Dane Blankenship is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Cape Coral, FL. Dane has been the Pastor at FBC since June of 2000.
He communicates the truths of the Bible in relevant, engaging and practical ways.
Dane holds degrees from The University of New York - Albany, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary - Wake Forest, N.C. and a Doctorate from Trinity Theological Seminary - Newburgh, IN.
Dane served in the United States Navy for 8 years and rode Submarines. He has served in churches in South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Florida. Dane also worked for the Southern Baptist Convention / Lifeway in the Youth Discipleship Department. He traveled all over the United States training and speaking to Youth Pastors. He started off as a Children's Pastor, then served as a Youth Pastor and then for the last 20 years he has served as the Senior Pastor. Dane has worked in churches for over 35 years. Dane also worked for Christian Treatment Centers in Tennessee - a ministry that helped those suffering from Mental Challenges. He now works with the Florida Court System as a Mediator in the Family Court Services. This has been a great experience and a rewarding way to help people in some of their hardest times.
Dane is married to his wife Janet, for over 20 years. They serve together at First Baptist Church and have worked together in ministry in churches in Louisiana and Florida. Janet holds degrees from Louisiana College and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Janet is the Media Director at FBC - and holds one of the first Avid Editing Certifications in the world. She has worked for the Southern Baptist Convention, the Louisiana Baptist Convention, and numerous other state Conventions as a guest Media Specialist. She also worked in Nashville TN as a booking agent for Ambassador Artist Agency - representing Christian Speakers and Christian Singers and Bands. She also toured with many artist producing their lights and sound and video productions. She worked with agencies that booked artist/speakers - Reba McIntire, Ronnie Milsap, Oliver North, Petra, DeGarmo & Key, David Meece, Frank Peretti, Buddy Green, Cynthia Clawson, NewSong, Michael W. Smith, and many more incredible artist/speakers. Janet also is a Pastor's kid, and has served in ministry as a Director of Singles, Director of Youth, Director of Senior Adults and studied Media Ministry, Youth Ministry, Church Administration, and Senior Adult Ministry, and Creative Worship. Her passion boils down to being a behind the scenes creator of finding ways to help people see God through media.
Dane and Janet have 8 children and 2 grandchildren, and 1 dog - Elvis.
And if asked anywhere in town - folks will tell you they are not perfect.
If you ask them they will tell you they are not perfect - but they do love God and they do have a great passion to share the Gospel and love of Jesus Christ. During these economical hard times, they depend a lot on volunteers and lay leaders. "We are wearing a lot of hats these days, but we continue serve our Lord through thick and thin to the best of our ability - and pray that God will use us in spite of our shortcoming"... If you are looking for a church that you can have the opportunity to serve and minister in - then give us a try and see if God is leading you our way. Sometimes God sends people for a season, sometimes God sends people for a reason, and other times God sends people for a lifetime.
Dane and Janet feel a great deal of pressure and passion to seize every opportunity to make sure that when you come to FBC you will have a chance to "MEET WITH GOD - alongside folks struggling, searching and striving to grow and seek the Presence of the Almighty God. Worshipping with God in a church setting is a desire of our Lord. He has told us to come together and worship, lift up each others burdens, pray for one another, and share the Gospel to everyone. Dane and Janet will admit they are imperfect people serving a perfect God - who is a God of 2nd chances - who wants to give you HOPE and GRACE in a tough times as well as good times.
Give First Baptist Church a visit - Sundays at 10:00 a.m.
