Ft. Myers is a city of approximately 77,000 people on the gulf coast of Florida. The Ft. Myers Grace Brethren Church was originally planted in 1963 in what is known as The Villas community. The Villas is a culturally diverse neighborhood that has grown up around the church over the past half century. With a high visibility location and a strong presence in the community, Pastor Matt believes that the church has incredible potential to make inroads into the lives of those in the neighborhood and make more disciples for Jesus.
Matt & Hope Niemier
Matt Niemier is a native of Warsaw, Indiana and a graduate of Grace College and Seminary. He has been involved in ministry in several Grace Brethren (Charis) churches over the years and is excited about his opportunity to lead the Ft. Myers Grace Brethren Church, with its long history in the fellowship.
Pastor Matt’s vision for the church is to be a reproducing neighborhood church that is fully committed to the great commission; being disciples who make disciples who make disciples.
Assist Church Expansion will be partnering with Pastor Matt to develop a plan that enables this vision to come to fruition. It is a wonderful opportunity to preserve a Charis Fellowship Church and to enable its members to look forward to a fruitful future in Florida.
About the project
Pastor Steve Shipley has faithfully guided and shepherded the Ft. Myers Grace Brethren Church for more than 27 years. Assist Church Expansion will be partnering with Pastors Steve and Matt as they transition leadership and redefine the church’s vision, mission and future ministry efforts.
This church revitalization project is expected to run an approximate three-year time span, allowing the current and new members of the church ample time to grow in confidence and trust for the new direction of their church.
Pastor Steve and Hally Shipley – Photo Credit GraceConnect, Liz Cutler Gates