discover our purpose in christ
Creating a community built on love and acceptance from God and for one another.
love one another
We are committed to loving one another, believing it serves as the ultimate expression of faithfulness to God. When asked which commandment was greatest among the many in the scriptures, Jesus replied that love is the heart of all the teaching of the Bible. He explained that the way to love God is through loving one another. Christ by the Sea wants to be a beacon of love in our community. Love is the first of our core values, the remainder of the core values are how we best express our love through ministry of the church.
At Christ by the Sea, our purpose is simple yet profound: to live out Christ’s love through worship, growth, and service. We are committed to building a supportive community where faith grows, joy is shared, and lives are transformed. Together, we embrace God’s grace and bring hope to our community and the world.
our values
At Christ by the Sea, love one another is the heartbeat of our mission and the foundation of all we do. Through this love, we embody Christ’s teachings and create a strong, compassionate community.
How we love one another
serve one another
We are committed to extending God’s love beyond our church walls and into the community. By embracing a culture of support and service, we meet the needs of those who may feel overlooked or marginalized. Through acts of kindness, compassion, and selflessness, we embody Christ’s love and demonstrate that real life faith is shown through service to others.
care for one another
We are committed to genuine care for others. Life’s journey is enriched when we have people by our side to persevere through struggles and celebrate the joys of life. We all need someone who cares for us – and someone to care for in return. At Christ by the Sea, we foster these meaningful connections to create a supportive, caring community.
accept one another
We are committed to a posture of acceptance. Throughout history, people have built walls of separation and exclusion, but we believe Jesus came to break those barriers. Every person is fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God. God accepts you just as you are, and so do we. At Christ by the Sea, we trust in God’s power to bring about positive change and
lift up one another
We are committed to uplifting our community through hope and encouragement. We believe that faith leads to a life filled with the best possibilities of what can be. Whether through personal support or collective efforts, we focus on building a brighter future. At Christ by the Sea, we trust in God’s power to bring about positive change and transformation.
Rev. Michael Pestel
I believe church should feel like coming home—a place where everyone feels safe and comfortable enough to share their story. For me, being a pastor isn’t about standing in the spotlight; it’s about walking alongside people on their journey, helping them find meaning and purpose in their own unique way. At Christ by the Sea, I’m here to listen, support, and create a space where people can be themselves and explore faith together.
My journey to ministry started in a way I never expected. Growing up, I faced some tough challenges, but at 12 years old, I discovered a sense of belonging and peace in the church that changed everything. When I joined Pine Island United Methodist Church at 13, I found love, grace, and purpose through the faithful people there, and I felt God’s presence in a way that reshaped my life. One day, I turned to a friend and said, “I think God wants me to be a pastor,” and that idea never left me.
Since then, I’ve followed that calling, serving churches in Clearwater, Orlando, and Bradenton before finding my way to Vero Beach. Being the pastor of Christ by the Sea feels a lot like coming full circle to where it all began in Pine Island. I have a deep love for small seaside churches, where I can get to know each member personally and grow alongside them in faith. Serving this vibrant and close-knit beachside community is a true joy and honor.
“Church should feel like coming home – a place where everyone feels loved and accepted. At Christ by the Sea, I’m here to listen, support, and create a space where faith can flourish. Together, let’s explore what it means to live with purpose, grace, and love.”
– Rev. Michael Pestel
our story
Christ by the Sea began as a small seaside church with a big vision: to bring people together in faith and fellowship. Over the years, we’ve grown into a vibrant and close-knit community, united by our commitment to service others and sharing God’s love. From our welcoming sanctuary to our outreach programs, every step of our journey reflects God’s grace and the power of community.
how we live our mission
At Christ by the Sea, our mission comes alive through action. We worship with joy, grow in faith, and serve with purpose. Whether we’re hosting community events, organizing volunteer opportunities, or supporting global ministries, everything we do is driven by our commitment to love and service. Together, we make a difference in the lives of others while deepening our own faith.