Virgilio's Story

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Virgilio's Story

Nuova Vita is one of our global mission partners located in Salerno, Italy. Nuova Vita (new life) exists to see God transform lives and renew the city of Salerno through the good news of Jesus ​​Christ.

“At Nuova Vita, I didn’t just hear the gospel preached; I saw it lived out in the lives of the people there.”

Growing up in a Catholic household in Italy was pretty standard. My parents were Catholic, as were most people I knew. But for me, it never felt like more than just a tradition. Going to church felt empty, robotic, and frankly, judgmental. It was like being part of something lifeless, void of any real connection or meaning.

Then, one day, my cousin invited me to an event at his evangelical church. I wasn't interested at all, but I had nothing else going on, so I figured, why not? What I experienced there was completely different. The atmosphere was vibrant, the music was stirring, and hearing athletes share their faith was something I hadn't encountered before. It made me wonder if there was something more to this whole Christianity thing.

So, I started attending that evangelical church. But unfortunately, it wasn't the welcoming community I hoped for. Instead, it was filled with legalism and judgment. It felt like another place where I didn't belong, especially when some of my friends got kicked out for questioning the pastor and how he reflected the person of Jesus. I stood by them, which led to me being rebuked by the church elders, who even accused me of being possessed by demons.

Feeling lost and disillusioned, I found myself in a pub one night, talking to my friend Justin Valiquette, the pastor of Nuova Vita at the time. He didn't shame or judge me; he simply invited me to his church, describing it as a welcoming family. And he was right. At Nuova Vita, I didn't just hear the gospel preached; I saw it lived out in the lives of the people there. It was a family that took following Jesus seriously, loving others fully, and living on mission without guilt or shame.

Over time, I came to believe in the gospel, got baptized, and started serving at Nuova Vita. Fast forward, now, I am the pastor at Nuova Vita, where I lead with excitement and passion for God and his word. Against all odds, the church is primarily growing through young adults experiencing the gospel fleshed out through the lives of our members, much like my own story. My desire is for the gospel to be both visible and tangible in how we steward our lives, so that outsiders can experience the life of Jesus through us. Nuova Vita isn't just boldly sharing the gospel; we're living it out as a living sacrifice for all of Salerno to see. And by God's grace, more and more people are becoming engaged with the gospel right where they live, work, and play.

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Hope For the Journey

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Hope For the Journey

The Hope for the Journey weekly training brings together proven, practical teaching and insight as well as everyday, hopeful wisdom—designed for parents, caregivers, and anyone who interacts with children impacted by adoption and/or foster care. This comprehensive training offers trauma-informed care strategies to equip you in your journey of caring for these children. Register below to secure your spot to be empowered with tools to make a positive impact in the lives of children!

DATE AND TIME: Mondays, April 29th- May 20th 6-8pm

LOCATION: Training Room Summit Church, University Campus 19601 Ben Hill Griffin Pkwy Fort Myers, FL 33913

DETAILS: Food and child care are provided

CONTACT: vicky.stinziano@summitlife.com

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Human Trafficking Forum

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Human Trafficking Forum

We see it on the news and read about it on social media…the issue of human trafficking has become not just a growing concern but an unavoidable conversation. There are currently a projected 27 million victims of human trafficking worldwide. The growing statistics, both nationally and right here in SWFL, leave us all questioning what we can do. How can we be a part of God’s mission by caring for the vulnerable?

You’re invited to join us on Sunday, April 14 from 6:30- 8pm at the University Campus where we will be holding a forum on human trafficking. This evening is an opportunity for us to be informed of the patterns and types of trafficking in SWFL, as well as how the church can engage in the battle against it. Our ability to affect change in our community begins with awareness of the reality here.

Our ministry partners One More Child, Wings of Shelter, Into the Jordan, and Path 2 Freedom will join us to educate, equip and present opportunities we can engage in as the family of God.

Come and learn how we can lead the way in bringing Christ’s light and redemption to the darkness.

SUNDAY, APRIL 14TH AT 6:30PM

UNIVERSITY CAMPUS - 19601 BEN HILL GRIFFIN PARKWAY

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Serving Kids Around the World

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Serving Kids Around the World

By Scott Vail

Each month, the Men's Ministry at the University Campus gathers for discipleship dinners — providing an opportunity for all men to develop greater intimacy with God and build closer relationships with one another. For March, however, our gathering looked slightly different.

On March 12th, the Men's Ministry came together to pack 40,000 meals for Kids Around the World, a Christ-centered organization providing food for vulnerable children in orphanages, schools, homes, churches, and community feeding centers. Many of us were joined by our wives and children, making this an opportunity for us not only to be missional ambassadors to the children who will benefit from the meals we packed but also to our own families.

This act of compassion nourishes hungry children worldwide but also embodies the spirit of selflessness and camaraderie that defines us as adopted children of God. Scripture tells us in Galatians 6:9, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Through our collective efforts, we are sowing seeds of hope and love, knowing that our labor is not in vain.

As we reflect on this night, let us be reminded of the profound impact we make when we come together in service. Might we continue to encourage one another to love and serve the church, knowing that through our actions, we are representing the gospel to every man, woman, and child.

