Churches... any suggestions? (Tampa, Lakeland, Pinellas Park: chapel, purchase, construction)

[SuziSu]

I moved to the Wesley Chapel area about a year ago and my roommate and I immediately started looking for a church to attend. We used to got to a church back in Mi called Kensington. It was a really great church. It was large and the pastor was really funny.... they had occasional little play skits, short videos, things like that. It was fresh and fun. Their was little singing, just a couple at the end. We couldn't find any we liked enough to regularly attend and have not gone at all now. I would really like to have a regular church but I need to know of some more to try out. Does anyone know of a church that sounds somewhat similar to the one we used to got to? It doesn't neccesarily have to be near Wesley Chapel. We're willing to travel to Tampa if the church is good enough. Also, since both of us work until about 5 in the morning sat nights, a later service would be better if at all possible. So if you know the service times too, please let me know. Thanks for all your help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Team_Roberts]

My family attends Grace Family Church on Van Dyke Road in Lutz. Our church sounds a lot like what you described, except they have a very powerful music program in the beginning of the service. The pastor is funny and relates the bible to leasons in everyday life. They will also have skits and video's depending on the message. Normally there is one topic that may be covered over three to four weeks that keeps you interested in the message.

They have 3 weekend services due to the large number of members. On Saturday nights at 7:00 they have a service and live music and food you can purchase after the service in a nice courtyard setting. I know there are two services on Sunday, I am not sure of the time for the early service, but the second service is at 11:45. They also have a middle school program on Friday nights (about 900 kids) starting at 7:00 with an hour of worship, an hour of small groups and an hour of fun time in the gym with video games, basketball, milkshakes, pizza, etc... On Sunday nights the have a special service for high school kids.

Also, there is Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz off of Dale Mabry just north of Van Dyke. I have not been to this service, but the church is new and really nice. My son did play football there last year and they have enough children to support running a recreation department. From what I hear it is a nice church to attend.

Best of luck with your church search!

[SuziSu]

I guess I should've mentioned it was a non-denomination. Just making sure... Is Grace Family the same? Thanks again for your suggestions. Sounds interesting.

[Team_Roberts]

Yes, so is Grace Family.

[12paws42]

Anyone know of a similar church in the Lakeland area? We are also looking for a church to call home, having just moved down here from OHio

[Bezzled]

Calvary Chapel. It's located near Super Walmart on US 19 in Pinellas Park.

Awesome (LIVE BAND)music, great pastor. Come as you are, Dont have to get all dressed up. It's a great church.

Might be a bit far for you. But it's an awesome church.

[bizzbot]

I love Tampa Covenant Church in Lutz. They also have more music than what it sounds like your old church had, as they begin the service with singing. I believe this church is nondenominational, but we do receive the Lord's Supper each week which has been a beautiful thing for me, as the church I used to go to did not do this very often. There are two pastors that kind of rotate, and they are both very funny and kind of goofy, yet incredibly learned and intelligent. You feel like you could talk to them anytime if you needed something or just needed to talk about something. I have felt so welcomed in a 'real' way, nothing over the top, like where I ever felt the feeling of being overwhelmed, just truly welcomed and accepted. They have a lot of great bible studies, those and the weekly sermons are always dealing with very relavant and practical things that have actually helped me in my daily life. The women at the church are very open and supportive of each other. If you ever decide to visit it's on Lake Magdalene Blvd just north of Fletcher. Please don't mind the construction, they're building a new sanctuary. There are two services, one at 9, and the later one you might like at 10:45. It is a church that is very easy to visit because you don't have to raise your hand and say you're a visitor!

[henrydeanjellybean]

I am not much of a Church guy, but one of my best friends from back in the ole punk rock days is now a youth pastor at a church called New Walk in the Wesley Chapel Zephyrhills area. This is their website.

New Walk Church - Serving Zephyrhills, New Tampa, Land o' Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Dade City in Pasco County Florida

[ottomobeale]

12 paws. There was is (was?) a church in Lakeland that used George Jenkins HS. The service was VERY contemporary. Its non denominational. Church of the Highlands?

[Sehsun]

Bumping this thread up.....

Would anyone like to recommend any churches in Lakeland, FL?