History
Our History
First Baptist Islamorada has a wonderful history in the Florida Keys.
October 4th, 1953 the Sunday School program was organized, Rev. John Whitt, Pastor of FBC Homestead, began holding services at the Coast Guard Building in Islamorada.
In April of 1954, Dr. S.L. Lacy was asked to become the pastor, and the group became the Keys Baptist Mission. Morning and Evening Services were begun, and a parsonage was rented near the Hurricane Monument.
In August of 1955, the mission property and parsonage were purchased through the assistance of the FBC of Homestead and the Miami Baptist Association.
In 1958 the Matecumbe United Methodist Church built a new sanctuary, donating the old building to the mission; moving it to its existing location in April of that year. The first services were held in the new sanctuary on May 11, 1958, with 75 people present and the name was changed to Islamorada Baptist Chapel.
In September of 1960 Hurricane Donna destroyed the parsonage and damaged the study, destroying many of the church’s records.
In 1968 with the founding of the Florida Key’s Baptist Association, the chapel became a member leaving the Miami Baptist Association.
In 1969, a two-story education building was begun. The building was dedicated January 11, 1970. It was on this day the church was also constituted, and the name was changed to The First Baptist Church of Islamorada.
In 2000 Have a Heart Ministries now known as the Community Ministry was established. Feeding thousands of hungry people each year.
In 2012, Pastor Jonathan Elwing served as Elder/Pastor.
In 2016, Pastor Craig Campbell was added as an Elder. Church is led by Pastor Jonathan and Pastor Craig.
October 4th, 2018 marked the 65th year of ministry in the Upper Keys by First Baptist Islamorada.
In 2018, Pastor Brian Neal was added as an Elder. Church is led by Pastor Craig, Pastor Jonathan, and Pastor Brian Neal.
In 2019, Pastor Jonathan Elwing left FBCI to pastor at Palm View First Baptist Church. Church is led by Pastor Craig and Pastor Brian.
In 2020, Pastor Steve Olsen was added as an Elder. Church is now led by Pastor Craig, Pastor Brian, and Pastor Steve.
Meet Our Leadership Team!
Pastor Craig Campbell
Pastor Craig Campbell grew up in the Keys and graduated from Island Christian School in 1993. After living in Boynton Beach and the Tampa area for a few years, he returned to the Keys in 2001 to get married and start a family. Craig and his wife Jill have been married for 20 years, they have three children and currently live in Islamorada. He has been serving as an Elder/Pastor at the church since 2016.
Pastor Steve Olsen
Pastor Steve Olsen serves as a Pastor and Director of the Community Ministry helping families in need in the Upper Keys. Prior to moving to the Keys in 2018, Steve served as Chairman of the Board of the Atlanta Mission, a homeless shelter and residential recovery ministry that serves more than 1,000 people each day. Steve is a 35-year veteran of the financial services industry and currently serves as an Operating Partner assisting private equity firms improving performance of their portfolio companies. Steve lives in Tavernier with his wife Nancy of 39 years and they have two grown sons.
Pastor Brian Neal
Pastor Brian Neal graduated from Shamrock HS in Decatur GA in 1988 and the United States Air Force Academy in 1992 before marrying the former Heather Green of Tucker, GA. They have two grown sons and live in Tavernier, FL. After serving 26 years in the Air Force, Brian retired as a Colonel and the Vice Commander of Homestead Air Force Base. In 2015 he became a pilot for Delta Air Lines where he continues to instruct new pilots. In 2018 Brian was ordained as one of the pastors here where he continues to serve bivocationally. His education includes a technical and liberal arts master's degree.
