About Liberty
Our Story
Honoring God's faithfulness in the past and looking forward to what He will continue to do
48 Years of Liberty Baptist Church
Take a look back at nearly five decades of ministry, memories, and God’s faithfulness to the Liberty Baptist Church family.
Liberty Baptist Church is a welcoming, Bible-preaching church in Sarasota, Florida, committed to helping people of all ages come to know Christ, grow in their faith, and build strong families through God’s Word. Since 1978, Liberty has served Sarasota through Christ-centered worship, practical Bible preaching, discipleship, and genuine Christian community.
Whether you’re new to church, new to the area, or looking for a church home, you’ll find a friendly, family atmosphere committed to sharing the Gospel and serving others. Through our church ministries and Christian school, we are investing in the next generation while continuing the legacy of faith in Sarasota and beyond.
The story of Liberty Baptist Church is still being written. We thank God for His faithfulness through every generation and look forward with anticipation to what He will continue to do in the years ahead.
Pastor Anthony Aiken
Pastor Anthony Aiken and his wife Alaina joined the Liberty Baptist Church family in 2026, and Pastor Aiken became pastor in July of 2026. A graduate of West Coast Baptist College and Pensacola Theological Seminary (Pensacola Christian College), he brings a heart for clear, Christ-centered preaching that works through the Scriptures one passage at a time — and a passion for reaching people with the Gospel.
The Aikens have two children and love pouring their lives into the church family. Together they are committed to continuing Liberty’s legacy as a Bible-preaching church with a compassionate vision to reach the world.
Installation Service of Pastor Anthony Aiken
Watch the July 12, 2026 installation service as Liberty Baptist Church welcomed Pastor Anthony Aiken as pastor.
Dr. Gary & Martha Jackson
Founding Pastor & Pastor Emeritus
Dr. Gary Jackson founded Liberty Baptist Church on August 6, 1978, and faithfully led the church for nearly five decades. Holding a Master of Divinity and a Doctorate of Ministry, he built Liberty on the preaching of God’s Word and a passion for reaching the world with the Gospel.
Dr. Jackson and his wife Martha have three children and eight grandchildren. Liberty Baptist Church is deeply grateful for Dr. and Mrs. Jackson and for the decades of faithful ministry through which God established and strengthened this church.
Dr. Gary R. Jackson Retirement Celebration
Watch Liberty Baptist Church honor Dr. Jackson’s nearly five decades of faithful ministry during our 48th Anniversary Sunday celebration.
Dr. Gary R. Jackson Retirement Celebration | Dr. Don Strange
Watch this special message from Dr. Don Strange honoring Dr. Jackson during Liberty’s 48th Anniversary Sunday retirement celebration.
Biblical Preaching
We believe the Bible is God's Word and should be taught clearly, faithfully, and in context.
Compassionate Community
We want Liberty to be a church family where people are genuinely known, loved, encouraged, and discipled.
Reverent Worship
We seek to worship God with joy, humility, and reverence in a way that keeps the focus on Him.