Meet Our Pastor, Dr. Mike Fillis

Mike Fillis was born and raised in Colorado. He prayed to receive Christ as his Savior at age 16, following a revival service. Mike attended the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1984, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Oceanography. Mike and Beth were married later that year.

 

They were stationed in Charleston, SC, where Mike was assigned to the nuclear-powered submarine USS James Monroe, serving as the Weapons Officer.  

In 1989, Mike left active-duty naval service and accepted a position as a Project Engineer at the NASA Wallops Flight Facility, Wallops Island, VA.  In 2000, he became the Chief of the Wallops Range and Mission Management Office. 

In 2001, God confirmed in Mike and Beth’s hearts His calling to full time ministry. Mike resigned his position at NASA and moved his family to North Carolina to begin theological training. Mike graduated in May 2005 from the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) with a Master of Divinity with Biblical Languages. While attending seminary, Mike served as the Minister of Music and Media at Central Baptist Church in Henderson, NC. 

He began his ministry as Pastor of Fenwick Island Baptist Church in June 2008. He received his Doctor of Ministry degree from SEBTS in 2020. 

Mike’s hobbies include reading, woodworking, and Bob Ross style painting! 

Their oldest son, Ryan, is a Doctor of Pharmacy at the University of Virginia Hospital.  Their youngest, Robert, married Alison in June 2023, and they live in Leonardtown, MD.




 




Church History

In 1981, Ocean City Baptist Church voted to start five new churches; the first being Fenwick Island Baptist Mission.  In 1985, David Christie was called as Interim Pastor and services started on Coastal Highway.  In 1986, Al Brininger was called to be the first pastor.  The church purchased the current location in 1986 with 12 members.

In 1988, the new Sanctuary was dedicated to the service of the Lord.  The Fellowship Hall and Sunday School wings were added later.  Pastor Brininger retired in 2006 for health reasons.  

Pastor Mike Fillis was called as the new pastor in June 2008.  To date, Pastor Mike has preached through 30 books of the Bible with his chapter-by-chapter, verse-by-verse approach. He has taught through Biblical Doctrines, many thematic Bible studies, and a study in apologetics. Revisions to the church constitution were approved in September 2019, allowing the church to implement their strategic plan to reach the area's largely senior population for Christ. The goal is to connect with the community, introduce them to Jesus, show them compassion, and to care for their needs.

In  2020, the church embarked on a renovation project including new gray vinyl siding, a larger foyer and portico, new sidewalks, stonework with lettering, new west entry, exterior lighting, and a regrading of the property for water management. The restrooms were completely replaced, with extra attention on an ADA compliant restroom and concrete ramp. The nursery was given a beautiful face lift with carpet and new furnishings. This is considered “Phase 1” of our plans. The next phase will include sanctuary updates and new flooring.

It is the earnest prayer of the church that God would continue to lead and guide the church as they diligently seek to serve the "King of kings and the Lord of lords," Jesus Christ.