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Spring Break Mission Trip

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Spring Break Mission Trip

By Andrew Burrows

Within the city of Buffalo, the Lord is bringing His church to life. For the last 3 years, I have personally seen the Lord utilize His church to light the flame within this city. Ephesians 2:19 says that “we are no longer strangers and aliens but instead fellow citizens with the saints,” and this verse has been tangibly expressed through Summit’s partnership with Restoration Church. Though we exist in unique societal contexts, we remain unified under the call of Christ and the mission of God. Together, we were able to support each other while evangelizing and caring for the homeless throughout Buffalo.

This week, our team of 13 college students had the privilege to grow in our intimacy with God and in relationship with others as we leaned into our identity as a family on mission. We spent the week evangelizing on the campus of University at Buffalo and the surrounding community. Evangelizing served as a beautiful reminder of what our lives as Christians should look like. Dan Boutwell, a church planter and member of Restoration Church, spoke with our group about the importance of the church in upholding the Great Commission. As the bride of Christ, the church has the responsibility of making disciples, baptizing believers, and teaching them the commands of the Bible. In this conversation, Dan left us with what became a constant encouragement for the week, “Dig a hole. Plant a seed. Pray for rain.” This short phrase resonated with us as we reminded ourselves that the work is ultimately fulfilled by Christ and not our own doing. Our mission of bringing others to Christ is just that, to put others in a position to encounter Christ, and through prayer, trust that the Father will meet them where they are.

I saw evidence of this truth play out in the life of a student we met in Buffalo named Tae. The way in which he vocalized his love and appreciation for the gospel became a great encouragement to us throughout our time there. For me, this trip marked the last of my mission trips as a student with Ignite, and Tae was the beginning of a long-awaited answer to years of prayers. To see such a passion not only from him, but also fellow Ignite and UB students, brought so much  peace knowing that God’s church is alive and well.

Through deeper connection and fellowship with our brothers and sisters in the faith in Buffalo, we were able to recall the joy that it is to serve our Father.  In all of this, the Lord allowed us to act as His hands and feet towards the goal of spreading the gospel and bringing glory to His name. While we entered into the week with a goal of gospel saturation, it became evident that the Word of God had already begun to saturate this place long before we arrived. So, although our work over the years appeared slow at times, no portion of it was in vain. 

The greatest takeaway from our trip was the reminder that the work we have done is not solely ours, but instead, we have been given other faithful members in the body of Christ. So with confidence and joy we can say that THIS is the answer to our prayers. The Church is not coming alive within Buffalo, but is alive.

Lord, my prayer is that, as the body continues to grow, we remain rooted in the one true source of life—you. As the fig tree is planted and cared for in the vineyard, Lord we plant your Word in the hearts of your people. Praying that from these seeds you bring forth an orchard. Though the fruits of the tree may not be seen by our eyes, we continue to live in accordance with your Word, trusting your hand as you prune and grow the hearts of your people. Like this tree, your church is living and breathing. Extending its reach as the body grows. Holding fast in the firm foundation that is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

 

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will surely bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:3-6

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Easter Services

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Easter Services

With much joy and anticipation, we are looking forward to celebrating Easter with you on the weekend of March 30th and 31st. Below you can find a list of service times for each of our campuses. As you make your Easter plans, consider inviting friends, family members, or co-workers to come with you. It’s our desire that every man, woman and child in SWFL have repeated opportunities to see, hear and respond to the good news that Jesus is alive! 

EASTER SERVICE TIMES & LOCATIONS

*Note that these service times differ from our normal weekend services. If you are looking for regular weekend times, please visit here.

UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
19601 Ben Hill Griffin Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33913
Saturday, March 30th at 5pm
Sunday, March 31st at 8:15am, 9:45am, 11:15am

GATEWAY CAMPUS
12941 Express Court, Fort Myers, FL 33913
Sunday, March 31st at 9am and 11am

NAPLES CAMPUS
15220 Tamiami Trail North Naples, FL 34110
Sunday, March 31st at 9am and 11am

EASTER BAPTISMS

We’ll be hosting baptisms at each of our Easter services on March 30th and 31st as we celebrate with our brothers and sisters who have made the decision to publicly declare their faith in Jesus! If you’ve trusted Christ and are ready to take the next step of Baptism you can find more information, as well as the application, please click here.

GOOD FRIDAY

We would like to invite you to a special reflective service on Good Friday. This year, our University and Gateway congregations will gather together for one combined service at the University Campus, while our Naples congregation will gather with the newly planted Oaks Community Church at the Naples Campus. It's our hope that this evening would stir your affections for Christ and bring you greater understanding into all that His blood accomplishes for us.

GATEWAY AND UNIVERSITY
19601 Ben Hill Griffin Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33913
Friday, March 29th at 6:30pm

NAPLES AND OAKS COMMUNITY CHURCH
15220 Tamiami Trail North Naples, FL 34110
Friday, March 29th at 6:30pm

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Italy Mission Trip 2024

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Italy Mission Trip 2024

On Mission: Salerno Italy, 2024

This summer, we will host a sports camp for children not only throughout Southwest Florida but also in Salerno, Italy! From July 5th through July 14th, a team from Summit will return to secular Europe to work alongside our church partner, Nuova Vita, and serve local children and families through gospel-centered sports outreach!

