Helping Families Follow Jesus

At Grace Family Church we know that you want to thrive. In order to do that, you need a place where you and your family can grow. The problem is you are not sure where to begin, which can feel overwhelming.

You were created for more.

We understand life is complicated and not meant to be lived alone, which is why we have been helping families follow Jesus since 1994.

About Grace Family Church

Grace Family Church (GFC) is a nondenominational, Bible-based church in Tampa, Florida. No matter your background, Grace Family Church is a place where you can explore Christianity at your own pace. God’s truth is shared through contemporary music and practical, plain language messages. There is no pressure to give money, and we promise you – and your children – won’t be bored. Best of all, we encourage you to leave the suit and tie at home and come as you are.

Founded in 1994 by Pastor Craig Altman and his wife Debbie, our name – Grace Family – defines who we are. "We believe that Christianity goes beyond Sunday mornings and our desire is to build authentic relationships in the community and with each other."

The worship services are designed to help each person make a personal connection with Jesus Christ. The use of contemporary music and multimedia create an atmosphere where you can connect with God and grow as believers. The pastoral staff strives to deliver Bible-based messages that are relevant to the challenges of everyday life. From those who are just beginning to investigate Christianity to those who are in a mature relationship with Christ, Grace Family Church is a place where Christ can touch people in a personal way.

No matter who you are or where you've been, you are welcome here.

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Meet the Staff at Grace Family Church

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Pastor Craig and Pastor Deborah Altman
Lead Pastor

What We Believe

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are coequal and are one God.

Genesis 1:1, 26-27 | Psalm 90:2 | Matthew 28:19 |  II Corinthians 13:14 | I Peter 1:2

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is coequal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all the people by dying on the cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.

Isaiah 9:6 | Matthew 1:22-23 | John 1:1-5, 14:10-30 | Acts 1:9-11 | Romans 1:3-4 |  I Corinthians 15:3-4 |  Hebrews 4:14-15 | I Timothy 6:14-15 | Titus 2:13

The Holy Spirit is coequal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make us aware of our need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to be guided by the Holy Spirit every day.

John 16:7-13, 14:16-17 | I Corinthians 2:12, 3:16 | II Corinthians 3:17 | Acts 1:8 | Galatians 5:25 | Ephesians 1:13, 5:18 

The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error.

Psalm 119:105, 160, 12:6 | Proverbs 30:5 | II Timothy 3:16, 1:13 | II Peter 1:20-21 

Humankind was made in the image of God, created to be in a perfect relationship with him We became alienated from him through our own disobedience, which the Bible calls sin. We are incapable of regaining a right relationship with God through our own efforts, which is why God sent his Son Jesus to take the penalty for our sin so that we may be reconciled with God.


Genesis 1:27 | Psalm 8:3-6 | Isaiah 53:6a | Isaiah 59:1-2 | Romans 3:23 

Salvation is God’s free gift to us, but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith, we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.

John 14:6, 1:12 | Romans 5:1, 6:23 | Galatians 3:26 | Ephesians 2:8-9 |  Titus 3:5 

People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.

John 3:16, 14:17 | Romans 6:23, 8:17-18 | I Corinthians 2:7-9 | Revelation 20:15