David Tarkington, Pastor
David is a graduate of the University of North Texas. He has earned a Masters of Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Educational Ministry from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. David has served on pastoral staff at First Baptist since December 1993 and as Pastor since 2005. David is a sports fan and founded GameDay Church, our ministry focused on reaching players and fans of local sports teams for Christ. Through GameDay Church, David has led faith events for the Jacksonville Jaguars and partnered with the Jacksonville Icemen.
He also serves the church and community in the following areas:
Expand Team Champion for First Coast Churches
Church Planters Care Champion for Send Network
Committee on Order of Business for Florida Baptist Convention
Chaplain for the Orange Park Police Department and Orange Park Fire Department
Board Member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Clay County
Character coach for Fleming Island High School athletics
Trustee for Gateway Seminary in Ontario, California
President-Elect for the Rotary Club of Orange Park
He has been married to Tracy since 1989 and they have a daughter and son-in-law, a son, and two grandchildren.
Mike Godfrey, Associate Pastor
Mike began serving at First Baptist in September 2022. He serves as teaching pastor and leads areas of pastoral training, church planting residency, and all planting partnerships. He has earned his bachelor degree from the Baptist University of Florida as well as a masters and doctorate from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is married to Carrie and they have two children.
Shelvin Lamb, Associate Pastor
Shelvin has served as our worship pastor for over twenty years here at FBC Orange Park. He is a Jacksonville native and has served in churches in Louisiana and Alabama. He is a graduate of the University of North Florida and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He is married to Pam and they have two children.