This is an opportunity for us to live out our distinctive values as a family on mission. We invite you to read the information below and prayerfully consider joining us for this year’s trip.

2024 TRIP DETAILS

  • DATE: July 5th-14th

  • AGE: Adults Only (exceptions for mature youth if accompanied by parents/guardian)

  • COST: $2200-$2500 Fundraising is encouraged (we provide training)

If you are interested, please fill out the form using the link below (don’t worry, this isn’t signing you up):

MISSION TRIP INTEREST FORM

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WAKE 2024 Recap

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WAKE 2024 Recap

Each year, students from all three campuses unite under one roof for a discipleship weekend fondly known as WAKE. It is an opportunity for 6th through 12th grade students to grow in their intimacy with God and their relationships with each other.

If you drove past our University Campus on February 24th, you might have noticed an inflatable obstacle course, dunk tank, bubble soccer, and even a snowball truck. Our building was enlivened as over 130 students and 30 leaders gathered for a high-spirited day of fun and fellowship. It was the best kind of chaos – a building full of students embracing the joys of being in community.

However, the jam-packed schedule also included an opportunity to pack 21,000 meals for those in need throughout Southwest Florida. This change of pace provided space for our students to reflect on how God has uniquely gifted them to love and serve others in the places where they live, work, and play.

Perhaps the best part of the day wasn't anything we did but rather just the opposite – resting in God's love for us. Blaize Smith, the Family Ministries Director at our Naples Campus, taught on 1 John 4:7-21. As we looked at this passage, we were reminded that God is love, He loved us first, and that if we know God's love, we must show God's love.

After a day full of doing, these simple yet sometimes hard-to-comprehend truths offered a moment of reflection for our students to receive God's love, reflect on His love, and consider how to better show that love to every man, woman, and child.

“I loved doing Meals of Hope! It makes me feel so happy when I get to help people. Seeing all of us kids working and serving the Lord was so cool. Colossians 3:23 says, ‘Whatever you do work heartily as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. ‘”
— Hazel, Student
“I have had the privilege of participating in many youth events throughout my life. WAKE 2024 stands out from the rest for many reasons. The foremost is that it was such an encouragement to see so many students participate in the service project. The level at which they jumped in, took ownership, and were excited about packing meals for those in need was truly overwhelming.”
— Ian, Volunteer
“The overall atmosphere of WAKE was so warm and welcoming; I really felt cared for. The sermon was phenomenal, on-point, and straight to the heart. The small group I was in was so intentional and one-on-one. My leader was very kind and loving.”
— Eliana K., Student
“An event is just an event until God is made the focal point in every intention and interaction. That’s where the genuine fruit and flourishing happen. I found this evident at WAKE in how the leaders were present with the kids. Every moment of the day was spent showing and seeing God’s love through the service project, fun games, building biblical community, and sharing the gospel. I’m so grateful for all God did in and through His people throughout the day. And I’m confident that God will continue to stir hearts and draw us closer to Him in the days ahead.”
— Christine, Family Ministries Director
“WAKE was a wonderful experience that greatly impacted my relationships with God and the people around me. Blaize preached on 1 John 4:7-21. They tell us who to love and where love is from. His teaching helped me to better understand and grow in my relationship with God. Not only was WAKE a wonderful time for spiritual growth, but it was also a great time for me to grow in my relationships with others. I made new friends and deepened my relationships with the existing friends through the games, free time, and service time.”
— Caleb F., Student
“It was encouraging to see the students serving and putting others’ needs before their own. The students were placed in different roles for Meals of Hope, and it was cool to watch them work together while having positive attitudes. It modeled for the students what it looks like when the body of Christ is working and functioning as one, as we all serve him in different ways!”
— Sara, Summit Students Intern
“WAKE was an amazing and super fun experience. I connected with others, saw how God is working in their lives, and shared how He is working in mine. I was able to give my worries, doubts, and hardships to God and enjoy the blessings of friends and teachers. Thank you, Summit family, for an awesome day! ”
— Rylee K., Student

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Grace Stories

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Grace Stories

Embracing the fullness of the gospel and being transformed by it in such a way that we desire to live out and share God's message with others.

Brent’s GRACE STORY

“I was raised to love God and value my faith. But life experiences caused me to battle anger, anxiety, and depression. I pursued healing and satisfaction in worldly vices. Once I was married and had kids, I accepted Christ as my Savior and committed to being a true man of God. Now that I’m fully engaged in my faith journey, God is blessing me to do more. I want to follow the Gospel and serve Jesus Christ with my mind, body, and soul.

My family and I are grateful for our Summit faith family, Children’s Ministry, Women’s Ministry, Men’s Ministry, Community Groups, Bible Studies, and Pickleball Outreach. God is always working in our lives. He provides, protects, and perseveres.

Today I can confidently say, ‘God, I surrender my life to you. Take all that I am and use it for Your glory.’”

EILEY’s Grace Story

“My name is Eiley and I’m ten years old, and I want to get baptized because I love Jesus Christ, and want people to know that. And I want to follow God and love him with all my heart.”

