Hello, we are so glad you're here.

Hi, I’m Pastor Matt Shapton! Welcome to the website for The Community Church, a new mission of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) in Babcock Ranch, Florida. It is my prayer that you will find community here. I live with my family in Babcock Ranch, even if you don’t, I‘m happy to call you my neighbor.

I am originally from Michigan and have now lived in Florida with my family for 15 years. I enlisted in the United States Navy in 1991 and served a full enlistment stationed on the U.S.S. Detroit. I am a “second-career Pastor” that means that my first calling or vocation was to a place other than the church, that place was skilled trades. The first part of my journey was spent as a Master Electrician and Building Contractor, then The Holy Spirit whispered to me that it was time for a new journey. I graduated in 2020 with a Masters Degree in Divinity with a concentration in Mission Development from Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa.

I was ordained and called to Mission Development by the Florida-Bahamas Synod of the ELCA in 2020. My ministry here in Babcock Ranch has an emphasis on Creation Care, giving creation a voice as together we look for new ways to be sustainable together. I have been a Lutheran all of my life, but find great enjoyment and growth in ecumenical relationships, that is knowing and serving with people who have different faith traditions than the one I practice.

I believe that we are ALL part of this human family together, and life is better together.
That’s a little bit about me.
I look forward to hearing your story.

As a newly developing faith community, we continue to grow the mission and ministry that builds community. Music, Faith Formation, Small Groups, Care and Outreach, Special Events, you can find it all here. We encourage you to get involved in one of the many actvities we offer in Babcock Ranch and of course we would love to see you in church on Sunday morning. For this season we gather at the Babcock Ranch Field House every Sunday at 10am.