospitalized or bereaved. His desire is to seek the Lord and serve others, so he claims the truth in Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” 

      Married in 1970, Paul and his wife, Debbie, have one daughter, Amy. She and her husband, Kenny, have a son, Matthew, and reside in northeast Alabama. Spending time with them is his favorite activity.

       

    • Pat Richardson

      Pat Richardson

      Library Director

      A native and lifetime resident of Jacksonville, has been a member of FBC JAX since 1989. She joined a ladies’ Sunday school class and was soon asked to help as a care group leader and prospect outreach leader. During the training union time, Pat began to volunteer in the FBC library. Approximately 4 ½ years later, she joined the staff as assistant to the librarian. When the director resigned in 1998, Pat was asked to consider serving as Director. After weeks of prayer, she accepted the calling of the Lord and became the third paid director of the FBC Library.

      Pat’s desire is for the library to provide Christ-centered material to foster growth in the Christian walk, help the hurting, and heal broken homes. Her favorite verse is Psalm 37: 4 -5: “Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.”

      Pat has been married to her husband, James, for 42 years. They have one daughter, one son, and three grandchildren. Her hobbies include traveling to interesting places, camping in the mountains with friends, reading, and walking with her husband.

  • Communication

    Jeff Stoll

    Jeff Stoll

    Executive Pastor of Communications and Media

     Born in Des Moines, IA, Jeff lived in six different states before moving to Jacksonville during high school.  He and his family joined FBC JAX, where Jeff later accepted Christ at a Rodney Gage Youth Retreat.  He spent four summers on the mission field with Teen Missions International, serving in Tasmania, England, Brazil, and Central America. During his third summer, he filmed a Christian documentary with Ken Anderson Films and discovered his passion. Jeff earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Radio and Television Production from Bob Jones University and began a career in news, serving as a photographer and editor at two different television affiliates in South Carolina. He also began serving as a Media Ministry volunteer at First Baptist Church in Spartanburg, SC. Jeff soon felt God calling him to full-time ministry. He served as Media Pastor at churches in Florida and Tennessee before joining the FBC JAX staff in 2008. He currently serves as Executive Pastor of Communications and Media. Jeff claims the truths of Psalm 37:3-5: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

    Jeff and his wife, Heather, have two children. He loves playing with his IPod, his IPAD, his IPhone, and his MacBook. When he is not engaging with technology, he also enjoys traveling, spending time with his family at the beach, and watching his son play baseball.

    Show all Communication Staff
    Hide all Communication Staff

  • South Campus

    Marcus Allen Jr

    Marcus Allen Jr

    South Campus Pastor

    A native of Jacksonville, Marcus Allen, Jr has been part of the FBC JAX staff for the past five years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from the University of North Florida and a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Marcus served churches in North Carolina and Texas before joining the FBC staff. He currently  serves as the Executive Pastor of Community Life, as well as the Campus Pastor for the South Campus location. 

    Show all South Campus Staff
    Hide all South Campus Staff
    • Charles Darus

      Charles Darus

      South Campus Minister of Music

      A native of Cairo, Georgia, Charles accepted Christ as a young boy while completing a God and Country merit badge in Cub Scouts. A passionate music lover, he received his Bachelors Degree in Music Education from Florida State University and a Masters of Music with a concentration in Music Ministry from the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Charles has served as a public school band director in Brevard County, Florida and as a member of the music staff of First Baptist Church in Dallas, TX.  He joined the FBC JAX staff in 2010 as Associate Minister of Music, focusing on leading the Middle School Music Ministry, coordinating the Adult Vocal Ensembles, directing the Young Adult Ensemble, and serving as the Minister of  Music and Worship for the South Campus. “In everything I do,” says Charles, “I want to make much of God through celebrating the accomplished work of Christ.” That’s why he claims the truth in Matthew 6:33: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

      Charles enjoys spending time with his wife, Carolyn, toying with his iPhone, making music, and playing golf.

    • Kevin King

      Kevin King

      South Campus Associate Pastor

      Education: Biblical Counseling Certificate, CCEF.
      Ministry Experience:
      - Associate Pastor, First Baptist Church (South Campus), Jacksonville, FL 2010-2013.
      - Young Couples/Median Adult Pastor, First Baptist Church, Jacksonville, FL 2002-2010.
       

    • Melody Davis

      Melody Davis

      South Campus Children’s Ministry Director

      Jacksonville University – Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
      Bachelor of Arts in History Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary – Master of Divinity

      While in college, I worked in the fast food industry and as a summer camp counselor with Winshape.  After graduation, I served as a college ministry intern with Baptist Collegiate Ministries at JU, UNF, and FCCJ (now FSCJ).  As a seminary student, I worked as a hotel receptionist, served one summer as a youth intern at Houston’s First Baptist Church, and volunteered with the Baptist Student Ministries at TCU in Fort Worth, Texas.  I’ve also been called to participate in mission trips to Jamaica, Mexico, Africa, and the Middle East.      

      I just recently moved back to the Jacksonville area from Texas.  Currently, I am serving in the Children’s Ministry at First Baptist Church South Campus.  I grew up going to First Baptist Downtown and have really enjoyed the opportunity to come back and serve the Lord in my hometown.  It has been a joy to get to know the families at South Campus and partner with them as we seek to teach the children about Jesus and what it means to have a growing relationship with Him.