EMMA’s Grace Story

“I am so thankful for God and everything He has done for me. I accepted Christ as my savior over a year ago, when I began attending church a year ago through IGNITE. Here is where I found purpose and comfort in the fact that God has a plan for me and He truly loves me. Growing up, I was not raised religious. My mom isn’t religious, and my dad never attended church, so I wasn’t exposed to the Grace that God could has for me until college. When I came to FGCU, I felt really alone. I moved 23 and a half hours away from home, and did not know anyone. My first friend here, Lauren, introduced to me Summit and I fell in love with the community. My eyes and heart were opened to God and He has given me the most fulfilling relationship in my life, my relationship with Christ. With His guidance, I have learned how to forgive and love, and I am so thankful that I found my own journey with God.” 

GIANNA’s Grace Story

“Most of my childhood has been spent on the track field and, at times, it felt like sports was our entire world. During my younger years, I admired my sister a lot and watched her grow in her faith with Christ here at Summit. I noticed there was always something different about her since she trusted Jesus Christ as her Savior. Since I witnessed her journey, I must say that it wasn’t until I reached 7th grade that I began to wonder what it’d be like to place all of MY trust and faith in Jesus Christ. Instead of waking up daily full of fear and anxiety of the unknown, I couldn’t help but wonder what life would be like with Christ’s peace in my heart. So, I have given my entire heart and life to Jesus Christ.  I am getting baptized today to continue growing in my faith. In Jesus, I have peace.”

Kelsey’s Grace Story

“I was raised in a Christian home and was baptized as an infant, but I remember questioning God at age nine, when my parents divorced. I attended church and youth group through middle and high school. Once in college, I remained a believer, but work interfered with church. My husband, Brent, and I married in July 2012 and welcomed the first of our three children the following June. We wanted to raise our children to know and love the Lord and found a church close to our home, where we became very involved. In 2021, we moved to Florida and found ourselves here, at Summit. I was initially closed off to the idea of being re-baptized, thinking of it as discounting what my parents had done for me as an infant, but after attending Revive Us, I felt God calling me to reconsider this step in my faith journey. Throughout my life, in all of the highs and lows, I have always known He was with me. Jesus is my Lord and Savior, my firm foundation, and I know that because of Him, I am promised eternal life in Heaven.”

Vance’s Grace Story

“I was dedicated when I was born, but as a little kid, I didn’t really know a lot about God or Jesus until about 2 years ago when I joined a Catholic high school. I didn’t really like it at first because it was very strict, but I have come to learn that they are trying to teach us to be strong in our faith. Through the teachings of Jesus, I have learned to love God and believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I thought I had always believed in Jesus as my lord and Savior, but in recent months, it has become clear to me that He is everything I need.”

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All Campus Worship Night

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All Campus Worship Night

Join us on Wednesday, February 21st at 6:30pm at our University Campus as we gather for a special, all campus night of worship. We’ll celebrate who God is, praise him for his steadfast love and faithfulness, and seek after his heart for our community.

All are welcome. While we will not offer childcare, children are encouraged to participate alongside their families during the service.

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Christmas Outreach Recap

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Christmas Outreach Recap

This advent season, we explored the idea of hope. In a weary world, it can seem incomprehensible and, at times, even out-of-touch to have hope. However, deciphering between a secular and biblical understanding of the word reminds us to orient our present life around future expectations.

Secular understanding of hope: a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.

Biblical understanding of hope: a confidence in God whose goodness and mercy are to be relied on and whose promises cannot fail.

While the watching world may view hope as incompatible with our present circumstances, it is this very paradox that causes us to stand out as children of God. We rejoice in knowing that our hope is in a God whose promises cannot fail us, even when the world around us does.

As believers, we have received and rejoice in this gift of hope! Yet, it is not a gift solely for us but is meant to be shared with others. One of the ways we share this gift is by blessing our Circles of Accountability (COA = a designated geographical area around all of our campuses that we have determined to take ownership of). Each year, we partner with local schools to provide Christmas gifts for families in need.

It began the first Sunday of Advent, when weekend service attendees at each campus took ornaments with descriptions of what was needed on them, purchased the gifts and gift cards, and brought them back to their campus. The gifts were then given to the families who needed them through Deacons at our Gateway and Naples campuses and at a comeback event at our University campus.

our 2023 impact

Over $25,000 in gifts and gift cards were distributed to over 100 families.

Our participation in purchasing gifts was more than meeting a physical need but rather a tangible expression of the gift we’ve received — God’s love for us demonstrated and proven by the work of the cross. In providing physical gifts for these families, we are able to form relationships and point them to the greatest gift of all — hope found in the gospel!

God showed up in countless ways during this year’s outreach. Some we know, others we don’t. Yet, we trust that the stories below will offer encouragement and stir in you an even greater affection for Christ and the hope only He can provide.

So, while the season of advent may be behind us, may we continue to marvel, not only in the gift we have received in Christ but in the ways He has called us to share that gift with others. Might the Lord continue to allow us to meet the needs of those around us and in doing so, represent the gospel to every man, woman, and child.

