Now that we have decided to plant a church in Tampa, inquiring minds want to know "What kind of church will you be planting in Tampa, FL?" It maybe best if I start with a little history, defining of some terms, and explanation.First of all, this is a restart. The picture that you see is a more accurate picture of the existing building from Central Christian Church. After years of being a ministry that helped launch churches around the Tampa area, they have decided to close their doors. They gave their facility to a church planting organization. Why? There are several reasons, but the truth is that the community around them changed. They were unable to adapt and meet the needs of the community. It should be said however, that it is because of their vision that ministry will be able to continue due to their graciousness and vision to pass on their legacy. Therefore, we plan to recycle these assets, target the community, and launch a new vision and direction.
Second, let me share what has been passed on to us. (It should be mentioned the assets are held between the partnerships of Florida Church Planters and Stadia: new church strategies - not the Schaffners.) The building is a 33,000 square foot facility with a 350 seat auditorium. It has a fellowship hall and has two education wings - including bathrooms, office space, and rooms for children's stuff. It is on the corner of North Boulevard and Martin Luther King and has about 4 acres of land. You can find it about 3 miles east of the airport.
Last of all, let me share a snapshot of my vision. It is my heartbeat to see a church that engages all people from all backgrounds and walks of life. It will be "multi" faceted in every sense of the word - ethnic, racial, national, socio-economic, etc. I envision a staff that is the same. I can see a Brazilian worship leader or Youth Minister from Kenya or a Children's Minister of Hispanic descent or an Associate who is African American. Nonetheless, we will be a mosaic of people, personalities, gifts, and passions. Our worship will be a celebration and our teaching will be personal. Loving relationships will be the foundation of all ministry and families will be our strength.
I love the church. I always have. I just can't believe that God has allowed me the stewardship of birthing a new one. I can see clearly now that the ministries God brought me to in the past, were the very environments I needed to become who I am today.
In the months to come, much must happen. I need partners in this process who will pray and support this endeavor. I need to recruit a staff and get the assessed, supported, and ready. I need to update a building - tear out a stage and rebuild it, replace HVAC units, buy a sound system and video equipment, and raise the finances to get it done. But most of all, I need to move to Tampa so I can start building friendships.
So keep up and keep reading. You will hear the stories of how God is faithful and how He uses even the oddest of people like me. And if you want to make sure you stay connected, e-mail me directly at schaffattaq@earthlink.net or call 217.816.3638.
Much love and peace to you all,
Danny Schaffner
Church Planter - Tampa, FL
