Our Leadership
Bill Gilmore is a seasoned ministry leader, pastor, educator, and strategic consultant with more than three decades of experience serving churches, ministry organizations, and Christian educational institutions. Throughout his ministry, Bill has demonstrated a deep commitment to the gospel, a passion for developing leaders, and a desire to help churches effectively fulfill their God-given mission.
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1973, Bill was raised in a Christian home. At the age of 11, his family relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, where his faith continued to be shaped through the influence of his family, church, and school. At age 12, Bill placed his faith in Jesus Christ. Four years later, at the age of 16, he sensed God’s call to vocational ministry.
Bill pursued that calling through extensive theological education, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Theology, a Master of Ministry, a Master of Theology, and a Doctor of Theology.
Since entering vocational ministry in 1996, Bill has served in a wide range of pastoral, educational, organizational, and strategic leadership roles. His experience includes serving as a church planter, senior pastor, executive pastor, worship pastor, youth pastor, college professor, dean of students, consultant, missional strategist, Christian school teacher, and principal. These diverse experiences have provided Bill with a broad perspective on church leadership, organizational health, discipleship, ministry development, and strategic growth.
Bill currently serves as the Associational Missional Strategist for Black Creek Baptist Association. In this role, he partners with pastors and churches to provide strategic insight, organizational clarity, leadership development, and practical guidance. He has a particular passion for walking alongside churches and ministry leaders through seasons of transition, challenge, and opportunity, helping them identify healthy pathways forward and more effectively engage their communities with the gospel.
Bill’s ministry is grounded in a genuine love for God and a deep love for people. His approach combines theological conviction with practical leadership experience, enabling him to serve churches and leaders with wisdom, encouragement, and strategic perspective.
Bill and his wife, Sandy, have been married since 1994 and make their home in Northeast Florida. They have two children, Kaity and Will. Outside of ministry, Bill enjoys fishing and hunting and especially values opportunities to spend time outdoors with his family.
Associational Leadership Team:
Officers:
Dale Wiseman - Moderator
Steve Gunter - Vice-Moderator
James Urban - Treasurer
Bill Gilmore - Clerk
Committee chairman on leadership Team:
Kris Elkins - Nominating Committee
James Younis - Missions and Ministry
Tim Nelson - Constitution/Bylaws
At large members:
Marc Swarthout
Roy Vining
NOMINATING COMMITTEE:
Kris Elkins - Chairman
Juan Lopez
Warren Chesser
Gary Melvin
Marc Swarthout
Jason Brown
MISSIONS and MINISTRY:
James Younis - Chairman
Rhonda Carmichael
Juan Lopez
Tim Nelson
Chad Weeks
CONSTITUTION and BYLAWS
Tim Nelson - chairman
Warren Chesser
Bill Gilmore
FINANCE COMMITTEE:
James Urban - chairman
Stephen Keels
Mike Hardin
Our History:
On October 22, 1913 the Black Creek Baptist Association (BCBA) was organized at Sunnyside (now Penny Farms), with six churches in membership and 18 Messengers present. Those six churches were Black Creek, Black Pond, Evergreen, Hickory Grove, Highland, and Salem. In 1914 four new churches were received into the Association, making a total of 10 churches and 490 members.
Between 1914 and 1980, more churches were added, office space was rented, and a part-time Secretary was hired. At the end of 1980, the Annual Foreign Mission Rally began.
In June 1981 one acre of property was purchased at 384 Logan Avenue to build a permanent Association office. Groundbreaking for the new building was August 17, 1981. 27 people from 10 churches, including 9 pastors and the builder were present to celebrate this monumental day as the BCBA moved forward in better reaching our community for Jesus Christ. On October 29, the BCBA became incorporated. The new building was completed and opened November 17.
In 1985 The Director of Missions position became a full-time position. Since then, the BCBA has seen a number of Director of Missions and Administrators who have all worked to assist our churches in being better equipped to reach the community for the Kingdom.
The BCBA has developed ministries in the community and abroad, working with local churches, to serve and further the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
As we continue through the year, the Lord will use our resources to grow what ministries exist and to develop more opportunities to spread His Word.