Hipsters, oldsters, newbies and preppies. Singles, marrieds, divorced, single parents and widows. Passion for God. Compassion for people. One amazing group of believers on one amazing faith journey.
A relaxed but engaging worship environment. Smaller than a mega-church. Bigger than a Mini Cooper. Very casual attire. Audacious, band-driven worship. Passionate Bible-based teaching. Starbuck’s coffee. Life-long believers and brand-new seekers.
Excited about Jesus. Growing in their faith. Can’t wait to come back next week. Loads of faith-inspiring activities. Well-vetted, trustworthy teachers. Nursery aides who love little ones with the love of Jesus.
Church Events Calendar
We love to use our God-given creative abilities to respond in worship to our heavenly Creator. The arts are such a powerful tool in communicating our worship of God. We are hungry for the things of the Spirit of God. We believe worship is a “contact sport” versus just rooting from the sidelines. We all get involved. In other words, we’d rather be “in there,” engaged in passionate, artistic worship of Jesus than be “out of it,” passive, unengaged.
Modern rock, indie pop, acoustic Americana.
Guitars–electric and acoustic, bass, drums, keys, backing vocals. But sometimes we’ll bust out the mandolin, fiddle, cajon, cello, or even bells.
Original compositions plus popular songs from the likes of All Sons and Daughters, BridgeCity, United Pursuit, Kim Walker & Jesus Culture, Zach Williams, Elevation Worship, David Crowder, Brooke Fraser, Strahan, Hillsong United, Chris Tomlin, Bethel Church, Kathyrn Scott, Gateway Church, Paul Baloche and many others.
An equally important side to facilitating Worship Arts is the production end of things. Whether you’re into audio engineering, video production, graphic design, photography or web design, our GPro Production Team is working relentlessly behind the scenes putting their skills into action to glorify God.
We work hard to make their worship experience a fun one. Your child will learn about Jesus’ amazing grace for them through Bible stories, crafts, and games taught by well-vetted, qualified teachers.
KidZone check-in is from 9:00-9:15am
All children must be checked in by an adult. When you arrive at our Sunday morning service you will be asked to sign your child in. Your child will have a wristband with his or her name on it and you will be given the corresponding number for pickup after class.
Newborn to 2 years
2 – 3 years
Age 4 – 1st grade
2nd – 4th grade
5th – 8th grade
We have awesome teachers! Each one of our KidZone teachers undergoes a screening process which includes completing an in-depth application and a criminal background check. We also require specific training for each teacher.
Nursery and 2-3s start at 9:15 when service begins. Elementary Levels 1 and 2 attend worship with their parents and are dismissed to class before the message.
If you’ve got a specific question concerning our program, you can always email our
Children’s Ministries Director Molly Horner.
TRIBE
TRIBE is our gathering of both high school and middle school students every Wednesday night from 6:30-8:30 pm on our GGC campus. We grow deeper in our walk with Jesus and with each other. We relax, chat, hang out over a free, full-blown dinner and enjoy group activities. Then shifting gears, we spend time in powerful and passionate worship, great teaching followed by a time of small group discussion and prayer.
They truly are the heart and soul of our effort to become disciples of Christ. Life groups are where the rubber meets the road in our spiritual lives and in our day-to-day living. Check out our list of life groups to learn more about their current study and format and see which one fits you and your schedule best.
GGC is a missions-driven church. For many years we have been committed to sharing the love of Christ in Managua, Nicaragua. So much so that we have adopted a small but growing church there called Roca Eterna in Managua’s outlying borough, Motastepe.
We are equally committed to a ministry in Managua called Villa Esperanza (Village of Hope) whose goal is to rescue young children from Nicaragua’s sex trade and provide them with a chance for a new beginning and a new life in Jesus. Check out more of what’s happening at the Villa…
Gulf Gate Church is full of ordinary people who come together for extraordinary purposes to be the hands and feet of Jesus here in Sarasota and beyond. We believe that every Jesus follower plays an intricate part in His plan. Pray about joining us on our mission.
Serving homeless children & those in need through the love of a caring community
Church-school partnerships that pair GGC members with at-risk kids in supportive, mentoring relationships. You can also contact GGC’s Kids Hope USA Coordinator Crystal Sherk directly.
Provides free, confidencial counseling for those who are pregnant and are looking for options
Scott Rich
Lead Pastor
Email Scott bio
Molly Horner
Children’s Ministries Director
Email Molly bio
Roman Gritsak
Student and Young Adults Pastor
Email Roman bio
Barry Johnson
Worship Arts Director
Email Barry bio
KIDZONE (children thru 4th grade), THE BRIDGE (5th-8th grades) & a nursery.
Both Kidzone and The Bridge are dismissed halfway through our worship service to attend their classes.
A cozy family lounge is provided in the back of our auditorium for nursing moms or fussy babies.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9am-2pm
Gulf Gate Church • 6501 South Lockwood Ridge Road Sarasota, Florida, 34231 • 941-924-3315
welcome@gulfgatechurch.com
