Header, SMBC Header Graphic

Home | What We Believe | Service Times | Pastor | Programs & Classes | Calendar | About Us | Contact Us | Map


Joe Henkle Musician and Song Director



Header, SMBC Header Graphic


I was born in 1958 in Fort Knox, Kentucky. Our family moved to Florida in 1959. My early years were spent in Putnam County and later years in Clay County. I accepted Christ, was saved and born again, as a seventeen-year-old teenager in 1975, at Lemon Heights Baptist Church, in Palatka, Florida after viewing the movie, "A Thief In The Night". I graduated from Keystone Heights Senior High School in 1976 and from Saint John's Junior College in 1978. I attended Gardner Webb University in 1979; transferred to Luther Rice Bible College from 1980 - 1983 and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Biblical Studies. The Lord called me into the ministry and to preach the Good News in 1980.

I have served as an Assistant Pastor and Music Director in local churches, as well as assignments in the mission field, both local and foreign. From 1986 to 1995, my family and I traveled through thirty states, speaking in various churches and mission assignments, residing both in my native state of Kentucky and in Antigua West Indies.

I have served as Chaplain for the State of Florida Prison System since 1996 to the present. I minister and serve the inmate population, including those on Death Row at Union Correctional Institution, which was formerly known as "Raiford" and known as the "Alcatraz of the East", bearing the reputation of being one of the most dangerous and violent prisons in the country. One of the duties as Chaplain of a very large institution, is to partner with the various prison ministries, who serve as volunteers in the prison system, which has been interesting and provides opportunity to share the Gospel.

Since 2011, I have served as Associate Pastor and Music Director here at SMBC and count it a joy and privilege to work with those on the staff to spread the gospel to a lost and dying world. May the Lord give us a vision and a hunger to reach our community and the world for Christ in these last days.


"He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30 KJV

Report Errors or Problems to Webmaster at webmaster@smbcfamily.net

South Middleburg Baptist Church 2023 Anno Domini

4565 Alligator Blvd. Middleburg, Florida 32068