Pastor Al Stewart
Greater Grace Chapel, Holly Hill

Faith, Footsteps, and a Miracle in Holly Hill: Pastor Al Stewart’s Journey of Purpose

Pastor Al Stewart’s story is one of determination, divine direction, and deeply rooted community values—all of which now converge in a historic church nestled between a police station and a YMCA in Holly Hill. Originally from the urban neighborhoods of Waterbury, Connecticut, Stewart’s journey took him through Virginia and ultimately to the Ormond Beach area, where his heart—and a decades-old vision—finally found a permanent home.

Stewart and his wife purchased a home in Ormond Beach in 2021, but the connection to the area goes back further. “I’ve been coming down here for over 30 years,” he shared. His roots run deep—not only geographically, but spiritually. A dream he had in 1995 of knocking on doors led him to an apartment complex called Nova Woods, an image so vivid that when he passed it years later, he recognized it from the dream. It was then he knew: he was meant to be here.

From Evangelist to Pastor: A Unique Calling 🙏

Stewart’s path to pastoring wasn’t conventional. Originally ordained as an evangelist, he found it difficult to move on from people after they accepted Christ. “I couldn’t let them go,” he said. This deep pastoral instinct—concern for the spiritual and emotional well-being of others—led him to embrace a hybrid identity: both evangelist and pastor.

“I’m told I’m a rare breed,” he says, laughing. His approach is hands-on and personal—literally. Stewart still goes door-to-door in the community, meeting people, offering prayer, and inviting them to his church. “About 30 of our congregants have come through that ministry,” he notes proudly.

When the time came to leave Virginia, Stewart turned over the church he founded there to a trusted youth pastor. With no clear plan, but a clear sense of direction, he followed what he believed was divine instruction: plant a church in the Ormond–Daytona area.

From Loss to New Beginnings 💔➡️⛪

Though confident in his calling, the transition was difficult. The death of a close friend and children’s ministry leader shortly after their move left Stewart and his wife questioning everything. On Christmas Eve 2021, they found themselves alone in a church service in Edgewater, wondering if they had misunderstood their purpose in Florida.

But faith, he says, often walks through shadow before light. A small group began to form. Services were held in backyards and borrowed restaurants. The ministry grew to around 60 people, but just as momentum built, the restaurant space they used closed.

That’s when a “divine appointment” shifted everything.

The Historic Church and a Surprise Gift 🏛️💰

Through a sequence of connections and what Stewart believes were spiritual nudges, he learned of a historic church building in Holly Hill—a beautiful 120-year-old structure, complete with offices and an apartment. The asking price? Nearly $800,000. Stewart had $2,000 in the church’s account.

But rather than walk away, he and his leadership team prayed—literally walking around the building. Three separate leaders, unaware of each other’s actions, told Stewart they felt God would give them the building “for nothing.”

Shortly after, Stewart offered $250,000—an amount that had simply come to him—and to his surprise, it was accepted. With less than a week to raise the funds, the situation seemed impossible.

Then came a phone call—from someone Stewart hadn’t spoken to in 46 years.

A childhood basketball rival and now a successful businessman, the caller said he had been awakened at 3 a.m. and told to reach out. After a long lunch and some reflection, the man said, “You have a major financial need, and I’m here to meet it.”

He wired the full $250,000 the next day.

Burn the Mask: A Message of Authenticity 🕊️

Greater Grace Chapel isn’t your typical church. Stewart’s motto is “Real People. Authentic Grace.” He encourages people to “burn the mask”—to show up as they are, not how they think they should appear. “If someone is hurting, we want them to feel safe saying so,” he says. “That’s the heart of Jesus, and it’s the heart of this church.”

The church now holds two Sunday services, including an early “unplugged” session that finishes before 9 a.m. for beachgoers and early risers. But it’s not about numbers. “We have people who stay an hour after service just talking. That’s the sign of a healthy church,” Stewart says.

Building Bridges, Not Walls 🤝

Stewart’s focus on community doesn't stop with his own congregation. He also helped form a local pastors group that meets weekly at Daytona One. At its peak, the group included 30 ministers from across Volusia County. “We pray for our communities—from Ormond to Port Orange,” he says. “Unity among church leaders can change the spiritual climate of a region.”

Why Non-Denominational? And Why Now? ⛪✨

Asked about the rise of non-denominational churches, Stewart said it’s less about rejecting tradition and more about removing barriers. “People want to get back to the basics—just Scripture, just Christ.” While he respects the historical structure of denominations, he believes today’s believers are drawn to authenticity and relationship, not hierarchy or pomp.

“Some churches have temple police,” he says, half-joking. “They’re more concerned with women wearing pants or how a communion table lines up than with people’s actual lives.” In contrast, Stewart aims for a welcoming, scriptural environment with a dash of reverence—his services still include hymns, and he’ll occasionally wear a robe for special occasions.

A Community in Revival 🌱

Stewart believes that spiritual hunger is returning. “We see new visitors every week,” he says. “People are looking for hope, for connection, and for truth.”

He calls Holly Hill “Holy Hill,” and hopes to be part of its transformation—one person, one family, one divine appointment at a time.

As he puts it, “In a world that feels increasingly unstable, we offer something unchanging: the love and truth of Christ.”

Pastor Al & Dawn's Quote To Live By:

"Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can." - Rev. John Wesley

Want to visit or learn more?
Greater Grace Chapel meets Sundays with services at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. You’ll find real people, a strong sense of community, and maybe even a little miracle or two. You can reach Pastor Stewart at 203-206-2828. Learn more about Pastor Al and Greater Grace Chapel here.