“Caitlin and Cayla (Summit staff) met the Tucker family when they picked up their gifts yesterday. They shared that they had an awesome conversation with the family and even got to pray with the mother. I love when God gives us opportunities to show His love through prayer and relationships. They invited the family to Christmas Eve service and they said they will try to come.”
— Dennette F., teacher at a partner school
“I met with our assigned family and got to meet and talk with Lewis, the father, and Dillon, his son. I shared about Christmas and gave them their gifts. My plan is to give Dillon another gift. I can’t imagine how hard it would be to be homeless and caring for a 12-year-old son. Catie and I are praying for them and I’ve asked Lewis to let me know any other ways we can help.”
— Joe and Catie W., Deacons
“My husband David and I made contact with our assigned family. The gentleman has a daughter, has taken in his two elementary-aged nephews, and also cares for his father. The home that they are living in is being sold, and they have two months to find a new place to live. Sadly, the gentleman recently went through a divorce. 
 
We were able to bring a meal and deliver $400 worth of gift cards, but more importantly, my husband was able to share that we love and care for others not because we are trying to earn anything or be do-good-ers, but because Jesus loved us first (I John 4:19).

David explained the good news of what Jesus has done for us to this man and we invited him to come to church with us. We explained that God never intended for us to do life alone, but with community who are there to remind us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. The man seemed open and we prayed with him. We plan to stay in touch for any needs they may have and hopefully continue sharing Christ with them.”
— Bethany McCleaf
“We had a great visit with Elizabeth and her two boys. Soon after we began our conversation, Elizabeth very openly shared with us about the difficulties that she has faced as a single mom, coming out of an abusive marriage, and raising two ‘tween boys. She was blown away by the church’s generosity (both the gift cards and an 18-pound turkey!). After a long tear-filled hug, she looked us straight in the eyes and said with a choked voice, “No one has ever done anything like this for us. After the year we’ve had, this is overwhelming!” We spoke with her of the love of Jesus expressed to us in the gospel as the motive of our love expressed to her and the boys. She texted me later that night, “You have no idea how thankful we are. The boys cried when I told them what your church did for us.” According to mom, new bikes are in store for the boys!”
— Craig Sturm

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2023 Year End Review

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2023 Year End Review

Summit Family,

As we approach the close of this calendar year, we want to reflect on and consider some of the gracious things God has done in our midst! Have a look at this digital booklet and then consider how God would have you continue to support the mission to make disciples that represent the gospel to every man, woman and child!

“Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.” Psalm 145:3 (ESV)

God bless you.

- The Elders of Summit Church

2023 Year End Review

Click the square below in the bottom right corner for a full screen version.

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Christmas Eve Services

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Christmas Eve Services

You’re invited to join us for Christmas Eve as we celebrate the birth of our Savior! On December 24th, we will be having services at each of our campuses and we would love to have you join us!

UNIVERSITY - Service times: 9am & 11am
*kids ministry offered for infants-preschool only
19601 Ben Hill Griffin Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33913

NAPLES - Service time: 10am
*kids ministry offered for infants-5th grade
15220 Tamiami Trail North Naples, FL 34110

GATEWAY - Service times: 9am and 11am
*kids ministry offered for infants-preschool only
12941 Express Court Fort Myers, FL 33913

If you’re interested in volunteering with Summit Kids or on our Host Team, please let your ministry leader know.

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A Prayer to Close Romans

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A Prayer to Close Romans

LEADER:

Father, thank you for the gospel treasure found in the book of Romans. We have mined its depths this year and have come to realize that we have only begun to scratch the surface of this gospel masterpiece. 

ALL:

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are your judgments and how inscrutable your ways! For from you and through you and to you are all things (Rom. 11:36).

LEADER:

Lord, we will never be able to savor how good the gospel truly is unless we first grapple with the pervasiveness of our sin. Help us continue to soberly wrestle with the extent of our depravity and our overwhelming need for grace.

ALL:

Our minds are debased; our hearts impure; our passions disordered; our throats an open grave; mouths filled with curses and bitterness; we do not know the way of peace and there is no fear of God before our eyes (Rom. 1:24-32; 3:10-18).

LEADER:

We exchanged your truth for a lie and have worshiped petty idols and because of this your wrath has been revealed against us (Rom. 1:18-23)—"the love of God in friction with injustice…the fair grace of God in collision with manifest selfishness.”

ALL:

“For there is no distinction: …all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). And therefore, we are rightfully deserving of our due payment: “For the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23).

LEADER:

No amount of good works, righteous deeds, endless penance, or futile attempts to keep your law can save us. “For by works of the law no human will be justified…since through the law comes knowledge of sin” (Rom. 3:20).

ALL:

“But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law…through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received…as a gift…by faith” (Rom. 3:21-25).

LEADER:

Having been justified by faith, we now have access to your grace which enables us to stand firm; your joy that sustains us through the suffering of life; and your love has been poured out into our hearts through your Spirit which fills us with hope (Rom. 5:1-5).

ALL:

We have been united with Christ: baptized into his death and raised in his resurrection and therefore, set free from the dominion of sin. We are now dead to sin and alive to God! (Rom. 6:1-11).

LEADER:

We are no longer condemned but instead eternally loved! We have received the spirit of adoption by whom we now cry out, “Abba! Father!” The same Spirit that intercedes for us in our pain as we eagerly await the return of Christ (Rom. 8:1-17).

