Our Team
Danny was born in Starke, Florida and later went to school for K-4th grade in Des Moines, Iowa. As an eight-year-old boy, he received Christ and was baptized on Easter Sunday at Crestwood Baptist Church in Des Moines. His family moved to Orlando when he was 12. He graduated from Colonial High School in 1972, the University of Central Florida in 1977, and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1981.
At the age of 16, Danny met Cookie Marrero when she was 14, in the youth group at First Baptist Church of Orlando. They got married eight years later on March 19th 1976. They have three children and seven grandchildren, all living in Orlando. Danny has led the previous churches he pastored to grow and reach many people. He became the Lead Pastor of Dover Shores Church on February 26th 2023.
Danny immediately began casting vision of what God could do and how the church could revitalize. The church is now in the midst of experiencing just that. He is passionate about seeing people changed by the power of Christ and also connecting with people who have been wounded by church in their past.
In 2017, Danny began Danny Strickland Ministries, Inc., for the purpose of teaching and encouraging pastor/leaders and also to reach students for Jesus Christ. For over 30 years, Danny has led at least four international mission endeavors each year and has seen thousands of people come to Christ as a result. Danny loves spending time with Cookie and their children and grandchildren. He also enjoys swimming, racquetball, basketball, golf, flying and hunting.
He calls Proverbs 3:5-6 his life verses:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Rick Shearouse was born in Orlando. He graduated from Boone High School in 1973. During his freshman year at FTU/UCF, Rick accepted Christ as a result of the Youth Ministry at First Baptist Church of Orlando under the leadership of Dennis Baw. This is where he met Danny and Cookie who were also part of that ministry. Rick served as a Youth Ministry Intern at FBC until graduating from college. Rick is a graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary as well.
Rick and Jeanie have been married 44 years and have 4 children and 7 grandchildren. Rick and Jeanie have been blessed to serve in youth ministry at First Baptist Church, Dumas, Arkansas and Church on the Rock, Rockwell, Texas. They have pastored Church on the Rock, Waco, Texas and Rejoice Christian Fellowship, Orlando, Florida.
They are excited to be part of the Leadership Team at DSBC!
Dan Black is currently the worship leader at Dover Shores. Dan started his career as a professional performer. Over the years his performing talents allowed him the privilege to sing in worship teams in many churches in Florida. As time went on, he had the opportunity to lead choirs, praise teams, and then was given the opportunity to lead worship regularly at Dover Shores. He also has held leadership positions for a popular theme park in the area.
Dan is the husband to Maria Black and together they have four amazing children, Matthew, Michael, Makenna and Marc. All of his kids participate and serve in various roles at Dover Shores. You will regularly see Matthew and Michael in the praise band and Makenna helping in the nursery while Marc helps wherever needed.
Dan looks forward to worshiping with you and your family or friends!
Thomas was born here in Orlando but raised in Melbourne, Florida. He went to college at the University of South Florida in Tampa and recieved his Bachelor's of Science in Health Sciences with a concentration in Biological Sciences. While at the University of South Florida Thomas got involved with the Baptist Collegiate Ministry where he met my wife (Re)Bekah and got into leadership. College was when he made my faith his own and found answers to many of the life questions he was having.
Thomas' prayer is that he can build relationships with youth so that he can share what God has taught him with them in a way that's engaging and applicable. Thomas and Bekah like to go camping and hiking.
Their future goal is to become missionaries with Thomas being a doctor and Bekah being a teacher.
Debby is married to Greg, and they recently celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary. They have 2 children, Kyle (Sarah) and Katelyn (Alex) and 4 grandchildren, (Peyton, Piper, Kade, and Harper) that they adore!
She graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in Elementary Education, and then went on to teach in the Orange County Public School system for 36 years, before retiring in 2021. Her love for traveling, all things “Tea” related, cheering on the UCF Knights, and spending time with her family are the things that make her happiest!
Debby’s desire is that the Dover Shores Children’s Ministry provide age-appropriate experiences through Bible stories, scripture memorization and engaging worship, all focused on the truths of Jesus Christ. This is done by providing a safe and engaging environment that allows our children to grow in their faith journey.
Michael was born and raised in Orlando, FL. In fact, Dover Shores Church was the church he grew up in as well. He was born on a Tuesday and in church that next Sunday! He accepted Christ at an R.A.'s camp when he was 8 years old.
Michael began working in the sound booth at church when he was 12 years old and cites that as the moment he became interested in technology. As someone who has always had a natural curiosity about things and often wondered "how does that work?", actually seeing how something worked has led to a lifelong interest in learning new technology.
His favorite thing about being Director of Media Ministries is the ability to help enhance the in person worship experience, but also being able to reach people all over Orlando and the world with our live streams for those that are unable to join us in person.
In his free time, Michael enjoys photography, watching Atlanta Braves games, and a good slice or two (or three) of pizza.
