Staff

Born to missionary parents in Nairobi Kenya, James Dodzweit grew up in a Christian family living all over central Africa. Political unrest in the Congo in 1989 forced the Dodzweits to return home to upstate NY where Ben (James’ Dad) began teaching at Elim Bible Institute and James, now in high school, gave his parents plenty of reason to pray :o) In 1993 he attended Elim Bible Institute where he met his wife to be Kelly. Sensing a call to ministry in 1996 James began serving at Word of Life Church in Merritt Island as the Children’s Pastor. He married Kelly that August. In 2001, God called James and Kelly to the west coast of Florida to work at Grace Family Church in north Tampa where he built their Jr. High program “Oneighty”. After 8 years of successful youth ministry, and three children, James sensed that God was preparing him for the next step...

I'm just a guy. A guy who loves to laugh, watch football and anything on ESPN. A guy who's working on being a better husband and daddy. A guy who loves the local church and helping people find their purpose here on this earth. A guy who loves to challenge the status quo, who loves to get creative and find a new way to do something. A guy who gets jazzed about seeing others become who God created them to be. A guy who loves God, needs God, and hopes to share God with as many people as I can. I'm desperate for more of Him, because the truth is, I'm just a guy.

Travis McClelland, Director of Connections for Grow Life Church, has served locally in ministry for several years. He and his wife Tammy have four children, Brett, Wyatt, Brooke, and Lauren. Together they enjoy doing anything in the outdoors for family fun. You can find Travis relaxing in the wood shop or at his favorite fishing hole, but on Sunday mornings you will only see him at Grow Life Church.

Gabriella a native Floridian married her high school sweetheart, Shayne. They have four amazing kids together. Her God given passion for equipping children has lead Gabi to the Children’s Ministry, where she sows seeds of God’s love in their lives. Her desire is to lead children to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and help kids reach their Godly potential. “Together we can make an impact in reaching the next generation. It is truly a blessing and a privilege for me to serve Grow Life Church families. For God’s Glory.”

Joshua 24:15
“…. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."

Devoted husband to Gabriella and wonderful father of four beautiful children. Raised in Miami, Fl, Shayne grew up in a loving Christian home, with parents who were and still are very dedicated to serving God. Shayne learned at a young age that having a relationship with Christ included serving and belonging to a church. His grandfather was a church planter and helped bring the word of God to many. He could always be found with a tract in his pocket. With such great examples of what it is to be a Godly man, Shayne knew early his ultimate purpose was to serve Christ in whatever way possible. Shayne has a love for sports. He is a home team guy, so the Miami Heat and the Miami Dolphins are who he roots for. Favorite passage - Hebrews Chapter 11: a message on faith, has special meaning to Shayne