ALL:

Nothing can separate us from your love, not death or life, for we are more than conquers. Instead, you are working all things, including our suffering and pain, for our salvation—for we are known, predestined, called, justified, and will one day be glorified (Rom. 8:18-39).

LEADER:

In view of these innumerable mercies, help us to give you our every day, ordinary life—our sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before you as an offering of worship, pleasing and acceptable to you (Rom 12:1-2).

ALL:

Grant us the grace to love genuinely: to think of others more highly than ourselves; to serve the body of Christ with our gifts; to bless those who curse us and see themselves as our enemy; to welcome those weak in faith instead of arguing over opinions (Rom. 12-15).

LEADER:

Oh, may we not be ashamed of the gospel, “for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes...For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith (Rom. 1:18),” so may we live in light of this power and proclaim this message to every man, woman, and child.

ALL:

Father, fill us with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit we may abound in hope (Rom. 15:13). Strengthen us with this gospel message to bring about our obedience of faith to the praise and glory of the eternal, immortal, invisible, and only wise God, Amen (Rom. 16:25-27)! 

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Orphan Sunday + Worship Night

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Orphan Sunday + Worship Night

This weekend is Orphan Sunday (11/12). A day which the Church around the world sets aside to recognize the plight of vulnerable children. Each year, as part of our Every Child Initiative (ECI), our congregations focus our Sunday morning services on hearing the heart of the Father.

As God's people, called to be his ambassadors in the world, we'll pray, learn how to help our partners, and hear stories of what the Father is doing, and how we can join Him. 

Then, on Sunday evening, we’ll hold a worship and intercession night at our University Campus. Many of our ECI partners will join us, and there will be a time of food and fellowship beginning at 5pm. Worship begins at 6pm. All are invited to attend. Childcare will be provided for pre-school age and under.

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Mexico Trip Recap

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Mexico Trip Recap

By Abbey Valiquette

Early on the morning of Saturday, October 7th, a group of 16 of us gathered together as we set off for five brief but intentional days to serve at Living Hope in Puebla, Mexico. Summit has continually supported this ministry both through giving and sending teams to serve for many years. Living Hope was started in response to the overwhelming need to care for the physical, emotional and educational gaps that the vulnerable children experience in the surrounding area of Puebla, while sharing and living out the hope we have in the gospel. At Living Hope, they strive to give each child a hope for their future. As our group left the comfort of American soil, we all had many questions about our time there based on the many unknowns that awaited us. How would we communicate since we don’t speak Spanish? Would the kids want to play with us? Would we accidentally drink the water and have to use the anti-diarrhea pills? (Please Lord, no!) Hot showers or cold showers? Most importantly, what does the Lord want to show us about Himself? These are all honest questions we all wrestled with as we started our journey. As we left, we eagerly and somewhat nervously stepped out of our spaces of safety and comfort and into the unknown. Each of us wondered how God would use us and how He would stir in our own hearts something unique as a result of our experience. He did not disappoint us.

On Sunday, which was our first full day in Puebla, we were able to visit a historic site in the area, do some quick souvenir shopping, and eat some delicious fried cheese and authentic tacos. Muy delicioso! While exploring the city and getting to see the culture was fascinating, we also had the opportunity to visit a church which was planted by the same family that started Living Hope. It was incredible to sing some familiar songs in Spanish, as well as some new ones we didn't know. But, really, it didn't matter. It was a moment none of us will forget as God gave us all a vision for the day when we will gather from all tongues and tribes and worship His name as one. This experience compelled us to return back to the camp, ready and willing to serve with joy in light of our time of worship.

Monday and Tuesday were our two days to serve. We were told in the morning we would be doing a work project around camp and then in the afternoon we would have a chance to interact with the kids. Monday morning we woke up eager to find out what work project we would be doing. Soon after breakfast we were given the task of painting an area in the kitchen. Our team quickly and efficiently got to work. We worked SO well as a team and got it done! Then, after lunch we divided into groups at tables filled with games, bracelet making, coloring, hair wrapping and braiding and 9-square on the basketball court. To the see the kids faces filled with joy, curiosity, and laughter was priceless. We even learned as a team how to communicate through a mixture of our broken Spanish and the few English words and phrases the kids are learning at the school. We used our hands a lot as well! Overall, we ended each day in awe and amazement at how much fun WE had, and at the immense joy it brought us to see the kids faces smile and hear their child-like giggles.

One of the sweetest and most unforgettable moments for many of us was one morning when Nani, one of the young girls that is a “House-mom” for 10 sweet 6 year old girls led our team in a devotional. Her love for Jesus was so evident in the way she seeks to love and honor Him through loving these kids by teaching them seemingly simple things such as brushing teeth or learning to properly clean themselves in the shower. They are often coming in from situations of abandonment or abuse and have a very low view of themselves and or find it impossible that their lives have a purpose. Nani, who was so full of love, hope, and patience- sees it as her role to parent each girl in her house and to teach them new and healthy ways to live. She could have been overwhelmed by their needs, but she continued to say many times how much she loved working with the young girls as she could see them change a little each day. She is faithfully pressing into giving her life as a living sacrifice through the power of the Holy Spirit and it was truly beautiful to see!

