Rev. Ralph located the Fishermen’s Union Hall on Sunshine Beach, just south of John’s Pass, which is now a part of Treasure Island. The small building loaned to this group of people held the first church service in February of 1944 with 20 adults and 20 children. Attendance grew and talk of officially organizing a church was discussed along with questions of where to build a church.

 

Fundraising began in the midst of war and tough financial times. Donations of $161.35 from two ladies who made “thank offerings” to give for relatives spared in the war began the fund for finding a place on the beaches to build a church. When their story was told in church, Rev. Ralph received two separate donations of $100. With $361.35 as a down payment, two sand lots were purchased midway between the Fishermen’s Union Hall and Redington Beach in an area called Mitchell Beach. 

 

On June 25, 1944, The Church by the Sea was officially organized.  A covenant was signed by fifty-four charter members and became associated with the Congregational Christian Community Church. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on the lots with representatives of ten denominations turning shovelfuls of dirt.

 

In July of 1945 Rev. Ralph, now in his mid seventies, began building the church. He was so anxious to begin the construction that he poured the concrete floor himself and installed the footers before plans for the building were even finalized. People were recruited to help in the building of the church. An architect volunteered his services. Labor and materials were donated by people and businesses in the community.  People pooled whatever talents they could, although most were accustomed to hauling fishing lines rather than handling saws and hammers.  Anchors and chains were used to strengthen walls. An assortment of electrical wiring was donated from homes on a Sunday called “Wire Sunday.

 

Two years after the first meeting in the Fishermen’s Hall, the first worship service was held in a portion of the new building.  Each Sunday more construction was completed.

 

A Spanish style tower with windows was built. A twenty-five foot mast with a beacon was placed on top of the tower. This was the tallest structure in the area at the time. The church’s light was a nautical landmark for the fishermen to guide them from the gulf toward John’s Pass and to safety. The seaman’s byword was “look for the house of God to find your way home”. This light stayed on until all fishermen were accounted for. If the light stayed on longer than usual the community knew someone was overdue and everyone would pray for the sailors’ safe return to port. That mast has since been replaced with a lighted cross.

 

Today, over 65 years later, The Church by the Sea remains a landmark on the Gulf Beaches. The church has survived many threats of storms being so close to the Gulf of Mexico. Thousands of weddings, baptisms and funerals have taken place over these years and generations of families have worshipped at the church. Tourists visit from all over the world and “snowbirds” call the church home during the winter months. Spectacular stained glass windows capture the Florida sun from all directions welcoming worshipers of all denominations and walks of life. Many of the original fixtures, built by Rev. Ralph and the founders, are still in use and are reminders of their labor of love. Several of the charter members’ families are still active with the church.

 

The nondenominational church is a hub of activity in the community with youth programs, Bible studies, music ministries, missions, a thrift shop and outreach programs.

 

Six senior pastors have served over the 65 years. They are Rev. Philip Ralph, Rev. Robbins Ralph, Rev. Fred Campbell, Dr. John Pickens, Rev. Leon Hermes and presently Rev. Dr. Armand Weller.

 

Church by the Sea

Doctrinal Statement

Article 1:            God is Sovereign

The Church by the Sea is a non-denominational, independent body of believers, with the common conviction that God is the creator of all things, and that all things are under His ultimate control.  God is all powerful, all knowing, and His presence is limited by neither space nor time.  (Ps. 95: 3-5)

Article 2:            The Trinity

We worship God as one God manifesting Himself in three equal but distinct persons, the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  (II Corinthians 3:17; John 10:30)

Article 3:            The Authority of the Holy Bible

We believe that the Holy Bible is the inerrant Word of God in the original text and as such is the authority to which we defer for doctrine.  We believe in the literal interpretation of the Bible.  (II Timothy 3:16)

Article 4:            The Deity of Christ

We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and fully equal to the Father.  He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (John 1:1-2, 14)

Article 5:            Influence of the Holy Spirit

We believe that the Holy Spirit is on the earth and has been sent to be our Helper, our Guide, and our Teacher, as promised by our Lord. (John 14:26)

