PASTORS
gary@seminolebc.com
(850) 562-8069 x101 |
Gary Linton, Senior Pastor
In July of 2009, Pastor Gary Linton joined our ministry team. His zeal and passion for seeking the Lord and for caring for His people is evident to all. A native of Tallahassee, Pastor Gary attended Rickards High School and went on to receive degrees in Pastoral Theology from both Florida Baptist College in Lakeland as well as Hyles-Anderson College in Crown Point, Indiana. After Bible college, he received the professional training for his banking career from the Florida Banker’s Association Consumer Credit School at the University of Central Florida and the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. After 25 years of bi-vocational pastoring, two of which he spent here at Seminole, he left the banking industry to become the full-time pastor of our church. Pastor Gary has also been blessed with a wonderful wife, Sharon, three beautiful daughters, Katherine, Olivia, and Kelsey, and four grandchildren, Cooper, Tyler, MacKenzie, and Reece. His life verse is Luke 9:62 which says, “But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” It is Pastor Gary’s desire to see Seminole continue be God’s church and "continue to grow deeper so that it can continue to reach farther.” |
chris@seminolebc.com
(850) 562-8069 x106 |
Chris Sham, Student Pastor
Chris Sham joined our ministry team in November of 2023. Born and raised in Kissimmee, FL, Chris moved to Tallahassee to attend Florida State University. After graduation, Chris and Mary married and moved to Wake Forest, North Carolina where they both earned a Master’s Degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Chris received a Master of Divinity in Christian Education and Mary received a Master of Arts in Christian School Administration. Chris and Mary have three children, Caleb, Micah, and Leah. Chris desires to come alongside parents to help and encourage them in raising their students, and for students to discover God’s calling and purpose for their life. Ephesians 2:10: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do." |
mike@seminolebc.com
(850) 562-8069 x104 |
Mike Strickland, Minister of Outreach and Assimilation
After serving our church family faithfully for many years, Mike Strickland officially joined our ministry team in May of 2015. Born in Dothan, AL and raised in Panama City, FL, Mike has had a life focused on protecting and aiding our nation and community. After serving in the US Navy, Mike became a Trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol for 37 years. Mike has also been a church ministry leader for over 40 years. In addition to being ordained as a deacon at Seminole Baptist in 1976, Mike has trained other deacons throughout our region for over 20 years, and served on the State Board of Missions for the Florida Baptist Convention. Mike and his wife Jo Ann married in 1967 and have a son and daughter, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. He and Jo Ann have served in many ministries, including youth ministry and adult Sunday School, throughout their time at Seminole Baptist and have raised their family to serve the Lord as well. As the Minister of Outreach and Assimilation, Mike seeks to integrate visitors into our church family and help them make connections that will strengthen their walk with Christ. Mike knows that building relationships and making those crucial connections is the best way to disciple others and help prepare the next generation. |
SUPPORT STAFF
candace@seminolebc.com
(850) 562-8069 x100 |
Candace Cushing, Financial Secretary
Candace joined our team in September of 2021, but she has been a vital part of our ministry since 2011. Candace is one of the leaders of the Rooted Women's Ministry, leads worship as a part of the Music Ministry and serves at Seminole KIDS with Girls in Action and Vacation Bible School. She says, "I love my church and love being able to serve in various capacities!" Music has been a part of Candace's life for many years. Growing up in Tallahassee, Candace attended Leon High School where she also participated in the fine arts programs. Candace has also been a part of her family's business and her parents Jeff and Diane are an active part of the Seminole Baptist Church family! One of Candace's favorite verses is Exodus 14:14 which says, "The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." |
office@seminolebc.com
(850) 562-8069 x102 |
Fredricia Hardy, Secretary
A Tallahassee native, Fredricia came to Seminole Baptist Church at the age of 14 in 1959 when the church was still located at the corner of Jackson Bluff and Ausley Road. Mrs. Fredricia attended Florida State University where she received a Bachelor's in Music Education and a Masters in Elementary Education. She was also certified by Nova University as a Reading/Language Arts specialist, and before joining the ministry team in 2005, Fredricia taught Language Arts in the Georgia elementary school system. Mrs. Fredricia says the one thing that she loves the most about Seminole Baptist is the people. "They are my family!” she says. Fredricia and her husband Lou have one daughter, Ashley, and two grandchildren. Her life verse is Romans 8:28 which says, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” |
carol@seminolebc.com
(850) 562-8069 x103 |
Carol O'Cain, Music and Family Ministries Assistant
Carol and her husband Steven became members of Seminole Baptist Church in May of 2021. Together they serve in KIDS Church and Vacation Bible School. Carol enjoys singing in the choir and serving on the Rooted Women's Ministry Leadership Team. After 28 years of teaching Kindergarten, Pre-K ESE, VPK, and homeschooling, Carol has worked in various Children’s Ministry roles as both a volunteer and church staff member. Steve and Carol have been married since 1987 and have two sons, Samuel & Daniel. One of their favorite things to do as a family is to vacation every year on Sanibel Island. Carol enjoys helping and serving others and is thrilled to be a part of the Seminole Baptist team. One of Carol’s passions since childhood has been Vacation Bible School where she first learned her favorite verse John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” |