Eric Want
Associate Pastor - Single Adult Ministry
Eric was born in Stockport, which is near Manchester, England. Eric along with his wife, Julie, and 
daughter, Gemma, came to Florida in December of 2002. Another daughter Claire remains in England along with her husband Jonathan, who is the Musical Director at Christ Church in Bristol, England. In September of 2005, Claire gave birth to Eric and Julie's first grandson, Timothy. Gemma lives with her parents in Sarasota, and has graduated with her degree from Manatee Community College.
Eric was brought up Catholic, and became a born-again Christian in 1983 after being challenged by the testimony of a prisoner in Manchester Prison. (Eric was there as a visitor, not an inmate!) He went to Seminary for four years, where he gained diplomas in Scripture, English, and History. Eric also spent three years studying the word of God at the Emmaus Bible School, gaining diplomas in a variety of subjects.
While working as Assistant Minister at Hazel Grove Baptist Church, God called Eric to be Singles Minister at FirstSarasota. His friendship with FirstSarasota had begun in 1995 when 120 choir members came to Hazel Grove with the "Singing Christmas Tree."
Eric is a self-taught guitarist and sometimes leads worship. He often sings and plays at church meetings, and his hobby is playing golf.
You can contact Pastor Eric by email or call him at 941-365-2846.
