Pastor Jerry Walsh was born in Miami, Florida. He grew up in Central Florida, graduating from the local high school, Seminole High, before moving to Jacksonville, FL to complete his Bachelor’s degree and going on to take graduate classes from New Orleans Seminary. He was ordained at the First Baptist Church in Jacksonville.

At a young age, Pastor Jerry was called into ministry, preaching his first sermon at the age of 14 in his home church in Sanford, Florida. He always felt a connection to and deep love for the people of his hometown, and after years of serving in North Florida, he was drawn back to the area where God placed it on his heart to plant a church. In January of 1993, Seminole Community Church was born.

All these years later, Pastor Jerry continues to serve as the Senior Pastor at Seminole Church. Along with his wife, Nancy and two children, Kristin (18) and Joshua (15), Jerry has seen the church grow from 12 people originally meeting in a funeral home chapel to the nearly 400 people who gather today on the church’s current campus on Orange Boulevard in Sanford.

With a passion for helping to connect people into a meaningful relationship with God, Pastor Jerry has long been committed to creating a church where people can hear about God while feeling comfortable and accepted in their surroundings. As a seasoned speaker, he teaches practical messages every weekend that are meant to encourage and offer useful insights and help for everyday life. Most people’s first encounter with Pastor Jerry, though, is usually right at the front door. One can almost always find him stationed somewhere near the entrance before each service, greeting guests as they arrive.