Lakes Church started in Downtown Lakeland as First Baptist Church of Lakeland in 1885 with 12 charter members. In May of 1998, the church voted to purchase the old Lakeland Mall. By 2004, a new worship center was constructed in the old Sam’s Club building and in April 2006, First Baptist Church at the Mall held its first services in the new worship center. Senior Pastor, Dr. Aaron D. Burgner came in 2017, and his visionary leadership has now led to the expansion of six campuses and is called Lakes Church. In addition, the church also houses a school called Lakes Church Academy from PreK-2 through 8th grade.