How it all started...
The Church of the Nazarene's anniversary dates back to 1908. Our local congregation was a prominent fixture along the US 41 corridor for many years, but eventually outgrew our facilities. In the early 1980s, we moved to the west Bradenton area, where we have since witnessed a significant growth and change within our community with the growth of businesses, clubs, athletic facilities, State College of Florida, IMG Academy, and interstate travel. In 2022 the church was renamed Gulf Coast Church to reflect the growth in the Gulf Coast Bradenton area.
Expanding the vision...
Gulf Coast Church has a deep commitment to reaching out to the Bradenton community as the hands and feet of Jesus. This church recognizes the importance of making a tangible difference in people's lives, and has taken up the challenge to be a beacon of hope in the community. The church has partnered with local organizations to provide food and shelter to those in need, and actively works to address issues such as addiction and homelessness.
Where we are headed...
As Nazarenes, our spiritual vision draws heavily from the doctrinal core of John Wesley's preaching, inspiring us to care for those less fortunate and make a positive impact on the lives of others. We view our community as a mission field for the Lord and strive to avoid exclusivity. Our mission is to be a beacon of light, a place where everyone belongs, where Jesus is present, and where it is safe to explore God's calling. Our core values reflect this mission, focusing on knowing God, growing in freedom, discovering our purpose, and going out to make a difference.