Article 6:            Destiny of Man

We believe that man was conceived by God in His own image, but through sin lost the spiritual relationship with God.  We believe that we are eternal beings, and that we have personal salvation through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. (Romans 3:23-25)

Article 7:            Justification by Faith

We believe that man is justified in God’s eyes by faith in Jesus Christ and His substitutionary death on the cross.  (Eph. 2:8, 9)

Article 8:            Resurrection

We believe in the physical resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after His death on the cross that He ascended into Heaven and is seated at the right hand of God. (Mark 16:14; Eph. 1:19-21)

Article 9:            Second Advent

We believe in the imminent return of Jesus Christ and anticipate our eternal relationship with God through our Faith in Him. (John 14: 1-3; 1 Thess. 4:13-18)

 

Church by the Sea

Madeira Beach, Florida 33708

 

Overview and History:  The Church by the Sea, the only established church on the two-mile town of Madeira Beach http://www.madeirabeachfl.gov, is a non-denominational church in the center of this community. Members and visitors are from this area as well as from surrounding communities.  Rich in history with its beginnings in 1943 when fishermen in the area wanted a church to worship, the church has grown in members and property over the years.  Church by the Sea has continued to be a landmark for spiritual and community activity.

 

I.          Address:    Gulf Boulevard at 137^th Avenue Circle, Madeira Beach, Florida

 

II.            Contact:             Search Committee, Dan Dunn Chairman

                             P.O. Box 86342 Madeira Beach, Florida, 33738

                             Phone: 727-393-0545     Fax:   727-368-3643

III.          Membership of Church:

                             Resident church members                                   382

                             Non-resident members                                              15

                             Average attendance at Sunday worship                 433

                             Average summer attendance                                 275

                             Average winter attendance                                 550

                             Average church school members                           55

                             Average adult education members                           30

                             Average Middle /High School                                       70

IV.          Profile of Church Members

                             Age              Percent of Congregation

                             0-18                       23%

                             19-40                    17%

                             41-60                    21%

                             61-80                    29%

                             81-                         10%

V.          Organizational Life of Church According to CBTS By-Laws

                    (See Organizational Chart at end of document)

          A.          Church Council - Manages Affairs of CBTS & Coordinates Programs

1.  Members consist of Moderator, Vice Moderator, Church Clerk, Treasurer, Chairperson of each of the Boards and two members-at- large.

2.  Meets monthly

3.  Responsible for Church staff personnel

B.          Board of Christian Education - Establishes all policies and procedures for the conduct, supervision and direction of the education of the Church.

1.  Seven members along with Director of Christian Education, Nursery Coordinator and Youth Minister

2.  Directs Sunday School

3.  Guides Youth Program

4.  Adult Education (Women’s Bible Study, Adult Bible Study, Pastor’s Bible Study)

 

C.          Board of Trustees - Responsible for the financial operations of the Church.

1.  Seven voting members, along with Church Treasurer and Church Bookkeeper

2.  Responsible for grounds and maintenance of church

D.      Board of Diaconate - Responsible for the policies and the procedures necessary to minister to the spiritual needs of the Church   and the community.

1.          Seven voting members

2.          Responsible for spiritual leadership

3.          Oversees Outreach Programs

4.          Coordinates and directs Missions

5.          Oversees the distribution of the Good Samaritan Fund

6.          Plans fellowship events

7.          Plans and organizes New Member classes

8.          Oversees the management of the Thrift Shoppe

VI.  Church Activities

          Sunday

Contemporary Worship - 8:15 (Education Building with Band by the Sea) led by Pastor

Traditional Worship in Sanctuary at 9:30 and 11:15 led by Pastor

Lighthouse Contemporary Worship – 11:15 (Educational Building led           by Youth Minister)

Sunday School classes for ages 2-6^th grade

Nursery for infants to two years of age

Hallelujah Kids Youth Choir rehearsal

Sunday School for Youth (Middle and High School)

