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











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 for over 20 years serving on pastoral staff and administrator in ministries in Texas, Colorado, Iowa, and Florida. He has advanced 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 Committee for the American Association of Christian Schools.

Dave and his wife, Susan, have been married since 1989. Their six children, ranging in age from seven to seventeen, all attend Land O Lakes Christian School. Dave enjoys playing and coaching basketball with his sons. His other interests include cars, technology, hunting, 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 one child, Madeline.

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