Gulf Coast Fellowship is Palm Harbor's "friendliest" church. Formerly known as Palm Harbor Baptist Church, the church changed its name in 2004 to reflect a renewed ministry focus and renovated facilities. Gulf Coast Fellowship is voluntarily affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention and is a member of the Suncoast Baptist Association. If you're planning to visit (and we sure hope you do!), be certain to check out our WHAT TO EXPECT page. It's got everything you need to know to ensure an enjoyable visit: Things like what to wear, how long the service lasts, accommodations for children, type of preaching and music, etc.
Gulf Coast Fellowship is an Elder-led, Deacon-served church. The Council of Elders currently consists of Pastor Joe Hancock and Richard Kalil. You may read their bios below.
PASTOR JOE HANCOCK: Joe, a native Texan, graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1982 with a BE in Civil Engineering. After a 9-1/2 year career with Mobil Oil Corporation, Joe felt called to pursue full time vocational ministry. He graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1995 with his Master's degree in Theology. Joe previously served as Minister to Single Adults at Calvary Baptist Church in Clearwater. He became Pastor of Gulf Coast Fellowship (formerly Palm Harbor Baptist Church) in January, 2004. Joe has a passion for helping Believers see the "BIG PICTURE" of God's Word through expository preaching. Joe is married to Christine and they have two children, Tyler and Lauren. Joe is a huge college football fan. You can contact Pastor Joe at questions@gulfcoastfellowship.org
RICHARD KALIL: Born in Seattle but raised in South Florida, Richard came to Christ when he was 12 years of age in a small church in Miami. He received an Industrial Engineering degree from Georgia Institute of Technology in 1974 and began working with his father as a manufacturer's representative. After 26 years, Richard felt called to sell his business and pursue Kingdom work. In order to train for his new calling, he entered Trinity College and graduated with a degree in Leadership and Ministry. He also audited Dallas Theological Seminary classes. Richard has a heart for the lost and lives to tell others about God's great love for them. At Gulf Coast Fellowship, Richard encourages everyone to reach out to their friends and neighbors with the good news of Jesus Christ. Richard is married to his high school sweetheart, Mary. They have 3 married children and 6 grandchildren.
WORSHIP LEADERS DEVON & KATHY ANDERSON:
Devon and Kathy Anderson have been leading worship at Gulf Coast Fellowship since 2014. Their focus is to lead the church body in singing biblical truth and praise to our holy God, to encourage each other in love and faithfulness, and to display Christ's glory to unbelievers through music.
They use no pre-recorded tracks or stage production, which helps keep the focus on the lyrical content chosen to reflect each of Pastor Joe's messages. Songs range from time tested classic hymns to more current selections, and all are intended to encourage deepening contemplation and worship.
Devon and Kathy are also active in homeless ministry, and encourage everyone to join them for an evening worship service on the third Sunday of each month at local shelter facility. They also add musical fun to church picnics, old-fashioned hymn sings, and Christmas caroling.
As Martin Luther said, "The gift of language combined with the gift of song was given to man that he should proclaim the word of God through music." All of us at Gulf Coast Fellowship look forward to meeting you and welcoming your voice to our family!
Doctrine is important. The word doctrine simply refers to what a church believes. And since beliefs identify a church and drive its ministry, it is probably of importance to you as well. Gulf Coast Fellowship has published its Doctrinal Statement below.
STATEMENT OF DOCTRINE: We affirm the Bible as God's inspired Word, inerrant in the original manuscripts, and thus the fundamental basis for all of our convictions and beliefs. We agree with the Doctrinal Statement entitled, "The Baptist Faith and Message" as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention, June 14, 2000.
Impact others outside of our area and spread the Word through missions and outreaches.
Fellowship with others and build uplifting relationships in a fun, family environment.
