Encounter Church Pensacola

Meet Our Pastors

For over 40 years, Pastors Gary and Jo Ann Porter have been ministering with the purpose of serving others and helping them grow to their fullest potential "In Christ". It is their lives passion that they desire everyone come to "Discover Your Purpose". As the Pastors, they use their knowledge of God's Word and their ability to tell stories just as Jesus did to in order to relate to our lives today.

Whether preaching or serving the community, they both long to be proclaimers of the Grace and Hope that Jesus came to offer. They are truly soul mates, and together, they have two beautiful children. and three grandchildren.

Our Vision

We are a rapidly growing church in Pensacola and we are so excited you have chosen to visit our website. Pastor Gary and Jo Ann have a dream and vision to spread the Good News of Christ through the church they established. Their prayer is that our church be founded in Faith, Filled with Hope, Motivated by Love, Abounding in Grace and Fully Empowered by the Holy Spirit. The Pastors and congregation are dedicated and committed to actively leading others on their journey walk as they build a close relationship with Christ. Our pastors and church staff are here to help disciple you and your family so that everyone can engage in serving with their God given gifts and talents.

Our Church

Encounter Church is a local community of believers that come together in love and are unified through our faith in Christ Our Lord and Savior for the ultimate purpose of glorifying Him.

We as a Church are committed to the teachings of Christ and obeying all of His commands, and we seek to bring the Good News to the world.

We are a loving church family where you can find acceptance, fellowship and relationship. Pastor Gary's messages are uplifting, challenging and full of the Word of God. Come and "Discover your Purpose" with us!

STATEMENT OF FAITH

We believe the Spirit of God came upon man and they were inspired to write the Word of God to show man God’s plan and purpose. II Tim.3:16

We believe in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, a Triune Godhead (Trinity). John 15:26

We believe that Jesus came to Earth as both God (Deity) and man. Col.2:9

We believe the only way to salvation (being born again) is by confessing. Jesus Christ as your personal savior and believing in your heart. Eph.2:8-9, Rom.10:9-10

We believe man was placed in the Garden of Eden in right relationship with God and by free choice (his will) he fell into sin and brought evil and death into the world. Gen 1:27, Rom. 3:9,23

We believe in Water Baptism Rom. 6:4 and Holy Communion I Cor. 11:26 as two ordinances that should be practiced by the church.

We believe the Baptism of Holy Spirit empowers believers to live victorious lives as witness by being continually filled. Acts 1:8

We believe in sanctification, that man is set apart (1) to worship God I Cor. 12:13, (20 to serve God Deut.10:20, (3) that as we grow up in Christ, we set aside every weight that would hold use back. Rom. 8:13

We believe the mission of the church is to seek the lost by preaching the Gospel locally, nationally and internationally through evangelism, to build up the local church through discipleship and to support the work of missions. I Cor. 12:13, Acts 1:8

We believe God divinely sets individuals in the church in all capacities to serve. We believe that God calls man but also uses man to recognize the call and prepare for leadership and servanthood. I Cor. 12:28

We believe Divine Healing is a part of the redemptive work of Christ. Isa. 53:4-5, I Pet. 2:24

We believe in the Rapture, the Millennial Reign of Christ and the Final Judgment for all Non-Believers. Matt. 24:30