Rooted in a deep calling to serve, Pastors Derrick and Nicole West felt God’s urging to return to Derrick’s hometown of Wildwood after leading and revitalizing churches in New York. In its early days, Encounter Church planted the ministry under a large tent on the property at 4698 E County Road 462. There, week after week, they worshiped, prayed, celebrated baptisms, and shared Christ’s love with a growing congregation.
Humble Beginnings in a Tent
For years, the tent became more than a makeshift structure; it’s been a symbol of faith, resilience, and unity for church-goers. People from all walks of life gathered beneath its canopy: worshippers, volunteers, families, youth, and children. Encounter’s ministry also hosts events like Vacation Bible School, mid-week youth and kids programs, and support groups such as DivorceCare, Armor Bearers (men’s ministry), Free in Christ (addiction recovery), and Grief Ministry.
Building a Permanent Space
In November 2024, the Wildwood Planning & Zoning Board approved a zoning change and site plan for a 21,000‑square‑foot permanent church building on roughly six acres, complete with paved parking, fellowship hall, and room for future growth. The vision is now becoming reality: the congregation will be leaving the tent behind and stepping into a dedicated space built for worship, connection, and community outreach.
Looking Ahead with Excitement
Set to open later this fall, the new Encounter Church building is infused with anticipation and joy. The church’s leadership and attendees are excited about the opportunity to enhance worship experiences, expand ministry offerings, and more deeply embed themselves in the Wildwood community. The new facility promises improved accessibility, a sense of permanence, and more room to grow spiritually and relationally.
Current Services & Groups
Even before the new building opens, Encounter Church offers a full schedule of spiritual and support programming:
- Sunday services – Sundays at 10 AM
- Mid‑week worship – Wednesdays at 6:30 PM
- Encounter Kidz – engaging children’s ministry (K–5th grade)
- Encounter Youth – for middle and high school students
- Armor Bearers – Christ‑centered men’s group
- Free in Christ – recovery and support for addiction
- DivorceCare – support groups for adults and children
- Grief Ministry – healing and support through loss
As explained by Pastors Derrick and Nicole West, each ministry is designed to meet people where they are, offering spiritual growth, authentic community, and practical support.
Stay Connected & Be Part of the Journey
Encounter Church is more than a place; it’s a movement. As the new building’s opening draws near, now is the perfect time to stay informed and get involved:
- Visit the website at floridaencounter.church for the latest updates.
- Follow on Facebook for sneak peeks, photos, and construction progress.
- Join under the tent while the transition is underway; your presence matters!
- Invite friends and neighbors to experience the warm, authentic community just as it is, now and into the future.
The Heart Behind the Mission: Derrick & Nicole West
At the center of Encounter Church’s story are Pastors Derrick and Nicole West, a dynamic couple whose journey to Wildwood was rooted in both purpose and passion. Derrick, a Wildwood native, and Nicole, his wife and ministry partner, spent years revitalizing and leading churches in New York, where they developed a heart for outreach, relationship-based ministry, and community transformation.
But something kept pulling them back to Florida. After seasons of prayer and reflection, the Wests felt called to return to Derrick’s hometown, not just to revisit his roots, but to help reshape the future of the very community that helped raise him.
With no building, no pews, and no guarantees, they launched Encounter Church under a tent. What could have felt like a temporary solution quickly became a powerful foundation. From day one, the Wests focused on creating a space where every person could feel seen, welcomed, and valued. Their message was clear: “Come as you are, and let’s grow together.”
Their authentic approach, hands-on leadership, and relentless commitment to “building people and not just programs” has drawn a diverse and growing congregation. Whether leading worship, mentoring youth, comforting families through loss, or celebrating life’s biggest moments, Derrick and Nicole have become a trusted presence in Wildwood.
Now, as they prepare to open the doors to a permanent facility, their vision remains the same: to create a place where lives are transformed, relationships are built, and the community is strengthened from the inside out.
The new building may represent growth, but the heart of Encounter Church will reflect the humility, grit, and love that Derrick and Nicole West brought back home.
Timeline: The Journey of Encounter Church in Wildwood
2019–2020: A Calling to Come Home
After years of pastoring in New York, Pastors Derrick and Nicole West begin feeling a deep pull to return to Derrick’s hometown of Wildwood, Florida. Their vision: to build a church rooted in authenticity, community, and hope.
2020: A Church Is Planted Under a Tent
With no building and just a handful of supporters, Encounter Church holds its first services under a large tent at 4698 E County Road 462. Rain or shine, people show up, drawn by the warm, welcoming atmosphere and the Wests’ down-to-earth leadership.
2021–2023: Ministry Flourishes Under the Tent
Encounter Church becomes known for more than Sunday services. The tent hosts youth nights, kids programs, baptisms, holiday celebrations, and support groups like Divorce Care, Free in Christ, and Grief Ministry. The church becomes a consistent and trusted presence in the community.
November 2024: A Vision Takes Shape
The Wildwood Planning & Zoning Board approves plans for a 21,000-square-foot permanent church building on nearly six acres. With overwhelming community support, construction officially begins.
Spring–Summer 2025: Building the Future
Construction continues on Encounter Church’s new home, designed to include a worship center, children’s and youth spaces, fellowship hall, paved parking, and room for future growth.
Fall 2025: Grand Opening – A New Chapter is Set to Begin
The tent will be packed away as the new permanent facility opens its doors. A vision will become reality, offering a permanent place for Wildwood residents to connect, belong, and grow together.
Beyond 2025: A Legacy in the Making
With the new building as a launching point, Pastors Derrick and Nicole West will continue their mission of “Encountering Christ, Changing Lives”, and helping to shape the future of Wildwood for generations to come.
How to Stay Connected
To follow the journey and be part of the celebration:
? Visit floridaencounter.church
? Follow @EncounterChurchFL on social media for progress updates
? Attend a Sunday or Wednesday service under the tent
? Join the community countdown to the new building’s grand opening this fall!
“This building is more than a milestone, it’s a meeting place for futures to be shaped, families to grow, and stories to unfold.”
– Wildwood Living Magazine
