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Businessman Takes Leap Of Faith

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By SARAH ROTHWELL

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 6, 2008

TEMPLE TERRACE - Scott Bartlett isn't afraid of change.

On Aug. 17, he will leave behind a 20-year career in business and become senior pastor at Centerpointe Community Church. He will replace founding pastor Dale Brooks, who is retiring after more than 40 years of service.

Though his role is about to change, Bartlett is a familiar face at Centerpointe. He's attended the Temple Terrace-based church since the 1980s. He's watched the congregation grow and change. He was married at the church, and his children were baptized at the church.

Q. Are you a Florida native?

A. No. I'm from New York, but I moved to Florida in 1981 to go to college at the University of Florida.

Q. Did you major in theology?

A. No. I studied business. After I graduated, I went to work in that field. I enjoyed it, but it wasn't my calling.

Q. What role did ministry play in your life?

A. With ministry, it was always just a part of my life. Growing up, my mom and dad were in part-time ministry. In 1986, I became involved part time at Centerpointe. I volunteered with the youth departments and with small group ministries. I worked a day job and spent my free time at the church.

Q. How did you go from being a church volunteer to senior pastor?

A. I felt the call of God. In 2002, my wife and I became directors of the children's ministry. Then, for the last couple years, they've been testing me out and giving me opportunities to speak some Sundays. Since I've been here so long and the congregation knows me, it's been a pretty easy transition to senior pastor. I was officially ordained in January.

Q. What's it like going from the business world to full-time ministry?

A. It's my first year out of the business world, and it's a big change but a good one. The staff here is so helpful. They're supportive of me taking over.

Q. Are you nervous about being the Sunday morning front man?

A. No. I enjoy being in front of people. I've always been sort of the class clown, and now I'm the class clown with a message.

Q. What is your first sermon going to be about?

A. How to face life's giants. My goal is to give the congregation the tools needed to live life. I want to offer practical applications for the word of God, the meat and potatoes so to speak.

Q. What did you learn from Dale Brooks that you want to emulate?

A. He had mercy on everybody. He offered love, understanding and acceptance. He brought out the best in people and made it known that everyone was accepted at the church. I want to continue that.

Q. As a member first and pastor second, how would you describe Centerpointe?

A. Centerpointe gave me a foundation on which to build my family. My wife and I have gained so much from being a part of the church. It's a tight-knit family church, and the people here are amazing. When they see a need, they fill it. It's families taking care of families.

Q. What are your goals for the church?

A. I don't want it to be a church where people just come and go. I want us to be part of each other's lives. I want to focus on building strong marriages and families. I want anyone without a church family to come and be a part of ours.

Q. What are some programs offered at the church?

A. We have great children's programs. There's Promise Land preschool, where the children learn about the Bible through hands-on activities like arts and crafts. We have the zone for children in first through fifth grade, a Nickelodeon-style service with video production. We have a great teen program called Frequency. We also have small groups for people of all ages.

Q. What are your hobbies outside the church?

A. My wife and I love being outside. We live on a farm in Dover. I like spending time outside with the cows. It's nice being a pastor because my office is wherever my phone is. That means I can spend a lot of time with my family outdoors.

Q. Why is now a good time to visit Centerpointe?

A. It's an exciting time at the church. We're focusing on building lasting relationships and on training our future leaders. Our services are exciting and inspirational. We have great programs. We have great music. I really think it's one of the best-kept secrets in the area.

Sarah Rothwell can be reached at (813) 865-4845 or

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Centerpointe Community Church

WHEN: Services at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. Sundays

WHERE: 8610 Temple Terrace Highway

INFORMATION: Visit www.centerpointecommunity

.com or call (813) 988-3557.

srothwell@tampatrib.com.

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