Meet the Staff

PASTORAL STAFF

Gary Linton, 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.”

jp@seminolebc.com
(850) 562-8069 x105

John Paul Linton, Minister of Music and Families
John Paul came to be a part of our ministry team in September of 2013. Born and raised in Tallahassee, John Paul attended North Florida Christian School, where he graduated in 2007. He went on to attend The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville, where he pursued degrees in both Christian Education and Music. He graduated top of his class in both fields in December of 2011. In 2017, John Paul and his beautiful wife Sara were married at Seminole where they serve each week together. John Paul currently serves with the Vacation Bible School training team for the Florida Baptist Convention's NextGen Ministry, teaching music and set design, and has served as a lead vocalist for the Florida Worship Choir and Orchestra. As a part of the overall goal for our ministry at Seminole, John Paul says, "It is my desire to see our church worship together as one family, and that our worship would come from changed lives that spill out into our community and around the world!" John Paul's life verse is Isaiah 53:5, "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed."

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.”

susan@seminolebc.com
(850) 562-8069 x103

Susan Mandell, Music and Families Assistant
Born in DeFuniak Springs, Susan was raised in a Coast Guard family, living in Guantanama Bay, Cuba, Newfoundland, Canada, New Orleans, Louisiana, and all over Florida. Susan received a Medical Transcriptionist certificate in 1974 and worked in the medical field for 40 years. Susan and her husband, David, were married in 1975, and they have two sons, Allen and Stephen, and four grandchildren, Madi, Michael, Jonah and Camarah. As a part of our team, Susan assists the music and family ministries of Seminole and also serves as a part of the audio and video technology team. Susan’s life verse is Joshua 24:15 “…But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”