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. John and his wife, Candy, have three daughters and two sons-in-law. John enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, hunting with his dad and teaching at Arrowhead Bible College in Fish Tail, MT.
 jsaxon@fbcvenice.org

Josh Howard grew up just north of the river in Parrish Florida and has a heart devoted to seeing students develop a deep-seated desperation for Jesus Christ. He and his wife, Charity, have two precious daughters, Preslee Jean and Averlynn James, a dog, two cats, and a guinea pig. Josh was called into the ministry during his senior year of high school and has his bachelor’s degree in Ministry Studies from the Baptist College of Florida where he is currently working on his Master’s Degree in Christian Ministry. As a fitness enthusiast Josh is elated to combine his heart for our youth with his love for recreation as our youth and recreation pastor here at FBC!
 jhoward@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