Leadership

Pastor Tom became a Christian at age 9 in his home church in Gadsden, Alabama. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology at the University of West Florida only to be called by God to switch his fishing from fish to folks. It was then that he pursued and earned a Master of Theology degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Pastor Tom served as an Associate Pastor in Kenner and Lafayette, Louisiana. His first pastorate was First Southern Baptist Scottsdale, Arizona. Pastor Tom is married to his high school sweetheart, Tassie. They have been blessed with 4 sons, 4 daughters-in-love, and their newest bundles of joy, a grandson, and granddaughters. Pastor Tom enjoys studying, spending time with his family, fishing and playing golf!
 thodge@fbcvenice.org

John began serving at FBC Venice in 2022. John received his Bachelor of Science degree from Delta State University. He attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary where he earned his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees. He has served churches in Louisiana and Alabama, before making Florida his home. John and his wife, Candy, have three daughters and two sons-in-law...and recently added his first grandchild to their family. John enjoys spending time with his wonderful family, fishing, and hunting with his dad.
 jsaxon@fbcvenice.org

Rev. Terry Jordan has served at FBC Venice since January of 2023.  A native of Gadsden, Alabama, he is a graduate of Jacksonville State University ( BS in Music Education ).  He then continued to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Ft. Worth, TX with a Master of Church Music (MCM) with an emphasis in Conducting and Music Education, and later Advanced Conducting at the University of Alabama. He has served Southern Baptist churches in Alabama, Texas, Arizona, and Florida for over 60 years.  For 26 years, Terry  also served as a military Chaplain with the United States Air Force.  His wife & high school sweetheart, Jeanne, is the love of his life, and has served as church pianist in multiple churches. They have two children Vicki and Michael, and are super-blessed with 5 outstanding grandchildren. Working in Church Music is his God-Calling, and besides his family, his greatest love! When not at church, he can be found at the baseball or softball field with the family, or at the airport with his airplane.
 tjordan@fbcvenice.org

Mike serves First Baptist Church, Venice as the Church Administrator.  He retired from the Department of Defense after 40 years of combined active-duty Air Force and Civil Service in Financial Management.   During his tenure, he served in many positions starting as a data entry clerk and retired as Director, Special Programs Accounting Division.    As Director, he developed, controlled, and directed finance and accounting policies, procedures, standards, systems, and operations in support of Air Force Special Programs worldwide.
A graduate of Community College of the Air Force, Columbia College, and Professional Military Comptroller school. Born and raised in Southern California; he now lives in Venice with his wife, Trish. Mike and Trish have 3 daughters, 3 sons, and 6 granddaughters.
 mcoe@fbcvenice.org

 finance@fbcvenice.org 

Director of Finance & Membership

 dlesh@fbcvenice.org

Property Management

 campuslife@fbcvenice.org

Owner's Representative of the Lakefront Building