Dr. Horton has served as the Senior Pastor of First Baptist of Cocoa since January of 2008. Prior to FBCC he served as the pastor of College Park Baptist Church in Orlando for 23 years. He has also served First Baptist Waynesville, NC, Wieuca Road Baptist, Atlanta, First Baptist, Deland, and Flagami Baptist Church, Miami.
Dr Horton received his B.A. from Stetson University and two Masters Degrees from Southwestern Baptist and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminaries. His Doctor of Ministry is also from New Orleans Theological Seminary.
Dr. Horton and his wife Carolyn (B.S.Ed. University of Miami in Elementary Education) have two married children, Holli and Vincent; and four Grandchildren, Walker, Caroline, Anna Kate, and Chase.
ABOUT ME
What is your favorite book?
Of course the Bible and I always enjoy the classics,Augustine’s Confessions and The City of God. Also Foxes Book of Martyrs and Pilgrims Progress by John Bunyan. I have been blessed by The Struggle for the Soul by Lewis Joseph Sherrill which is a description of the stages of human spiritual development. In spirituality I am grateful for Celebration of Discipline and Prayer by Richard Foster and also his editing of Devotional Classics quoting excerpts from authors like C.S. Lewis on preparing for the spiritual life to Madam Guyon on Praying the Scripture in the Word-Centered life.
I am also challenged by Dietrich Bonhoffer, The Cost of Discipleship and LifeTogether! A comprehensive study of prayer, E.M. Bounds On Prayer (8 books) is very resourceful for ministry. My favorite writer in Spirituality is Henri J.M. Nouwen (Intimacy, Creative Ministry, The Wounded Healer). Nouwen defined ministers as a “bridge” whose ministry is to make connections between the human story and the divine story.” Also, I have found Billy Graham’s book on the Holy Spirit to be a helpful biblical survey of the person and ministry of the Holy Spirit in life today.
What are your hobbies?
I play golf to be nice and I go fishing for fun and I am an avid world traveler, especially to the Middle East.
What is your favorite food?
I like any kind of seafood and especially shrimp, or a grouper sandwich.
What is your favorite Bible Verse?
My favorite Bible verses are,
Old Testament: Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
New Testament: Philippians 4:13 – “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”
Who are your favorite sports teams?
Football, Miami Dolphins and Florida Gators; Basketball – Orlando Magic; Baseball, Boston Red Sox.
What is your favorite pastime?
Spending time enjoying our grown children and especially our four grandchildren (ages 6-16).
What was your most memorable moment in ministry?
Participating in a Billy Graham Crusade as a counselor. Baptizing our children and most of our grandchildren.
What is your favorite biblical character and who do you relate to?
In the Bible no one is greater than Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, I am challenged by Joshua and in the New Testament it is the Apostle Paul.
What pastime do you enjoy most?
Going out to a nice restaurant with Carolyn or going to a Broadway Musical.
What is your favorite music?
Again, it depends on the sermon and situation, but I really like great hymns like, How Great Thou Art, Because He Lives, God of Grace and God of Glory, and Serve the Lord with Gladness. And I love the great classic by George Frederic Handel, The Messiah!
About Us 
Dr. Horton has served as the Senior Pastor of First Baptist of Cocoa since January of 2008. Prior to FBCC he served as the pastor of College Park Baptist Church in Orlando for 23 years. He has also served First Baptist Waynesville, NC, Wieuca Road Baptist, Atlanta, First Baptist, Deland, and Flagami Baptist Church, Miami.