ABOUT US
Our History
First Baptist Church of Belle Glade was established in the 1930s during a period of rebuilding and growth in Belle Glade following the devastating 1928 Okeechobee Hurricane. Founded as an English-speaking Southern Baptist congregation, the church served early settlers and farming families in the developing agricultural community.
Through the mid-20th century, the church grew into a stable institution and became an important center for worship and community life. As the population of Belle Glade changed over time, the church adapted to reflect the area’s increasing cultural diversity.
Today, First Baptist Church of Belle Glade is a multicultural, bilingual congregation, continuing its long-standing mission of faith, outreach, and service to the local community.
OUR TEAM
James Burnside
Orel Garcia
Tyler Gay
James Burnside is a pastoral leader with 20+ years of experience equipping the Church for bold, biblical discipleship. He serves as Senior Pastor of FBC Belle Glade and as a discipleship coach at Dallas Theological Seminary, mentoring future ministry leaders. He has led church revitalization efforts, built discipleship systems, and developed multicultural leadership across diverse ministry contexts. His work extends globally—from training pastors in Nepal to advancing leadership initiatives in the U.S. James is the founder of @biblestudynow, reaching over 240,000 people monthly, and partners with ministries like Mission Aviation Fellowship to expand gospel access to unreached communities. He holds a master’s from Dallas Theological Seminary and has pursued doctoral work in discipleship and spiritual formation. “Reaching every nation isn’t optional—it’s the mission.”
Senior Pastor
Orel García Pineda has served in pastoral ministry since the age of 15. Raised in a Southern Baptist family in Mexico, he studied Philosophy of Religion at Fuller Theological Seminary and earned Associate degrees in Theology and Biblical Counseling. He is currently pursuing a Master’s at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Since 2001, Orel has led church planting and pastoral work in Missouri, Maryland, and now Florida, focusing on growing vibrant Spanish-speaking congregations and providing biblical counseling.
Associate Pastor
Tyler Gay has a heart for helping people grow in their relationship with Jesus in a real and practical way. Born and raised in Belle Glade, Tyler was shaped by a strong foundation of faith that continues to guide his life and ministry. For the past four years, he has served as the Youth Director at First Baptist Church in Belle Glade, investing in the next generation with passion, energy, and authenticity. He is committed to creating an environment where students feel welcomed, challenged, and encouraged to take their next step in their walk with Christ. Through teaching, mentoring, and building relationships, Tyler’s desire is simple: to see lives transformed by the Gospel and rooted deeply in Jesus.
Youth Pastor
Our Worship Team is a group of passionate believers dedicated to leading others into the presence of God through music and praise. With hearts focused on worship rather than performance, we seek to create an atmosphere where people can be filled by God, grow in faith, and experience His peace. Inspired by the promise in Isaiah 41:10 — “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God…” — our mission is to remind every person that God is near, strengthening, helping, and upholding us through every season of life. Through songs of worship, prayer, and unity, we desire to lift up the name of Jesus and encourage our church family to trust in God’s presence, power, and unfailing love.
Jackie Juarez
Worship Leader
As the Head Director of our church fitness center, J.T. is passionate about creating a space where faith and fitness come together for the glory of Christ. With a heart for serving others, he is committed to helping individuals grow stronger—physically, mentally, and spiritually—while encouraging each person to walk faithfully as a disciple of Jesus. Guided by 1 Timothy 4:8, J.T. emphasizes the importance of both physical training and godliness, striving to build a welcoming and uplifting environment where lives are transformed through discipline, community, and the truth of God’s Word. His approach to fitness goes beyond the physical, aiming to inspire others to honor Christ in every aspect of their lives. Currently working toward his Personal Trainer certification through NASM and pursuing a degree in criminal justice, J.T. is dedicated to equipping himself with the knowledge and tools to better serve others.
J.T. Ocanas
FItness center Head Director
Alice Gay has faithfully served as the office administrator at First Baptist Church for the past 14 years, but her connection to the church spans a lifetime. Born and raised in Belle Glade, Alice is a proud third-generation member of the First Baptist Church, where she grew up and developed her deep love for her church family and community. For Alice, serving at First Baptist is more than a job- it's a ministry and joy. Alice considers it a true blessing to come to work each day and serve the staff, church members, and the people of the Belle Glade community.