Dr. & Mrs. Francis are the proud parents of seven amazing children. Their two oldest sons are currently serving in the military. Colton is an infantryman and member of the scout platoon in the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army. Keenan is an “avionics warfare specialist” in the 27th Special Operations Wing of the United States Air Force. Cadin is a sophomore at Austin Peay University and engaged to Mr. Caleb Jared. Kennedy is a freshman, Calvin is an eighth grader, and the “salt and pepper twins” (Kedric & Kiah) are in the fourth grade.
Pastor Francis has pastored and planted churches in Kentucky and Tennessee. He has taught courses in secular and Christian colleges, and served as a graduate assistant and lectured at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Additionally, Pastor Francis has trained pastors in Malawi, Haiti, Indonesia, and Romania.
Pastor Francis has a passion for personal evangelism, expository preaching, intentional discipleship, and pastoral care. He believes that the local church must intentionally and strategically make disciples who proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ in their homes, communities, and around the world. Additionally, the Francis family has a passion for foster care and adoption ministries.
Dr. Francis has earned two bachelor’s degrees (B.A. Christian Ministries, Temple Baptist College; B.S., Organizational Leadership, Union University), three seminary degrees (D.Min., Th.M., M.Div., The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary), and a law degree (J.D., Belmont University College of Law).
Pastor Francis has pastored and planted churches in Kentucky and Tennessee. He has taught courses in secular and Christian colleges, and served as a graduate assistant and lectured at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Additionally, Pastor Francis has trained pastors in Malawi, Haiti, Indonesia, and Romania.
Pastor Francis has a passion for personal evangelism, expository preaching, intentional discipleship, and pastoral care. He believes that the local church must intentionally and strategically make disciples who proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ in their homes, communities, and around the world. Additionally, the Francis family has a passion for foster care and adoption ministries.
Dr. Francis has earned two bachelor’s degrees (B.A. Christian Ministries, Temple Baptist College; B.S., Organizational Leadership, Union University), three seminary degrees (D.Min., Th.M., M.Div., The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary), and a law degree (J.D., Belmont University College of Law).
Pastor Kevin is a native Miamian who has served in churches in Florida and North Carolina for over 24 years. He has pastored in the areas of youth & children, adult education, discipleship & outreach, and most recently as Executive Pastor. Kevin prepared for these ministries by earning a Bachelor of Arts in Religion with a minor in Biblical Languages from the University of the Cumberlands (KY) in 1995. In 1999, he graduated from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (NC) with a Master of Divinity degree. In 2020, he celebrated 25 years of marriage to his beautiful wife, Michelle. They have three boys whose skills and personalities are as unique as their hair colors. The oldest two sons help lead worship by playing acoustic & bass guitars and drums, respectively. At FBC Dover, Kevin currently oversees the discipleship, missions, evangelism, and administration ministries. Kevin and Michelle have led ten marriage retreats during their years at Wayside Baptist and Dover Baptist. He has a heart to see others find a ministry in the church and mission in the world that fits how God has shaped them to serve. His hobbies include spending time with his family, anything football (especially the Miami Dolphins), and fishing in the lake or ocean. Kevin’s life verse is from Proverbs 3:5-6 which contains 10 words to live by: “Trust in the LORD…and He will direct your paths.”
Andrew joined our church staff in Spring 2020. He surrendered his life into music ministry in 2015 at First Baptist Tillmans Corner, where he also met his wife Lauren as they played in orchestra together. They have both been serving as a family in ministry since they were married in 2012, and have a son named Samuel. First Baptist Dover is Andrew’s second ministry position, but he has grown up as a preacher’s kid his entire life. He attended the University of Mobile, where he received his bachelors degree in Music Education. He also earned his Masters in Religion with a Worship Cognate through Liberty University Online. Andrew fully deserves his nickname, Bouncey Pouncey, as he brings contagious excitement and energy in the way that he leads in worship. His heart for ministry is to provide every generation with an opportunity to be a worship leader.
This position is being prayed over and a search team is currently meeting and accepting applications. For any questions, please contact the church office at 813-719-2273
Clayton and his wife Debbie joined FBCD in 2000. They have been married 47 years. Clayton retired in 2014 from Tampa Electric Company after 41 years of service. He is a deacon and hospice chaplain, and he has served in many capacities since joining the church. In 2017 he joined the staff as Director of hospital and homebound ministries. Clayton and Debbie have one son Benjamin Yates, who is married to Serena. They are blessed with two grandchildren, Clayton II and Cash. Ben and Serena also worship and serve in the children ministry. One of his favorite verses is Ephesians 6:19, “Pray also for me that whenever I open my mouth words may be given me so I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains.” Clayton’s desire is to fearlessly declare God’s message.
