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One of my favorite churches to visit and preach at is New Day Christian in Port Charlotte, Florida. While I admit a bit of bias—my son Rusty has served as New Day's lead pastor for 14 years—it's undeniable that the church has grown into an exceptional congregation, both spiritually and numerically.
Port Charlotte is located inland from the coast of Southwest Florida, along Charlotte Harbor. Unlike the nearby, more affluent areas of Naples and Sarasota, Port Charlotte reflects a more moderate community. Residents often choose the area for its affordable neighborhoods and proximity to jobs that support the region, making it a practical choice for working families and retirees.
While it may not be a glamorous resort town, for someone like me who grew up enduring harsh winters in northwestern Pennsylvania, it still offers a warm respite. I've joked, "The Lord calls me to visit my son every January and February, and I want to be obedient to the Lord's call." Over the years, I've been heartened to see New Day's congregation grow both in number and spiritual depth.
Several years before Rusty became lead pastor, New Day relocated to a new building. The structure was designed to withstand hurricanes and was designated by local authorities as a special needs shelter for disasters. However, significant construction costs and leadership challenges left the church with several million dollars of debt by the time Rusty arrived in 2010.
Determined to address the financial strain, Rusty and the church elders launched a debt reduction campaign that raised over $1.6 million, alleviating the church's burdens and revitalizing its ministry. This success marked the beginning of a new season of opportunity for New Day.
Today, New Day Christian is a thriving multi-site church with three campuses, averaging over 3,000 attendees every Sunday. Last year alone, the church celebrated 380 baptisms.
One distinctive aspect of New Day's growth is its intentional approach to preaching. Rusty developed a lifelong goal to preach through the entire Bible, alternating topics by seasons. Each winter, he preaches a segment from the Gospels, picking up where he left off the previous year. Summers are dedicated to portions of the Old Testament, while fall sermons focus on the Epistles.
This approach provides depth and variety, addressing a wide range of scriptural topics and doctrines. Rusty spends much of each sermon explaining the passage's context and meaning, allowing God's Word to inspire and convict. In a time when some pastors avoid expository preaching for fear it might seem boring or controversial, New Day's growth affirms the truth of Hebrews 4:12: "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
A 2017 article in Christianity Today highlighted a Gallup poll that found "sermons that teach about Scripture" are the number one reason Americans attend church. Rusty's commitment to expository preaching reflects this insight, engaging worshippers with clarity and courage. While New Day takes a strong stand on cultural issues, such topics emerge naturally through Scripture, keeping the focus on God's truth rather than controversy.
Another standout feature of New Day is its congregational singing. In many churches today, worship music feels more like a concert, with complex melodies and performance-driven production leaving congregants as spectators rather than participants. At New Day, worship music strikes a careful balance. While mostly contemporary and upbeat, the songs are deliberately chosen to be singable, and keys are adjusted to make participation accessible for all. Hymns are regularly included to enhance familiarity, and at times the worship team pauses mid-song to let the congregation's voices fill the room—a truly inspiring experience.
New Day's ministry extends far beyond its walls, especially during times of crisis. The church's hurricane-resistant building serves not only as a safe haven during storms but also as a hub for relief efforts in their aftermath. After Hurricane Ian devastated the Port Charlotte area two years ago, New Day distributed over a million dollars in aid to both members and non-members. Volunteers from IDES (International Disaster Emergency Service) partnered with the church for an entire year, helping clear debris, repair roofs, and assist families with insurance claims.
New Day is more than a physical shelter—it's a healthy church that serves as a spiritual refuge where thousands find encouragement and hope each week. While consistently listed among the 50 fastest-growing churches in America, the true measure of New Day's health lies beyond numbers. It's evident in the church's strong leadership, harmonious staff, enthusiastic volunteers, faithful proclamation of the Gospel, and compassionate ministry to those in need.
 | Bob Russell became the pastor of Southeast Christian Church at just 22 years old. That small congregation of 120 members became one of the largest churches in America, with 18,000 people attending the four worship services every weekend in 2006 when Bob retired. Now through Bob Russell Ministries, Bob continues to preach at churches; conferences throughout the United States, provide guidance for church leadership, mentor other ministers and author Bible study videos for use in small groups. Learn More » |
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