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.

The Community Church

Mission – Being called to Christ, we live out God’s will and serve each individual through faithful discipleship with Christ-centered love, compassion, acceptance, and action today to nurture and inspire the disciples of tomorrow. 

Vision – To be a faith community growing together in love of Jesus Christ through worship, life-long learning, service to neighbor, discovery, development of spiritual gifts, and care for creation. 

Values – Biblical Study, Discipleship, Inclusion, Encouragement, Sustainability, Innovation, Stewardship, and Outreach.