Our History
ROOTED IN GRACE, GROWING IN FAITH
Grace Chapel exists to help people of all ages know Jesus, grow in His Word, and live out their faith through community, service, and love.
Located just north of Downtown DeLand and Stetson University, we’re a church committed to biblical teaching, heartfelt worship, meaningful relationships, and real impact - both inside our walls and throughout our community. Whether you’re new to faith or looking for your next step, you belong here.
A Legacy of Grace in Deland
The Story of Grace Chapel
In Ephesians 3:17–19, the Apostle Paul prays that believers would be “rooted and established in love,” able to grasp the fullness of God’s presence. That prayer has echoed through the heart of Grace Chapel for nearly a century.
Grace Chapel is more than a building - it’s a gathering of people transformed by the grace of Jesus. Still, buildings have helped shape our story. For over 95 years, Grace Chapel has served as a spiritual home to generations of believers here in DeLand, Florida.
Our story begins in 1928, when a group of faithful individuals came together with a desire to create a place for their community to encounter God. What started small steadily grew, both in numbers and in impact. Over the decades, Grace Chapel became known for its commitment to Biblical teaching, vibrant worship, and multigenerational ministry.
As seasons changed, so did our spaces - from humble beginnings to our current location just north of Downtown DeLand and Stetson University. But our mission has remained the same: to create a place where people of all ages can belong, grow in faith, and live out the gospel together.
Now led by Pastor Brett and Deb Cooper, Grace Chapel is stepping into a new season of vision and renewal. With fresh passion and nearly 100 years of legacy behind us, we continue to welcome newcomers, love our neighbors, and deepen our roots in God’s Word.
Church Leadership
Pastor Brett Cooper
Brett Cooper serves as Lead Pastor at Grace Chapel in DeLand, Florida. He is known for his heart for people, his passion for teaching the Word of God, and his ability to make newcomers feel like family. Together with his wife Deb, Brett has dedicated more than 25 years to ministry—serving in roles that include children’s ministry, youth leadership, college teaching, and senior pastoral care.
Brett and Deb met while attending Emmanuel University, where their shared calling to ministry began. Since marrying in 1998, they’ve been faithfully serving churches and communities across the country.
As Lead Pastor, Brett brings spiritual guidance, vision, and pastoral care to the Grace Chapel family. His leadership is rooted in compassion, biblical truth, and a desire to see people grow in their walk with Christ and their connection to one another.