David Tarkington, Pastor

David is a graduate of the University of North Texas where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration. David earned his Master of Arts in Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Educational Ministry from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He began serving on our pastoral staff in December 1993 and as Senior Pastor in 2005. He has been married to Tracy since 1989 and they have a daughter and son-in-law, a son, and two grandchildren.

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

• Character coach for Fleming Island High School athletics

• Founder of GameDay Church - a ministry to coaches and athletes

• Trustee for Gateway Seminary in Ontario, California

• 2025-2026 President of the Rotary Club of Orange Park

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.