Adult Bible Study

Afternoon golf

Monday

Bible Study - 7:00 pm

Tuesday

Servants’ Hearts 10:00 (Women’s group that fills bags for homeless)

Cut Ups (meet last Tuesday of each month to compile history of Church and current photos)

Thrift Shoppe 10:00 – 2:00 run by church volunteers

G.A.L.S. – Women’s Bible Study (1^st and 3^rd Tues. of each month)

Wednesday

AA Meeting – 9:30

Staff Meeting

Lay Shepherds – 1^st Wed. of month

Board Meetings – Diaconate, BOT, BOCE   2^nd Wed. of month

Church Council – 3^rd Wed of month

Middle School Youth Group – Led by Youth Minister (Activities are dinner, sports, large group and small groups) Teaching gospel

Thursday

AA Meeting

Thrift Shoppe

Holy Folders – Volunteers prepare bulletins for Sunday service

High School Youth Group – Led by Youth minister (same as above)

Chancel Choir Rehearsal

Friday

Bible Study – 9:30 am

Activities- Adult Bible Study – 6:00 pm

Fellowship – 7:00 pm

Saturday

Thrift Shoppe

 

VII.  Major Financial Expenditures

A.        Payoff of church Mortgage in 2011

B.        Remodeling of facility (Children’s Chapel, Choir Room and AV Room,         Sunday School Rooms, Office Space and Thrift Shoppe)

C.      No existing debt at Church by the Sea

VIII.  Church Property

A.      Sanctuary with seating for 380 in sanctuary and balcony, meeting rooms, choir and AV room, parlor, restrooms

B.      Education Building with auditorium capable of housing 100, kitchen, Children’s Chapel, Nursery, 5 classrooms, Office and Resource    room for Director of Children’s Ministry, Restrooms

C.      Youth House – purchased property for Youth – stand alone

D.      Church Offices in separate two-story building.  Pastor’s office and meeting room, Secretarial and Bookkeeper’s offices, Youth Pastor’s office, Thrift Shoppe and Annex, “Upper Room” Bible Study Classroom, Archive Room, Other spaces

E.      CBTS does not own a parsonage

IX.          Community Characteristics

A.      Population of Madeira Beach – 4,493 (2004) with 2528 households

B.      Primary business/industries in the community

1.          Tourism

         2.          Related seafood industry

C.      Three distinctive attributes of our community:

1.          Relaxed casual small town atmosphere catering to all ages

2.          Gulf front beach community known as a vacation destination

3.          Densely populated particularly in the winter season

D.      Major trends that we envision in our community during the next five years:

1.          Expanded tourism hotel/motel facility growth

2.          Stable residential population trending to younger families

3.          Continuing hurricane preparedness

E.      Three identified problem areas confronting our community, which the members feel, should be addressed by the church:

1.          Involvement of pastor and church membership in the community

2.          Reaching out to growing youth population

3.          Assisting the needy

F.  Church responsibilities in community activities

          1.   Which our church undertakes:

Seafood Festival

Softball team

Sun Coast Haven of Rest and Rescue Mission

Thrift Shoppe/ Mission for homeless fishermen

AA Meetings

Numerous programs, concerts, breakfast and dinners for the entire           community

Assist needy with food and clothing

Evangelize to the non-believers

Ministry to Youth

Back to School Backpack ministry

Shoebox ministry

UNICEF

Scouting merit badge training

Local Missions

Madeira Beach Fire Department

Heifer Project

Good Samaritan Fund

Angel Tree

Food Pantry

Blood Mobile

Vacation Bible School open to community

Support cancer walk event

Community Christmas tree lighting

Blessing of the Fleet for Seafood Festival

Rummage sale

Community Service supervision

 

2.    Which our church expects the leader we are now seeking to take:

An active interest in community involvement

Counseling to individuals and groups

Representing our church at public events and civic organizations

Expanding the Christian outreach and vision of the Church by the           Sea

Maintaining a presence and interaction as the consummate           CBTS personality

