Our Story

How Grace Fellowship Church was born

The early residents of Babcock Ranch are aware that we left the community for the necessities of life – schooling, shopping, working, recreation and worshipping.  We knew the day would come when Babcock Ranch would be filled with opportunities, and we celebrate every new grand opening.  This excitement will surely continue for many years.

As the community has grown, God has been at work behind the scenes, creating a desire within the hearts of many for the development of a church in our community.  That work includes:
  • Residents prayed and asked God to bring a non-denominational church to town.
  • Residents engaged with their neighbors and began Bible studies and support groups.
  • The leadership of Sanibel Community Church, an established church on nearby Sanibel Island, looked for opportunities to invest in the lives of others through the birthing of a new church.
  • An experienced pastor sensed the call of God to leave his secure position at Sanibel Community Church to bring the good news about Jesus Christ to the Babcock Ranch community.

We anticipate offering public worship services soon.  But we are here to serve you now.  Please reach out to us and let us know how we can engage with you.

Expanding the vision...

In early 2024 the momentum began to build as God continued to move.  A Bible study was established among people who had not formerly known one another, and after several meetings together, the question was posed as to whether God was asking the group to trust him to do something remarkable in our community.  As this group continued to pray, God impressed on the group that he was, in fact, asking that we trust him to do just that.

In the days to follow, God has provided in many ways.  Many key individuals affirmed the need for the church in our community.  Pastor Doug Hummer, his wife Carrie, and daughter Mackenzie purchased a home in midtown and became a part of the Babcock Ranch community.  You can find Pastor Doug at The Hatchery and may see him around the community and at many events.  You will find him warm and engaging.  If you see him, please step up to say ‘hello’.

As of this writing we are making plans to begin public services soon.  You can anticipate further messages about this.

Please reach out to us and let us know your level of interest and how we can serve you in these early days.

Pastor Doug Hummer
Phone:  (239) 770-6204
Email:  DHummer@GraceFellowshipBabcock.com

The First Members of Grace Fellowship & First Baptism

At its core, church membership is a mutual affirmation and mutual commitment.
Membership is a mutual affirmation in which the person joining the church is saying to the church, "I believe this is a true community of disciples of Jesus" and in which the church is saying to the prospective member "We believe you are a fellow disciple of Jesus."
Baptism is an ordinance commanded by Jesus. Jesus told his apostles to go into all the nations and make disciples, "baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:19.   Thus baptism is the public mark of a disciple. It's the way in which a church formally affirms a person as a Christian. To be clear, baptism does not cause a person to be a Christian. Salvation is through faith alone in Jesus.

Pastor Doug had the privilege of baptizing one of the newest members of Grace Fellowship right after taking the membership class.

The Covenant of the First Members at Grace Fellowship

On Sunday September 29, 2024 Grace Fellowship was born from Sanibel Community Church. This was the first church ever sent from SCC in their 130 year history.

Hurricane Milton hit the surrounding area here in Florida
~ October 9, 2024 ~

What should you expect?

At the very core of Grace Fellowship Church is the gospel of Jesus Christ.  The gospel is what defines us, unifies us and empowers us.  At Grace Fellowship you will find a group of ordinary people who love God, are committed to the Bible as the authentic Word of God, and who are trying to live out their faith every day.

Grace Fellowship is a community where people can meet Jesus, engage in life-giving community, and everyone is welcome.  We also value service.  Join us, discover how God has gifted you, and use your gifts in serving Christ in our community!

While we are serious about following Jesus, you will find us to be relaxed and comfortable in style.  We anticipate our worship services will last about 60 minutes and will include singing and a Bible-based message from our pastor.  Plan to hang around after the service for fellowship and to meet new people.

Keep watching for more information about upcoming events.  Please reach out to us and let us know you are interested.

Be a part of our story...

Join us every Sunday as we gather to worship together a 9:00 am. in the Fieldhouse cafeteria.