Our Story
Bill and Kay Dunn and Tom and Pam Gurrentz met 10 years ago through mutual friends. The friendship was natural from the start. Through the sparks of the Spirit, the dreams for a discipling ministry in Sarasota began to take shape. The Dunn’s living room became the first SRQ housechurch and by 2015 we had gathered our 12 original church planters.
By 2016, we expanded to Longboat Key and soon we pioneered another group known as “Beach Church”. Our early motto was, “Welcome to the God show!” To our delight, dolphins frequently joined us for worship and needless to say, we got addicted to this natural cathedral. Since then, we have multiplied into parks, farms, patios and living rooms. We love how the changes of space inspire seeing different facets of Jesus Christ.
Wednesday nights, we venture out, moving into fun spaces together. Food truck nights in Lakewood Ranch, playing pool at Livingstons’, Beer Bingo at Big Top and beyond, we love connecting in new contexts. Picture Jesus throwing an ax at Axe and Bull on Clark. That’s our style of active fellowship!
In 2021, Lenz and Sydney agreed to lead us into new pathways for our faith. Sydney led us into serving local needs with the Bridge a Life CarePortal. Once a month we rally to meet a physical need of a local family. While Syd’s passion is community service, Lenz is a big reader and a passionate, dynamic speaker. He brings life and relevance to Jesus’ words in the Bible. We are inspired to really live these sacred words with burning hearts, and in turn, bring life into our community.
Leadership Team
Staff
Housechurch Leaders
SRQ-Fruitville
Femi Obateru, Housechurch Leader,
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Michelle Obateru, Housechurch Leader
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Volunteer Team
Worship
Femi Obateru, Worship Leader
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Children’s Ministry
Rachel Kinsel, Children’s Ministry Coordinator,
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Board of Directors
Tom Gurrentz President
Evelyn Burgos Secretary
Enge D’Haiti Treasurer
