Our Staff

FBC is currently in search of a new Senior Pastor.

 

Rev. Rick Avriett, Assistant Pastor

Pastor Avriett is a lifelong resident of Land O’ Lakes. After graduating from Pasco High School, he attended Florida State University where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing in 1978. After working in the business world for several years, Pastor Avriett attended Tampa Bay Bible College and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies. Pastor Avriett and his wife, Diane, have four adult children and several grandchildren. Pastor Rick has been on staff at First Baptist Church since 1993.  He leads the Seasoned Saints ministry, assists in Youth Ministry and various visitation events, and teaches Bible at Land O'Lakes Christian School.

 Rev. Dave Nichols, Administrator

Pastor Nichols joined the staff at First Baptist Church in 2005 as the Administrative Pastor.  His responsibilities include the business aspects of the church as well as serving as the Administrator of Land O’ Lakes Christian School.  Under Pastor Nichols' capable leadership, Land O'Lakes Christian School received the highest possible rating for excellence from the American Association of Christian Schools, most recently in 2019-20. Pastor Nichols has been in pastoral and educational ministries since 1989. He has served as an administrator and on the pastoral staff in ministries in Texas, Colorado, Iowa, and Florida. He has graduate degrees in Bible and Education from Pensacola Christian College and Bob Jones University. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Sunshine State Association of Christian Schools and on the Accreditation Commission for the American Association of Christian Schools. Pastor Nichols and his wife, Susan, have six adult children.

Rev. Troy Self, Music Pastor

Pastor Self has served in many capacities of ministry for 40+ years, but it is his choirs that are recognized for their consistent standards of excellence and sincerity.  His Colorado high school choirs have won multiple awards at state, regional, and national competitions.  He presently serves as the FBC music pastor, joining the staff in late 2016.  He is a graduate of Massillon Baptist College, Massillon, OH. He also oversees much of the media ministry and teaches a College & Career Bible study class. He enjoys teaching Bible and vocal music at Land O' Lakes Christian School.  Pastor Self and his wife, Teresa, have been married 40 years and have five adult sons they raised in Colorado - one lives in Florida, one in California and three live in Colorado - two are in Christian ministry.  Pastor and Mrs. Self have three granddaughters. They enjoy spending time with their family whenever possible.

Rev. Chad Martin, Youth Pastor

Pastor Martin became FBC's Youth Pastor in 2023. Pastor Chad Martin was raised in Wichita, Kansas. He attended Pensacola Christian College where he received a Pastoral Bachelor of Science and a Master’s in Educational Leadership. He spent several years as both Athletic Director and teacher at a school in Baltimore, Maryland and one year as the Principal of a Christian school in Grand Cayman. He and wife Crystal have three children.

Dr. David Peterson, Pastor Emeritus