Our Leadership
Bill Gilmore was born in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1973, where he was reared in a Christian home. At 11 years of age his family re-located to Jacksonville Florida where Bill’s dad attended Trinity Baptist College. It is through Trinity’s ministry that Bill accepted Christ at the age of 12. God used Bill’s home, church, and school to reach him with the gospel.
At the age of sixteen, Bill sensed God moving in him to be involved in vocational ministry. After completing high school, he attended seminary and earning a bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Theology, Master of Ministry, Master of Theology, and a Doctor of Theology degree.
Bill has been in ministry since 1996 having served in numerous ministries. He has served as a Church Planter, Senior Pastor, Executive Pastor, Worship Pastor, Youth Pastor, College Professor, Dean of Students, Associate Missional Strategist, Christian School Teacher and Principal.
He is currently an Executive Pastor at a church in Orange Park, Florida and the Associate Missional Strategist for Black Creek Baptist Association. God has used Bill’s love for God, and love for people to allow him to assist many churches and pastors through difficult and trying circumstances.
Bill and his wife, Sandy, have been married since 1994 and reside in Northeast Florida. They have two children, Kaity and Will. Bill enjoys fishing and hunting, especially when he is with his family.
Associational Leadership Team:
Moderator - Warren Chesser (Harbor Baptist)
Vice Moderator - Richard Fish (FBC Maxville)
Gary Melvin (FBC Black Creek)
Jon Kendrick ( FBC Middleburg)
Juan Lopez (Iglesia Coram Deo)
Scott VanSlooten (Oakleaf Baptist Church)
Bill Gilmore (Oakleaf Baptist, Associate Missional Strategist)
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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.
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