The Family Church at Christian Retreat | Bradenton, FL

Welcome to the Family.

A place where you are loved, accepted, and encouraged.

Sundays @ 10:45 AM & Wednesdays @ 7:00 PM
Pastors Phil and Jannette Derstine

Hi, We're Pastors Phil & Jannette

"We don't judge. We don't care if you have tattoos. We don't care how you dress. We just want to meet you."

The Family Church is a community of people who love Jesus and love each other. No matter your background or story, you have a place at our table. We believe God has a purpose for your life, and we want to help you discover it.

Sunday Preview

What to expect on your first visit

We understand visiting a new church can feel a little intimidating. Let's walk through a peaceful preview of your Sunday morning with us.

1 Arrival / 10:15 AM

Parking & Welcome

As you approach our riverside property at 1200 Glory Way Blvd, look for our welcome flag team. They will immediately guide you into reserved guest parking spots set aside for first-time visitors.

Church parking welcome area
2 Lobby / 10:30 AM

Kids Check-In

Once in our main lobby, grab a complimentary cup of hot coffee on us! If you have kids, our friendly team will help you check them in safely and quickly so you can relax and enjoy the service.

lobby welcoming station
3 Service / 10:45 AM

Worship & Message

Worship begins promptly at 10:45 AM. Join in with heartfelt live worship followed by a practical, encouraging message from Pastor Phil Derstine that applies directly to your everyday journey.

Worship service
4 Dismiss / 12:15 PM

Meet the Pastors

Our pastors, Phil & Jannette, want to meet you personally and get to know you! After every service, they hang out in the Welcome Center specifically to connect with new guests. Whether you want to ask questions, share a prayer request, or simply say hello, they can't wait to welcome you to the family.

Pastors Phil and Jannette
smiling children playing safely
For Kids & Students

Safe, Fun, and Faith-Filled Programs

Our goal is to make church one of their favorite parts of the week, while giving you confidence to relax and enjoy the service. On Sunday mornings, children from nursery through age 10 experience their very own high-energy Kids Church. Then, on Wednesday nights at 7:00 PM, our Middle & High School students gather for their own dynamic Youth Group.

  • Secure check-in and background-checked volunteers
  • Sunday mornings: Caring nursery care & Kids Church (Ages 0–10)
  • Wednesday nights: Fun, faith-building Youth Group at 7:00 PM

Our Culture

Four Words That Define Us

DISCOVER

Faith is a journey. We believe God wants to show up in your life with a "WOW!" as you discover His purpose for you.

RELATE

We were made for connection. Serving others is serving God, and we grow best when we are in relationship with one another.

INSPIRE

The Holy Spirit empowers us to live differently. We seek to be filled with His fruit—love, joy, and peace—in everything we do.

PROVE

Real faith is authentic. We want to be trusted people who prove our love for God through our character and how we treat others.

Got questions about faith?

You don’t have to have it all figured out to belong here. The Family Church is a safe, warm environment to ask hard questions and explore faith at your own pace.

Explore Faith With Us This Sunday

Stories

What People Are Saying

Visit Us This Sunday

1200 Glory Way Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34212

Sunday Service: 10:45 AM

We are located just off Upper Manatee River Road. Look for the flags! We have plenty of parking and a team ready to welcome you.

Get Directions

Take Your Next Step

Whether you’re new or ready to get more connected, there’s a next step for you.

FIRST TIME?

New Here? Plan Your Visit

We know visiting a new church can be awkward. That's why we created the Plan Your Visit experience.

  • We'll reserve a parking spot for you
  • Meet you at the front door
  • Help get your kids checked in
  • Save you a seat in service

Join a Life Group

Don't do life alone. Find a group of friends to grow with, laugh with, and pray with.

  • Groups meet all over Bradenton
  • Options for Men, Women, Couples
  • Deepen your faith together
  • Support and encouragement

Family Life & Resources

Stay encouraged throughout the week.

DAILY PODCAST

The Daily Encouragement

With Pastor Phil Derstine

Join Pastor Phil for practical daily inspiration. New episodes are posted Monday through Saturday at Noon, ready for you to stream, pause, and catch up on whenever you need it.

WEEKLY UPDATE

Pastor Phil's Weekly Call

A personal voice message

Listen to Pastor Phil's weekly recorded call inviting you to this week's service, or sign up to receive his encouraging voice updates directly on your phone.

MOBILE APP

Take Church With You

Archive, podcasts, and more

Access our complete sermon archive, announcements, podcasts, and upcoming events anytime. Experience church on the go, designed specifically for your phone.

The Family Church

1200 Glory Way Blvd
Bradenton, FL 34212
941-746-2882

[email protected]

Sundays

10:45 AM - Worship Service

Kids Ministry Available

Wednesdays

7:00 PM - Midweek Service

Youth & Kids Programs

© 2026 The Family Church at Christian Retreat. All rights reserved.

The Family Church is a ministry of The Gospel Crusade, Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

New Here? Plan Your VisitWe can't wait to meet you!