In returning home, we may have returned with some extra kinks in our necks, and paint stains on our clothes, hands, and for some even in our hair, but our hearts were full, and we are changed. And, you will be happy to hear, we thankfully were all spared from needing to use those dreaded pills- thank you Jesus! We are filled with joy at having the opportunity to pour out love and bring some fun to these sweet kids, but also full also because of what the kids in their joy and delight gave us. They laughed, they smiled, they played with us and they were eager to learn new games. Our questions and fears disappeared as we looked into each child’s face and we saw God use each of us. Their lives up until this point have been harder than any of us can imagine, yet the hope, joy and gratefulness they radiated was contagious and convicting. Somehow, these sweet children that we came to serve ended up leaving a forever imprint on our hearts and minds. We pray our presence impacted their lives as theirs did ours.

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Fall Retreat Recap

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Fall Retreat Recap

By Kate McCartney

Jeremiah 29:13, “You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart.” This verse framed this year’s Fall Retreat in Deerfield Beach. The weekend focused on worship, instruction, fellowship, and refreshment. As a result, the students of Ignite were able to grow closer in their intimacy with God and with each other. Pastor Joel Vint from Summit’s Gateway campus delivered four impactful sermons all encompassing the theme of the Lord’s heart for His children.

On the first night we walked through Matthew 8:5-13; the passage showed us that we can have faith that amazes Jesus himself. We learned that, for the believer, a gap between our high expectations and the messy realities of life can cause us to grow apathetic toward God. Therefore, we need to live by faith, resting daily in the comforts of our relationship with Him. Throughout the weekend, we read through the Psalms and talked about how God desires for us to prayerfully bring our honest hurts, reactions, doubts, questions, and joys to Him. We were challenged to write the most authentic prayer we had ever prayed to God, our very own Psalm. We ended with Ephesians 5:8-14, learning practicals of walking as children of the light, solitude, community, and mission. 

Then, what started off as a cold, rainy Sunday morning miraculously turned into a beautiful, sunny day, perfectly timed, as we joyously celebrated the culmination of death to life for seven students through water baptism!

All in all, Fall Retreat 2023 reminded us of the profound privilege we have: that the God of the universe steadfastly loves us, extends inconceivable grace and mercy, and desires a unique, personal relationship with each of us. In forming new relationships and strengthening existing ones, we were able to experience the delightful gift of community. It is through Jesus and only Jesus that true comfort, reconciliation, joy, and freedom can be found. Now, out of love for others, we are given an urgent responsibility to share the Good News of the life change we are so fortunate to have experienced.

“Fall Retreat was such a blessing in my faith walk. I felt immensely grateful for the opportunity to grow in community with other believers and to clearly witness the Holy Spirit working in the hearts of our generation.”
— Sophia Restrepo
“Over the past few months, God has been putting it on my heart to be baptized and, this past weekend, I did it! I am so thankful for the community and the friendships the Lord has blessed me with while on this beautiful journey.”
— Isabella Simonetti
“Fall Retreat was an extremely powerful time of growth and community for me. Being assigned a room with some guys I did not know very well allowed me to bond and build new relationships. The sessions caused us to dive deeper and reflect on the things we learned and how we can grow. I cannot wait for next year and what the Lord has in store for us!”
— Carter Sickels

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The Lies We Believe

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The Lies We Believe

By Mark Siverling

“So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?”

Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

- John 8:31-36 (ESV)

At Recovery at Summit, our teaching series for October-December will be about confronting the lies we are tempted to believe about God, others, and ourselves. Our lives become disordered, difficult, and joyless when we live according to lies. But when we align our hearts and minds with God’s reality, we find freedom, hope, and joy. Unless we take the time to examine what we really believe, and how those beliefs affect our lives, we won’t ever confront the lies that drive us. A major part of the Christian life is learning to stop believing false things and to live in light of the truth.


Why do we believe lies?

Christians through the ages have turned to the Bible to understand how lies take root in our hearts. Theologians have traditionally identified three sources of lies: the world, the flesh, and the devil. In the beginning, God created humans for intimate relationship with Himself. He cultivated a garden for us, and invited Adam and Eve into meaningful cooperative work with Him. But our many-times-great grandparents were not satisfied to work with their Maker; they wanted to be gods themselves. So, they rebelled, and put all of humanity under the curse of sin. Therefore, sin clouds our understanding of truth. We find it easy to believe lies because our pride prevents us from surrendering to God, who loves us and always tells us the truth. Lies also come from outside us, from a world corrupted by the curse and the culture of millions of fallen humans. But while the choice was Adam and Eve’s, they were tempted and influenced by Satan (The Accuser), a fallen angel who rebelled against God before humanity did. To understand this Accuser, consider how Jesus confronted the religious leaders of His day by comparing them to Satan.

“You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” - John 8:44

Satan is not the opposite of God; Satan is a creature made by God and subject to God’s sovereign reign. Satan cannot control us, but he lies to us and leads us into lives of unreality, both as individuals and as a culture.

What does the Bible say?

The Bible can be relied on to reveal what is true. Here are a few important truths:

A. The Bible is the true Word of God.

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

- Hebrews 4:12

B. God never lies.

God is not man, that he should lie,
    or a son of man, that he should change his mind.
Has he said, and will he not do it?
    Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? 

