About Compass Communities
Compass Communities was established in 2009 as a plant church, branching from the Port Charlotte Seventh-day Adventist Church, with Pastor Anthony Wagnersmith leading the way. Since the beginning, we’ve been deeply committed to living and loving like Jesus, seeking to embody His teachings in both word and action. Our vision is simple yet powerful: to bring Jesus to people from every walk of life, reaching out just as He did—to the marginalized, the hurting, and the lost. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the love of Christ. Our community is a place where people can grow spiritually, find meaningful connections, and be empowered to serve others. Whether seeking a place to call home or simply exploring faith, we invite you to join us on this journey of faith, love, and service.

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At Compass Communities, worship is the heart of our church. Every weekend, we gather to worship God through prayer, scripture, contemporary music, small group discussions, and health events. Giving is also considered an integral part of our worship as we support AFM (Adventist Frontier Missions), a ministry dedicated to spreading the gospel globally.
WORSHIP

Maintaining a walk with Jesus is of utmost importance. Every week, we host an interfaith Bible study to foster your spiritual growth and deepen your connection with God. Additionally, we provide care and encouragement to those in need. Our women’s ministry offers a nurturing space where women can share, learn, and address their personal challenges.
NURTURE

At Compass Communities, we empower individuals to deepen their faith by offering discipleship programs and literature that facilitate gospel sharing. Additionally, we actively support initiatives such as Habitat for Humanity and organize camp trips to enhance the spiritual growth of our community members.
EQUIP

Serving is a crucial aspect of ministry, and Compass Communities actively engages in various service activities. We deliver food, support the Charlotte County Homeless Coalition, and provide transportation to those in need. Additionally, we collaborate with organizations like Young Life to mentor and guide young individuals.
SERVE
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Clarence & Donna Dunbar
Lay Pastor
Donna Dunbar, Lay Pastor of Compass Communities As a retired registered dietitian, Donna Dunbar is passionate about helping people become their best selves through lifestyle changes, especially dieting. She worked as a dietitian with individuals facing mental health challenges for over 30 years. She has been passionate about reaching people for Christ since 1999. In pursuing her mission, Donna and her husband Clarence planted a soup kitchen called the Lighthouse Outreach Center. In 2008, she self-published a book titled "God, the Lighthouse, and the People," which shares the miracles God performed during the first seven years in Charlotte County. Then, with Pastor Anthony Wagnersmith, they planted Compass Communities SDA Company at the soup kitchen for one of their locations. Donna has been the Volunteer Pastor there since Pastor Anthony's departure. Clarence Dunbar, a volunteer pastor, elder, and sound technician, has had a passion for quality sound and electronics since his teenage years. He runs All Brand Service Center LLC. Clarence was instrumental in planting the Lighthouse Outreach Center and helped start Compass Communities SDA Company in 2009.

Sonya Fowler
Head Elder
Sonya Fowler is a retired Mental Health Nurse with a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing. Over her 50-plus years of serving the Lord in the nursing field, Sonya has gained a wealth of experience across various aspects of nursing. She knew from the age of nine that God had called her to be a nurse, and she has faithfully followed that calling ever since. Sonya is an incredible prayer warrior with a deep love for God and people. She also enjoyed participating in a mission trip to Peru, where she shared her gifts and passion for service. Sonya speaks both Spanish and Haitian Creole, which has enabled her to further God's mission for her life. Her compassion for worship is evident in her roles as both Head Elder and the leader of the praise team. Sonya is also deeply interested in the Health Message, participating actively in the Healthy Lifestyle group whenever possible, contributing her knowledge and passion for well-being to the church community.

Chris Gregory
Head Deacon
Chris Gregory retired from the United States Post Office and is an evangelist at heart. He loves children and often assists Pam with the children's ministry whenever possible. Chris also started a men's ministry aimed at developing the men in the church into vibrant, on-fire disciples. Chris is always bubbling over with the goodness of God. The kids love him, and his mission is to help them grow into disciples as well. Chris has an outside ministry where he helps the homeless, drawing on his own experiences, as he was once homeless himself. He is interested in the Health Message and attends the Healthy Lifestyle Group whenever possible. Chris is always filled with ideas of how to grow the church and actively shares his enthusiasm with the church family.

