MEET OUR PASTORAL TEAM

Dr. David Peterson, Senior Pastor
Dr. Peterson is a native Floridian having been born in Clearwater in 1953. He has lived in Land O’ Lakes since 1968.

Dr. Peterson was called to be the pastor of First Baptist in 1980. He received his Bachelor and Masters degree in Bible from Florida Bible College and has earned his Doctorate degree in Pastoral Theology from Bob Jones University. He is married and has two children.

Known for his clear Bible teaching, Dr. Peterson has the God-given ability to take difficult passages from Scripture and explain them so anyone can understand. He takes a strong stand on the purity and clarity of the gospel of Jesus Christ. His entire ministry is built upon uncompromised preaching and teaching of God’s Word.


Rev. Rick Avriett, Assistant Pastor
Pastor Avriett is a life-long resident of Land O’ Lakes. After graduating from Pasco High School he attended Florida State University where he received a Bachelor degree in marketing in 1978.

After working in the business world for several years, Pastor Avriett attended Tampa Bay Bible College and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor degree in Biblical Studies.

Pastor Avriett and his wife, Diane, have been married for 25 years. They have four children, Amanda, Trenton, Allison, and Katie. Pastor Rick has been on staff at First Baptist Church since 1993. He enjoys woodworking and metal detecting.


Rev. Richard Shelburne, Minister of Music
Pastor Richard Shelburne joined the staff at First Baptist Church on May 23, 1999, as Minister of Music. His responsibilities include oversight of all musical activities, including congregational song-leading, the Adult Choir, King’s Choir, all special music, including all solos and groups, both vocal and instrumental. Prior to coming to First Baptist Church, Pastor Shelburne was Minister of Music at Victory Baptist Church, Millbrook, Alabama, from 1990-1998. Mrs. Maresa Shelburne serves at his side as church pianist. She also teaches English and directs the choir at Land O’ Lakes Christian School. Pastor Shelburne accepted Christ as his Savior under the leadership of Rev. Larry Karsies while on a Hillsdale Baptist Church youth retreat in Port St. Joseph, Florida, in 1974.

With over 30 years of experience leading church music, Pastor Shelburne enjoys sharing his passion for Godly, conservative, Bible-based Christian music. He received much of his training from Bob Jones University (student of Gail Gingery), and holds degrees from The University of Tampa (B.A. in Music, 1984), Florida State University (M.A. Music, 1996), and The University of Alabama (M.A. in French & Secondary Education, 1990). Pastor Shelburne attributes much of his love for music to his mother, Garnet Shelburne, and to his former music director, Dr. Dick Nichols. Pastor Shelburne and his wife, Maresa, have been married since 1985. The Shelburnes have three boys: Zachary Richard (Senior Church Music major at Bob Jones University), Charles Spencer, a freshman Exercise and Sports Science major at Clearwater Christian College, and Andrew Joseph, a sophomore at Land O’ Lakes Christian School.

Pastor Shelburne also enjoys playing tennis and ping-pong with his sons. His other interests include travel, landscaping, learning foreign languages, and supporting his favorite college football team, The Alabama Crimson Tide.


Rev. Dave Nichols, Administrator
Pastor Dave Nichols joined the staff at First Baptist Church in 2005 as the Administrative Pastor. His responsibilities include the business aspects of the church including finances, facilities, personnel, calendar, and other administrative functions. Dave also serves as the Administrator of Land O’ Lakes Christian School.

Dave has been in the pastoral and education ministry since 1989 serving on pastoral staff and administrator in ministries in Texas, Colorado, Iowa, and Florida. He has graduate degrees from Pensacola Christian College and Bob Jones University in Bible and education. Dave serves on the Board of Directors for the Sunshine State Association of Christian Schools and on the Accreditation Commission for the American Association of Christian Schools.

Dave and his wife, Susan, have been married since 1989. Their six children are enrolled in Land O Lakes Christian School, attending college, or serving in the military. Dave enjoys playing and coaching basketball with his children. His other interests include cars, technology, and handyman projects.


Rev. Joey Quilty, Youth Pastor
Joey Quilty grew up in Texas. He received the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at the age of 14 at a teen Vacation Bible School.

Pastor Quilty surrendered to the call of the Lord to go into full time ministry when he was 17 years old. After graduation from Parkview Christian Academy, he attended Pensacola Christian College where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Youth Ministries with a minor in Physical Education.

Pastor Quilty is currently furthering his education at West Coast Baptist College. He is married to his partner in the ministry, Stephanie Quilty of Pensacola, FL. They have two children, Madeline and DJ.

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