Pastoral
Staff
SENIOR PASTOR
Ben Shurtliff
Senior Pastor
We are incredibly blessed to have Pastor Ben as our senior pastor. His journey of ministry has been marked by a deep commitment to serving God's people. Pastor Ben first joined our church as the associate pastor, bringing his enthusiasm and dedication to the role. After five years, he felt called to expand his ministry and accepted the position of senior pastor at the Miami Springs Seventh-day Adventist Church. From there, his leadership skills and passion for spreading the gospel led him to the Brandon Seventh-day Adventist Church. In the fall of 2022, much to the joy and excitement of our church members, Pastor Ben returned to the Port Charlotte SDA Church as our senior pastor. His experience and familiarity with our community have made him an invaluable asset in shepherding our congregation. Pastor Ben is not only a dedicated pastor but also a loving husband to his wife, Tria, and a caring father to their two children who are currently attending elementary school. We are grateful for his unwavering commitment to the spiritual growth and well-being of our church family.
Gavin Forbes
Associate Pastor
Pastor Gavin has been serving as our associate pastor since 2023. With a fresh perspective and a heart filled with the love of God, Pastor Gavin joined us following his graduation from Union College. Born and raised in the Orlando, FL area, he brings an understanding of our local community and its needs. Pastor Gavin's true passion lies in sharing and demonstrating God's love to everyone he encounters. His ministry has helped others grow closer to God. Gavin and his wife, Hannah, have been a wonderful addition to our church family.
Aubrey Toup
Associate Pastor
We happily welcomed Pastor Aubrey as our new associate pastor in March 2026. Pastor Aubrey grew up an only child in St. Cloud, Florida. In 2015 she graduated from Southern Adventist University with a bachelor of arts degree in theology. Her eight years of experience serving as a pastor includes two years at Ooltewah SDA Church in Tennessee as the Children, Youth and Young Adult pastor. In 2020 she completed her Masters of Divinity at Andrews University Theological Seminary. Her next four years were at Stone Mountain SDA Church in Georgia as the associate and interim pastor. In 2024 she moved to the WholeLife Church in Orlando as the Children and Family Ministries Pastor. Pastor Aubrey loves people! People and making disciples are her passions as she serves as our pastor.
Art Grayman
Associate & Spanish Ministry Pastor
We are honored to have Pastor Art as our beloved associate pastor and Spanish ministry pastor. His rich history of service and dedication to ministry spans several decades. Pastor Art has been an integral part of our church community since his arrival in Port Charlotte in 2000. He has diligently cared for our congregation, providing spiritual guidance and support. Before joining our church, Pastor Art served in various pastoral and leadership roles across different countries. For 20 years, he faithfully served as a pastor and departmental secretary for the Inter-American Division in Colombia, Venezuela, CuraƧao, Netherlands Antilles, and the Colombian Islands of Saint Andrews. Following his return to the United States, Pastor Art devoted 21 years of his life to Christian Record Services for the blind. Pastor Art's life has been marked by love and family. He was married to his beloved wife, Prudence, for over 60 years before her passing in 2023. Together, they have raised three grown children and have been blessed with six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Pastor Art's compassionate spirit and wealth of experience continue to inspire and uplift our church family.
Lynne Schmitz
Treasurer
Alexey Novoselov
Slavic Group Pastor
Sandee Lawrence
Office Manager
We are blessed to have Pastor Alexey Novoselov, D.Min., lead our Slavic Group. In 2024 he moved to our church from Russia where he had extensive experience as a pastor, educator and administrator. Pastor Alexey began ministry in 1995 in one of the coldest cities in the worldāYakutsk in Russia. Over the years, he has served in a variety of roles within the Seventh-day Adventist Church, including pastor, conference treasurer, conference president in Siberia, and Executive Secretary of the Siberian Union Mission. In addition, he served for two years as the principal of a Seventh-day Adventist school in Russia. His wife, Elena, actively supports him in ministry. She is a child and family psychologist. They have a son and daughter, both of whom have families of their own. They are also grateful to be grandparents to a wonderful grandson and granddaughter. Pastor Alexey holds a masterās degree and a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree from Andrews University. He is passionate about helping people follow God. His greatest calling and personal passion is serving others.
Laura Dancek
Communication
Director