Larolyn Davis
Head Deaconess
Larolyn Davis is a new member who joined the church by profession of faith after attending Go There4's evangelism series. She has graciously agreed to become the Head Deaconess following the passing of the previous Head Deaconess, Debra Geesey. Larolyn possesses the gift of compassion, which shines through in her interactions with others. She has always been a friendly face, known for her warm smile during her time working at Wal-Mart. Larolyn is already taking steps to help grow God's kingdom by encouraging others to become a part of Compass Communities. Her dedication and enthusiasm are a true blessing to the church family, and she is greatly appreciated for her service in this important role.

Caryn McCall
Church Clerk/Secretary
Caryn McCall is the go-to person for many tasks. She loves working behind the scenes and is always ready to lend a helping hand. Caryn runs the sound system every other week, cleans the church on alternating weeks, and distributes literature each week. She has the gifts of giving, wisdom, and compassion. Caryn is often the first to give sacrificially to any cause that God puts on her heart. Caryn also serves as a mentor and sounding board when it comes to messages shared with the body of Christ—it's very much an "iron sharpens iron" kind of relationship. She loves nature, which she often refers to as "God's other book," and she has gone on many adventures to better understand God's creation. Caryn enjoys outdoor activities such as horseback riding, kayaking, and anything that connects her with nature. Her spiritual depth and longing for others to have a close relationship with the Father make her an invaluable part of the church family.

Linda Hollingsworth
Treasurer
Linda Hollingsworth has extensive experience working with young children at Rainbow’s End Preschool for three years, as well as with the mentally ill in geriatrics at G. Pierce Wood Hospital. She also served as a Corrections Officer at the Juvenile Justice Correctional Facility for mentally ill youth for eleven years. Linda's passions are art and music, and she has been a member of the praise team at Compass Communities for over ten years, where she helps choose the songs used in the Worship Service. Additionally, she prepares the program for each week, contributing significantly to the worship experience. Linda possesses two important qualities—honesty and attention to detail—which is why she was chosen to be the Treasurer of Compass. She has been serving as Treasurer for over six years, ensuring the church’s finances are managed with integrity and precision. The church is grateful for Linda’s dedication and her many contributions.

Darlene Raymond
Women's Ministry Leader
Since taking on the role of Women's Ministry Leader, Darlene Raymond has brought a vibrant energy to the community. Under her leadership, the church has enjoyed a series of uplifting events, including several prayer breakfasts, an evening of bowling, and a fun-filled game night. These gatherings have helped foster fellowship and connection among the church women. Darlene's compassionate spirit is one of her most remarkable gifts. She uses this gift to serve others, both within the church and in the wider community. As a long-time member of the congregation, Darlene's dedication is evident not only in her leadership but also in her love for worship. She channels her passion for praising God by singing with the Praise Team at Compass Communities, inspiring others through her joyful expression of faith.

Pam Ortner
Children's Leader
Pam Ortner is a dental assistant and office manager when she is not working on things related to the children's ministry. She has been with the church for many years and continues to demonstrate her gift of compassion for every child who comes to Compass. Pam is currently raising her granddaughter, showcasing her dedication and love for her family. Pam has a deep love for animals, especially those with disabilities. She currently cares for a rescue dog and a bunny, both of whom were saved during the flood caused by Hurricane Helene. Amid the crisis, her husband Mark prayed for their safety, and Pam's faith carried them through as they managed to get all out safely. Her house has been flooded twice in two weeks, and only her faith in God has helped her navigate these challenging times. God has given Pam the wisdom to raise her pre-teen granddaughter, and recently, she has found peace as they determine the future of their home. Pam says, "I love to share my Savior with children so they can have a close relationship with Him. In this world we live in, they need Him so much." Her passion for nurturing children's spiritual growth is an incredible asset to the church community, and she is greatly valued as the leader of the children's ministry.

Anita Wood
Board Member
Anita Wood comes to the church with a background in sales and marketing and is currently a Realtor. She has had a passion for Christ since 9-11 and helps whenever and wherever she can. She has the gift of supporting and contributing significantly behind the scenes, including designing media marketing tools, assisting with marketing Compass, and now learning about branding to get the church website up and running. Anita is interested in evangelism and often helps with childcare when Pam needs assistance. She has been involved in prayer ministry, and a single mom's group, and does whatever it takes to grow the body of Christ. Anita is also a wonderful cook and is learning to prepare plant-based, whole foods to support the Healthy Lifestyle Group, which meets on the second Saturday of each month. Anita has a gift of compassion and ministers according to her gifts, making her an invaluable asset to the church community.