It's all about Jesus!
Our leaders
I was born in 1953 and born again in 1979. I have been married to my beautiful wife, Susan since 1973 and love her more than ever. We have three awesome kids: Jason, Ashley Gregory and Tim. We have also been blessed with three of the most beautiful grandchildren you've ever seen; Selah, Ella and Noah. Susan’s brother Mark also lives with us.
God called me to preach in 1981 and I immediately enrolled in Moody Evening School. Then in 1984 I enrolled in Trinity College of Florida in Dunedin, Florida and graduated with a BA in Biblical Studies in 1987. After Trinity I enrolled in Tampa Bay Theological Seminary which eventually became a satellite campus for Dallas Theological Seminary but fell short of getting my Masters Degree for financial reasons. However, it was then, in 1990 that God called me to be the pastor of what was then called Bible Missionary Church which would later become Lakeland Bible Church. I have been here ever since!
I love the people whom God has entrusted to me here and I consider it a great honor to shepherd the flock here. I love sharing Christ with the lost, teaching God’s Word and helping others learn of the sufficiency of God's Word and His marvelous love and grace through our Lord Jesus. I love kids because they are so insanely real and I know they have a special place in our Lord’s heart.
I am forever compelled by the love of Christ and consider it the greatest honor of my life to serve Him!
Mike Millican: Lead Pastor
Saying yes to the Lord in 2012 when He called me into full time ministry was the greatest decision that I have made in my life, other than saying yes to the grace, love and salvation that Jesus offers every one of us. Seeing the Spirit work in my life and the life of those around me is an endless source of wonder and joy. I believe that God has given all of us unique and special gifts that we can choose to use to serve ourselves, or we can choose to serve others and play a part in bringing the very Kingdom of God into people’s lives and hearts. That is the adventure that God is calling us to, and I have been blessed in seeking God’s joy every day.
I have a passion for building up disciples. I want to grow leaders in the Church, helping others to realize their true potential in God. I love building teams and accomplishing goals and events that we know could only have happened by the grace and power of God. Seeing that happen with the upcoming youth is something that God has placed heavily on my heart. When a student grabs hold of the truth of the Gospel, the capacity that they have to impact the world around them for Jesus is absolutely immense.
I want to love Jesus, disciple the ones that He entrusts to me, and shine a light into the dark places of the world so that those who are still lost and wandering in the dark can come into His light to be fully known by the One who created them, loves them, and wants to redeem them.
Kory Grant: Director of Worship & Discipleship
Walt has served faithfully as a shepherd of God's people. He is a godly man of prayer. His wife Gail has served by his side ministering to the women of the church. Following is a personal testimony of faith in Christ:
I became a believer May 1964 before leaving for Vietnam. It has been my privilege to have felt the hand of God on my life through each year, each trial, and each adventure. My wife Gail blessed me by saying “Yes!”, 29 years ago! We have three great kids and two wonderful grandchildren. Since coming to LBC, I’ve had the joy of seeing this Congregation grow, if not so much numerically but certainly spiritually. I am truly thankful for whatever ministry opportunities God has allowed me to be a part of. As the days grow darker in our land with many wanting and needing the sweet peace that Christ can give, I know more folks will come and I assure them they are all welcome!
Walt Williams: Elder
Jodel Garcon serves as a pastor and teaching elder. He regularly preaches God's Word along with Pastor Mike. He and his wife, Melissa have been in charge of the children's ministry at Lakeland Bible Church. Jodel and his family have been with Lakeland Bible Church since 2015. He is a married father of 3, has a passion for evangelism, and outreach and believes very strongly that a relevant church is a church that connects with its community along the lines of the command to love God with all of one’s heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love one’s neighbor as oneself.
Jodel Garcon: Teaching Elder & Youth
Pete has served faithfully as a deacon and also serves as the financial manager. He and his wife, Dawn have played a valuable role in serving the Lord and his people. Following is a message from Pete:
If you were to die tonight, do you know for certain that you would go to heaven? If you were to ask me that same question when I was 18, I would have said No. My understanding of salvation was through works and since my “bad” works out numbered my “good” works, I figured why bother. I’m obviously not good enough. Boy was I wrong! Ephesians 2:8-9 cannot be any more clear... ”For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Don’t get me wrong, faith based works is important for the believer so long as their heart is in the right place. But works has no value to the unbeliever. You cannot work or earn your way into heaven. Salvation is a gift and can only be received by accepting Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior. There is only one way (sorry Oprah!), and that is through Jesus! John 14:6, Jesus tells us “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me…”.
So what do you have to do? Acknowledge that you are a sinner, that only through the blood of Christ can your sins be forgiven and accept Jesus into your heart. That’s it! Accept the gift that God has freely given all of us and rejoice in the fact that your salvation is assured through the blood of Christ. Amazing? His Love and His Grace are amazing! Want to learn more? Come visit us!
Peter Weigler: Deacon
