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A Congregation Bound By Tradition

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By SARAH ROTHWELL

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 23, 2008

NEW TAMPA - There are no electric guitars, neon lights or television screens at Grace Baptist Church of New Tampa. On Sunday mornings, members don't arrive expecting to see a good show. They come to listen and to learn.

"We aren't here to entertain people," said Andrew Henderson, senior pastor. "We're here to focus on the Lord, to worship him and to exalt him."

Henderson, 37, and his wife Melinda, 36, opened Grace Baptist in July 2006. The church, which meets at Benito Middle School, started with about 20 members. That number has since doubled.

The congregation includes senior citizens and children, newlyweds and middle-aged couples, all of whom share a love for tradition. Accompanied by a piano, they sing melodic hymns such as "How Deep the Father's Love for Us" by Stuart Townend.

There isn't a dress code, but the women wear skirts or dresses and the men wear dress shirts, neckties and slacks.

"Most members dress up because that's how they feel comfortable," Henderson said. "It isn't about what we wear. That's not important to us. It's that we want to worship with all our hearts."

Andrew Stenberg, 25, and his wife, Heidi, 28, joined Grace Baptist to become part of a solid church family. They attend weekly services and Wednesday night Bible studies. Andrew, 25, leads the church's small but harmonious choir.

"I grew up singing hymns in the church," he said. "It's what I'm used to. I like traditional music."
Choir member Royce Lugo, 28, agreed.

"A lot of modern Christian music is filled with fluff," he said. "Here, the pastor only picks songs with a great message."

Lugo's wife, Amy, 29, considers Grace Baptist a second home.

"We live by downtown, but it's worth the drive to come here," she said. "It's just what we were looking for. The pastor preaches directly from the Bible. We can bring our Bibles and follow along."

Henderson doesn't use any visual aids to liven up his sermons. He doesn't fill the time with funny stories. He simply preaches.

One Sunday morning, he spoke about hope.

"Hope is one of the greatest blessings of Christianity," he said. "Not hope in the general sense. For Christians, hope means being confident that we have eternal life in the Lord. ... No amount of suffering here can nullify what awaits us in eternity."

Clayton Bailie, 71, was inspired by the message.

"It reminded me that hope is really in Christ," he said, munching on cookies offered after the service.

The Hendersons host coffee and fellowship time every Sunday. The members mingle and catch up on what's happening in one another's lives. First-time visitors are welcomed with conversation and open arms.

Still, Henderson admitted that advertising the church's traditional style means fewer new hands to shake.

Grace Baptist brochures read: "Worship is not about us! It's all about God! We invite you to worship with us in a loving, traditional atmosphere that centers on exalting Him and His Word above ourselves."

The brochures are a far cry from that of other New Tampa churches promoting Christian rock concerts and video game events.

"We live in a day where people want to be entertained," Henderson said. "That just isn't our goal or our purpose. That doesn't mean our way is the only way to worship. It's simply the way the Lord has led us."

Grace Baptist members don't mind being called old-fashioned. In fact, they consider it a compliment. Most, including Henderson, were raised in traditional Christian homes.

Kay Niblett, 58, considers worship style a matter of preference.

"I've been going to church since the 1950s," she said. "I'm just comfortable with a hymn book and the Scripture."

Niblett isn't concerned with how Grace Baptist compares with other churches. She and other members don't mind meeting in a school auditorium.

"I just care that the church I go to deals in having a real relationship with Christ," she said.

Similarly, Henderson isn't concerned with how many people fill the seats each week.

"It's not about numbers," he said. "Our goal is to see folks come to Christ, to grow in Christ and in their walk with God."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Grace Baptist Church of New Tampa

WHEN: Worship services at 9:30 a.m. Sundays

WHERE: Benito Middle School, 10101 Cross Creek Blvd.

INFORMATION: Call (813) 470-8104.

Reporter Sarah Rothwell can be reached at (813) 865-4845 or srothwell@tampatrib.com.

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