08/01/2026
Parkland Baptist Church is considering starting a First Responder & Military Bible Study, and we want to see if there is interest in our community.
This would be more than just another Bible study. Our hope is to create a place of community, fellowship, encouragement, and spiritual growth for those who have served—or are currently serving—in the military, law enforcement, fire service, EMS, and other first responder roles.
There are experiences that come with serving others that can be difficult to explain to someone who has never walked that road.
We want this to be a safe place to share your heart, build relationships with others who understand similar experiences, and seek the Lord together as we learn how to navigate life, family, faith, service, transition, struggles, and purpose.
Our experiences do not have to define or defeat us. God can use what we have walked through to grow us in Christ, strengthen one another, serve others, and build up His Kingdom.
As the pastor of Parkland Baptist Church, this ministry is especially close to my heart. I am a 9-year United States Marine Corps veteran who served in Operation Enduring Freedom in the Horn of Africa and experienced combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. I know firsthand that some experiences stay with you long after the mission is over—and I believe we were never meant to navigate them alone.
Whether you are active duty, a veteran, law enforcement officer, firefighter, EMT, paramedic, dispatcher, corrections officer, or another first responder, you are welcome.
No matter where you are in your walk with God—whether your faith is strong, you are struggling, you have questions, or you are simply looking for community—there is a place for you.
📍 Parkland Baptist Church
1800 8th Street SE
Winter Haven, FL 33880
📱 Interested? Call or text: 609-618-8622
📧 Email: [email protected]
Right now, we are simply gauging interest. If this is something you would attend—or you know someone who might—please reach out and let us know.
🇺🇸 You served others. You don't have to walk through life alone. Let's build a community where we can encourage one another, grow in the Lord, and continue serving a greater mission together.
