Our Story

The greatest need in any life is to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ.  Sadly, many people have never heard about what God has done for them and what He expects of them.  Many have never heard about the dangers of living a life apart from God and His gift of eternal life.  Worst of all, they don’t know how simple it is for them to be certain that they will go to heaven.

In February of 2018 a pastor by the name of Brett Bell announced to his congregation that he must resign his role as their pastor.  He further explained that God had called him to carry God’s message to the state of Florida by the method of starting new churches.  The following month that same church (Gant Lake Baptist Church) felt led by God to sponsor Brett and his family in their new calling.

Working with other Baptist churches in Florida the Bell family chose Sarasota as their first location.  They began by holding a week-long tent crusade revival on the corner of Swift and Wilkinson.   Shortly after the Bell family moved to Sarasota to continue reaching out to the community.

Legacy Baptist Church started meeting in July 2018 for a Bible study on Thursday evenings at the LifeWay Christian Store.  Later, an elaborate grand opening service took place on September 30, 2018 and included supporters from across the state of Florida.  The church met at Kinnan Elementary School for many months.  During this time several people from the community became regular attendees and some joined as members.

In May 2020 God opened the door for Legacy Baptist Church to merge with Sara Bay Baptist Church of Bradenton, FL.  This included a move from Kinnan Elementary School to the church’s current location at 415 67th Ave W, Bradenton, FL  34207.

Pastor Bell invites those who feel led by God to be a part of this great new adventure in the suncoast area.

“Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.”  – Luke 10:2