Luke and Melissa Gladwin began in ministry in 2003 after an incredible encounter with God and a dramatic rescue out of a wild lifestyle.
“Because I was raised by my grandparents, I was in church every time the doors opened,” Luke said. “But I always had an inner conflict because I was hanging around bad influences, which eventually led me into a wrestling organization.”
This “crazy eventful” lifestyle now provides Luke with an effective witnessing tool, as he and his wife have been fully immersed in ministry since 2004.
“We have been youth camp leaders, on worship teams, in evangelizing groups, leading youth ministry, and serving wherever we were needed,” Luke said.
In 2013, the couple moved to Sevierville, Tennessee, to join a church plant, and learned many of the behind-the-scenes steps of starting a church. Then, Luke and Melissa received their calling to plant a church in the spring of 2024.
“I distinctly heard the Lord say, ‘The time is now.’ But, I wanted to make certain Melissa and I were operating in His plan, so we began to pray very specifically,” Luke said. “We had looked all over the map and got a very definite ‘No!’ response to Northern California. We looked at Idaho, Wyoming, Texas, Alabama, Miami and Ft. Myers, Florida. Through prayer, we knew God wasn’t leading us to any of those locations, so we continued to pray.”
The planting organization Luke and Melissa were affiliated with had Panama City on their map of potential destinations. However, it would be their smallest church plant of the year.
“We wanted to locate in a city of need, and the need is great in Bay County,” Luke said. “When we knew this was our destination, our prayers shifted. We needed to find a location for the church, and God kept saying ‘Not here. Trust Me,’ so we kept praying and actively seeking God’s direction.”
Because Luke had a family and bills to pay, he began looking for a job. His belief was, “It is neither practical nor wise to place a financial strain on a young congregation.”
Luke wanted a very specific type of position. Within a couple of weeks of praying, a job opened in Panama City. After another week of prayer, he applied and was hired— another proof to them they were in the right place. Their house in Tennessee sold in three hours, further confirming the Lord’s provision.
Luke has worked more than 20 years in engineering and land surveying. He works alongside industry professionals in land development, construction surveying and technical project support. His career has taken him through various terrain, from the mountains, to river communities, and ultimately to Florida’s Gulf Coast. Throughout his career, Luke has sought to bring the same core Christian values he practices in ministry to the workplace.
As the couple settled into Panama City, they visited various churches in the area, sharing their call with pastors, and offering to serve wherever they were needed. When they attended Lighthouse Church, they knew they’d found a home to help them acclimate. “I actually told the Lord, I don’t have to plant or pastor, I would be happy serving at any of the locations we’ve gotten close to.” But the Lord quickly impressed the mandate he had placed upon him. In full submission, Luke began, once again, to pray very specifically about the launch location.
He prayed for a permanent, turn-key facility with AV, lighting, chairs, and even a classroom for children with special needs so parents could attend church knowing their child was well cared for. The Gladwin’s daughter has specialized training to work with special needs children.
In November 2025, Luke received a call with information about a potential building. “A pastor had walked away from the building with the final comment, ‘I believe my assignment is finished here. I believe I was sent to prepare this facility for those who would come after me.’ And that was us!” Luke said.
Many renovations were done in preparation for launch Sunday. When their audio system crashed, a specific replacement was provided by an acquaintance in Texas just three days before their launch date on January 25 – another answered prayer.
“Lighthouse Church (Pastor Cole and Juili Bailey) even invited people who might be looking for a new church home to join us,” Luke said. “On opening day, we had 238 people in attendance from all over Bay County!”
And ZOE Church was born.
“Zoe (Zoh-ay), comes from the Greek word meaning “life,” the God-kind-of life, full, eternal, and abundant as described in John 10:10,” Luke explained. “When Melissa and I heard our pastor in Tennessee minister on this subject, it just LEAPED in our spirits.”
“My wife and children have been so instrumental in launching Zoe, it’s been a real family affair,” Luke said. “Son, Zach and daughter, Courtney, and younger son, Jake, have all been extremely supportive in our mission. The church could not run during the week without my wife and daughter.”
As a full-time pastor, he also remains full time in his career, aiming to provide excellence, integrity and honor to God in all he does.
Every time Luke and Melissa share their journey with others, they get to share the Gospel at the same time.
“We get an opportunity to relate ‘on the fly,’ regardless of where the people may come from, that there is hope and salvation available to them,” Luke said. “That vision defines who we are as a church, committed to helping people live abundant lives of purpose, healing, joy, and a deep connection with God and the community.”
