Pastor Jay Dennis

Pastor Jay Dennis has been a member of Shepherding the Next Generation since 2011, and has an part of the organization’s growth. He has been the lead pastor of First Baptist Church, Lakeland, Florida, since 1996. The over 9,000-member congregation worships and ministers to the community of Lakeland, FL, our great nation, and the world. He has joined us in recognizing Blue Sunday, a day of prayer for children at risk of abuse and neglect, and those who work to save them.

A Fort Smith, Arkansas native, he graduated from Ouachita Baptist University, Arkansas (B.A.); Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Texas (Masters of Divinity); and Fuller Theological Seminary, California (Doctor of Ministry).

Pastor Jay served as President of the Florida Baptist Convention (2001-2002) and President of the State Baptist Presidents of the Southern Baptist Convention. He was elected Vice-President of Florida Baptist State Board of Missions (1999-2004). Jay was elected President of the 1998 Florida Baptist Pastor’s Conference, was appointed to serve on the Evangelism Committee of the Baptist World Alliance.

Pastor Jay is married to his best friend, Angie. Together, they have two grown children.