The Church by the Sea is composed of members from a number of denominational backgrounds. Our unity is based on our common confessions of faith in Jesus as Lord of our lives. Each person is encouraged to turn to the Word of God and, with the aid of the Holy Spirit, to discern God's plan for his or her own life. We believe God's Will for each individual will fit into, and even shape our understanding of His total plan for the whole body of believers at The Church by the Sea. We also urge our members to discover their own spiritual gifts and talents and to use them effectively in uplifting those inside and outside the congregation.
Our purpose is to introduce you to the Church by the Sea. We want you to know who we are for two reasons: If you visit the Gulf Coast and are looking for a place to worship, we would love to have you join us; and If you are thinking of moving to this part of Florida, we invite you to prayerfully check us out. This might be where God wants you to settle. The Church by the Sea may be your
new "Home Church."
From its very beginning, The Church by the Sea has had close ties to the community and especially to those who go out to the sea in ships. We were founded by the fishermen in the community who felt Madeira Beach needed a church in which their families could worship.
When we were first established in 1945, the tower of the church had a mast on which there was a light. This light guided those at sea to safe harbor at Madeira Beach. If you want to arrive home safely, the fishermen were told, follow the light at The Church by the Sea.
Because of our history we have seen ourselves as a kind of "lighthouse." This carries over into our spiritual ministry to the community and the surrounding area. Our congregation is one through which God powerfully shares His light that people might be drawn to us and that we, in turn, might point them toward the true Light that enlightens us all . . . Jesus.
People come to the Church by the Sea from all over the world as they vacation in this area or move to sunny Florida. Our task is to be equipped as disciples of Jesus so that we might share the love of the Lord with all who visit. We hope those visitors will be refreshed and filled with the Spirit and the love of God so that they can carry that message and that love with them to their homes . . . wherever they might be.
This is the vision we have at the Church by the Sea. It is an exciting calling God has placed upon us. Come and join our worship opportunities, our Bible studies, our Sunday School program, our Music Ministries and our Outreach Ministry. Perhaps you too will catch the vision. You are always welcome.