G.      Our church facility is being used by the community for the following:

1.          Weddings, Funerals, Baptisms

2.          AA Meetings

3.          Youth Groups

4.          Rummage Sales

5.          Concerts

6.          Worship

7.          Community meals

8.          Food Pantry

9.          Thrift Shoppe

10.          Drama Instruction

X.     Responsibilities in Church by the Sea Activities

A.  Which church members undertake:

1.          Rummage Sale

2.          Events Team Activities

3.          Youth Activities including small group leaders

4.          Bulletins

5.          Church workdays

6.          Filling homeless bags with food and toiletries

7.          Thrift Shoppe and Rummage Sale donations

8.          New Member Committee

9.          Music Ministry including audiovisual and Internet

10.          Children and Youth Ministries

11.          Business responsibilities of the church

12.          Lay Shepherd Ministry

13.          Sunday School Teachers

14.          Prayer Chain

15.          Adult Bible Studies

16.          Servants’ Hearts and Cut Ups

17.          Serving on Church Boards and committees

18.          Worship Team (ushers, greeters, etc.)

19.          Lovin’ in the Oven

B.  Which our church expects the leader we are now seeking to take:

1.          Involvement in all of the above as an extension of pastoral duties attend events in the church

2.          Edifying, encouraging, comforting, collaborating, visioning, implementing, empowering, visiting, preaching, teaching

3.          Mentor staff, Lay Shepherds, volunteers and members

4.          Preach the word of God and lead by example

5.          Reach out to the community

6.          Spiritual leader of church

7.          Bible Studies

8.          Board participation

XI. Ways in which our church participates in ecumenical activities

A.          Sunday School Teachers conference

B.          GALS attending other church’s Bible Study

C.          Conferences

D.          Mercy Ship Missions in the Caribbean and Central AmericaXII.  The major trends we envision in our church in the next five years

A.      New Pastor

B.      A large growth in active church memberships

C.      Expanded Community involvement

D.      Growth in Youth Program

E.      Growth with a new minister who is active in the community

F.      Expansion of the church campus

G.      Continued growth of Youth Ministry

H.      Move toward more contemporary services

XIII.   Responses of the congregation on the following:

A.            Three most important events in the history of our church       

1.        Church being built by fishermen

2.        Beginning of the church, first service on beaches in 1943

3.        Additional real estate acquisitions and remodeling of facilities

B.       The most interesting and challenging events in the life of our church in the last three years

1.        Increase of Youth Program and start of the Light House Service

2.        Economic impact on membership

3.        Senior Pastor‘s illness and retirement

C.       Three goals that the congregation hopes to accomplish during the next three years

1.          Stability and growth with a new pastor

2.          Expansion of Biblical educational opportunities

3.          Cold weather shelter

D.       Strengths or positive qualities of your church

1.         Small but involved group

2.         Good leadership

3.         Volunteers

4.         Youth minister

5.         Beautiful Sanctuary and property

6.         A positive, friendly Christian family

7.         Solid reputation and active participation

8.         Many people willing to serve

9.         Adult Bible Studies

10.        Outreach programs

11.        Internet broadcasts

12.        Inspiring worship arts program

XIV.  Salary, Benefits and expenses offered

     A.  Salary

          B.  Housing

          C.  Benefits and expenses

          D.  Retirement

 

XV.  Leadership Expectations

        Below are listed qualities that people in our church feel are the most important aspects of ministry for Church by the Sea at this time.

Our church needs a person who:

- is an effective preacher/speaker

- helps people develop their spiritual life and solve problems

- is effective in planning and leading worship

- is a person of faith

- encourages people to relate their faith to their daily lives

- makes pastoral calls on people in hospitals and nursing homes and those confined to        their homes

- is a good leader

- has strong commitment and loyalty to our church’s Doctrine

- maintains confidentiality

- is a compassionate and caring person, sensitive to others’ needs

- has strong commitment to the educational ministry of the church

- deals effectively with conflict