Quick Facts
Founded
1998
Denomination
Southern Baptist Convention (SBC)
Service Times
Check website for current times
Men's Ministry
No
Kids Ministry
Yes
Pastor Credentials
Succeeded founding pastor Jay Dennis (retired)
10-Point Theological Scorecard
Christology
Is Jesus the only way? (John 14:6)
Verify — SBC, likely orthodox.
Caution
Scripture
Inerrancy affirmed? Final authority?
Verify.
Caution
Men's Discipleship
Intentional formation for men?
Dedicated 'Men's Bible Study Fellowship' listed.
Strong
Soteriology
Faith alone? How is salvation presented?
Verify.
Caution
Gender / Biblical Design
Biblical manhood and womanhood by God's design — patriarchal, complementarian, egalitarian, or affirming gender ideology?
Male lead pastor (Dr. Kirk Kilpatrick, M.Div/Ph.D., former seminary faculty).
Male lead pastor.
Caution
Leadership Structure
Male elders/pastors? Accountability?
Male pastor with seminary credentials.
Caution
Preaching Style
Expository or topical/therapeutic?
Verify new pastor's style.
Caution
Mission Clarity
Great Commission central?
Discipleship-focused Church Covenant.
Caution
Cultural Alignment
DEI/CRT language? Social justice crowding out gospel?
Church Covenant uses traditional fellowship language — 'accept one another...family of God' — no affirming/progressive language detected.
Strong
Accountability Structure
Denominational home, elder plurality, or external network — is the pastor answerable to anyone?
SBC affiliation not displayed on homepage — verify.
Caution
Assessment
FBC at the Mall (also known as Church at the Mall) in Lakeland, FL purchased a shopping mall in 1998 for $5.5M and converted it to a worship space. Founding pastor Jay Dennis retired and was succeeded by Aaron Bugner. ECFA accredited for financial transparency. SBC affiliation provides accountability. Unique facility.
#sbc#ecfa#converted-mall#lakeland#florida
MOOP Engagement Tracker
How this church was personally verified by the MOOP directory team:
✓
Researched church website
Pastor Signatures & Affiliations
[Orthodox-aligned signatures]
Public statement signatures and organizational affiliations of this church's named pastors. "People is policy" — these are evidence-weighted signals about doctrinal trajectory, not the sole determinant of any rating.
Dallas Statement (Social Justice & Gospel)
Dr. Kirk Kilpatrick
Source: statementonsocialjustice.com — hover for details
Last reviewed:
2026-05-16
— Annual review recommended
2700 E Main St, Lakeland, FL 33801
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