- Numbers 23:19

C. The Holy Spirit opens our hearts to believe the truth.

“The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.”

- 1 Corinthians 2:14-16

D. Abiding in Jesus leads to freedom from lies.

“So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free…So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

- John 8:31-32, 36

Addressing Lies at Recovery at Summit

Is your life hard? Do you struggle with hurts, habits, or hang-ups – things that hold you back in your relationships with God, self, and others? Lie-based thinking hampers our ability to experience the abundant life Jesus promised (John 10:10) and to cope with living in a broken world. Over the next three months, we’ll examine some common false beliefs:

  • “I don’t matter.”

  • “God cannot forgive me.”

  • “I don’t need to confess.”

  • “I can do it myself.”

  • “The process will save me.”

  • “I cannot escape my trauma.”

  • “I must try harder.”

  • “I will never be free.”

Learning to live according to truth instead of lies means surrendering to Him who knows us best.

“Spiritual pride is the illusion that we are competent to run our own lives, achieve our own sense of self-worth and find a purpose big enough to give us meaning in life without God.” - Timothy Keller, The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness

This surrender to the God of truth helps us flourish in all the ways that really matter.

“When we believe the truth—that is, ideas that correspond to reality—we show up to reality in such a way that we flourish and thrive. We show up to our bodies, to our sexuality, to our interpersonal relationships, and above all, to God himself in a way that is congruent with the Creator’s wisdom and good intentions for his creation. As a result, we tend to be happy.” - John Mark Comer, Live No Lies

I invite you to join us at Recovery at Summit every Thursday evening from 7:00-9:00 PM, as we consider together how to expose the lies we believe, to abide in Jesus, and live according to the truth.

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Revive Us | What's Next?

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Revive Us | What's Next?

Summit Family, it’s hard to believe it has already been a week since Revive Us. On behalf of our elders and staff, we want to take a moment to thank each of you who prayed, served, and attended this year’s gathering. Whether you attended one night or all four, we pray that you walked away different. We pray that the Lord, through the power of His Holy Spirit, met you in a profound way –  leaving an indelible mark on your heart.

If you weren’t able to share a word of encouragement or testimony of the Lord’s activity in your life, please consider sharing with us here. We would love to hear your story and come alongside you in celebrating God’s goodness and faithfulness. If you couldn’t attend this year’s gatherings, know you were missed. We encourage you to take the time to listen to each night’s message here. We know your soul will be blessed as you do.

So, after an incredible time of worship, prayer, testimonies of God’s faithfulness, sitting under the powerful teaching of God’s Word and responding to it, the plausible question might be, what’s next? Though a fitting and appropriate question, here’s our honest answer: we don’t know. And we don’t know, NOT because we haven’t thought through it or because our attention was only on the evenings we enjoyed together last week. Rather, our “we don’t know” answer is simply a statement grounded in the reality that God will move in the ways He sees fit for His people and His glory. While we can’t say with definitiveness what is next, we can say with certainty that God is NOT done yet. He is still moving and will continue to do whatever He pleases (Psalm 115:3). We know God promises that the good work He began in the hearts and lives of His children will be brought to completion (Philippians 1:3). Yes, we know God is not done! We know that our great and glorious God is the one “who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).

So, we may not know what is next, but we are hopeful and expectant -- longing for the Lord to continue to move in and through His people. In the coming days, our prayer is this: that we would set our gaze upon Christ more deeply. Here are six steps we prayerfully put before you and humbly ask you to intentionally pursue over the next 30 days.

What’s next?

1. Spend time in God’s Word & in prayer daily. (Proverbs 30:5, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

2. Ask God to continue to grow your dependence on Him & your neediness for Him. (John 15:5, Matthew 5:3)

3. Seek to deal ruthlessly with sin, asking God for His grace to repent from any and all things that do not glorify Him. (Psalm 32:5, Isaiah 55:6-7)

4. Consider who you might invite into this journey with you-- a spouse, friend, or co-worker. Be committed to community.  (Hebrews 10:24-25, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)

5. Ask God to give you His heart for the lost around you. Ask the Lord for continual opportunities as well as the boldness to share the Gospel with those who are far from Him.  (Colossians 4:2-6)

6. Walk in gratitude. Practice living in a posture of daily gratitude to the Lord for who He is and all He has done for you and bestowed upon you. (1Thessalonians 5:18, Psalm 107:1)

“Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation.” - Psalm 85:6-7

“Through Revive Us, JR clearly showed me just how much God loves me and what Jesus went through as he set his face to do the Father’s will.”
— Vaughn W.
“I have been going to Summit for about five years now and was a part of Ignite as well. I have tried to live a Christian lifestyle but have come up short almost daily... at Revive Us I realized I needed a full renewal in order to fix my spirit, heart, and mind on Jesus. I prayed like I have never prayed before and today I feel like a brand new man. I will share the gospel and let God’s love shine through me!”
— Rawley M.
“I grew up in the church, but after leaving home I lost my borrowed faith and fell away for awhile. God has used Summit and Revive Us to show me that even when I feel like the lamb in the ditch, He will pull me back out!”
— Mari G.

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