Amanda has been a member of First Baptist Dover since 1996. She came on staff in 2017 as Director of Children’s Ministries after directing Vacation Bible School and teaching music in our IMPACT Children’s Choir. Amanda and her husband Dustin have been married since 2011 and both grew up at First Baptist Dover. Amanda graduated from the University of Florida in 2013 with intentions of working in the landscape industry, but God had better plans. Amanda loves reading, singing, finding a good deal, all our children at church , and her many volunteers who help teach and minister to these children. She loves being creative with lessons, activities, and crafts for the kids, finding new activities and programs that benefit children and families together, and watching kids grow spiritually in their walk with the Lord. Her life verse is Isaiah 40:29-31 “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Belinda became a member at First Baptist Dover in 2017. She attends with her son, Noah, and mom, Heather.
Belinda has a lifelong background in church ministry. At the age of ten, she began touring North America with her family singing southern gospel music. Their group, The Stutzman Family, professionally recorded six albums, releasing several songs to radio, two of which charted in the Singing News top 40.
Belinda has a passion for music, but more importantly a love for serving people. She is a devoted mother, daughter, worship assistant, business partner and friend.
“I view ministry as a way of thanking God for His forgiveness and grace .”
You can find Belinda every Sunday behind the Nord playing keys and leading our congregation in worship.
Belinda has a lifelong background in church ministry. At the age of ten, she began touring North America with her family singing southern gospel music. Their group, The Stutzman Family, professionally recorded six albums, releasing several songs to radio, two of which charted in the Singing News top 40.
Belinda has a passion for music, but more importantly a love for serving people. She is a devoted mother, daughter, worship assistant, business partner and friend.
“I view ministry as a way of thanking God for His forgiveness and grace .”
You can find Belinda every Sunday behind the Nord playing keys and leading our congregation in worship.
Brandi has a background in Healthcare Management and is a freelance writer for the Florida Baptist Convention. She is a Florida native, married to husband, Chris, and the pair have two children. The Radellas attend FishHawk Fellowship Church and enjoy boating.
Linda has been on staff at First Baptist Church Dover since 1991. She is a blessing to everyone that makes their way into the office or calls on the phone. She loves meeting the practical needs of the church staff and their families. Linda is an active member at Plant City Church of God. Most of all, Linda is passionate about her family, including 3 children and 9 grandchildren.
Julia has been on staff here at First Baptist Church Dover since August 2013. She is an active member at her home Church “The Crossing Church” at the Plant City, FL Campus. She is currently a Servant Leader with the Greeting Team, and is also
co-hosting and leading Life Group. Julia was also a leader in the Children Ministry at the main campus in Tampa, FL since 2009 – 2020. She enjoyed her time with the leaders and coordinators as they learned about God together, and teaching our next generation how amazing it is to be in a relationship with God, while living a life full of His love is one of her greatest passions in life.
co-hosting and leading Life Group. Julia was also a leader in the Children Ministry at the main campus in Tampa, FL since 2009 – 2020. She enjoyed her time with the leaders and coordinators as they learned about God together, and teaching our next generation how amazing it is to be in a relationship with God, while living a life full of His love is one of her greatest passions in life.
Cyndi is a new member to the church family and employee family as well. She brings with her plenty of graphic design, marketing and ministry experience after owning her own design business for 20+ years and being on staff as the 6th Grade Ministry Director at another church for 16 years. She also works at Bell Shoals Baptist Academy as their Director of Technology and 2nd-8th grade technology/STEM teacher. She is currently serving in the youth department at FBD with the 7th and 8th grade girls. She has one husband and two children (senior in high school and sophomore in college) and loves hanging out with her family, church and friends! She is always available to play cards or board games! 😉
Nate serves in our maintenance ministry. Originally from Michigan, Nate has lived in Florida for 4 years. He is married to Katie, the daughter of an associate pastor at Providence Baptist Church. They will be celebrating their 1st anniversary this December. Nate began part-time at Dover in September and moved into the full-time position on October 20. There’s a lot to cover on this large campus, but Nate does it with a strong work ethic and good attitude. If you are at the church during the week, please give Nate a warm Dover welcome!
This wonderful man has been married to his lovely wife, Joann, for 35 years. They joined First Baptist Dover in 1996. He retired from Hillsborough county schools after 36 years of teaching and coaching. Besides taking care of us, his hobbies include fishing and woodworking. His favorite verse is Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrated His love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.”