“Ever felt a calling?” That feeling resonates deeply within the story of Calvary Temple Church in Tampa. Calvary is a non-denominational church. It is autonomous and committed to teaching God’s Word verse by verse.
Calvary was planted as Reality Church Tampa in 2010. Pilgrim Benham founded the church. The church started in a small storefront on Florida Ave. It then moved to the YMCA on Palm Ave.
In 2013, the name changed to Calvary Chapel South Tampa. Joe Harris then moved from Calvary Chapel St. Petersburg to become the Worship Leader. In July 2014, Pastor Joe became the Lead Pastor. Pilgrim then planted Shoreline Calvary Chapel in Bradenton.
Calvary Chapel is an association. It includes over 1700 evangelical churches. Calvary Chapel started in 1965. Chuck Smith’s Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, CA was its starting point. All Calvary Chapels are autonomous even though they are associated. Individual churches are often quite different in practice and style.
Pastor Joe’s life changed radically when someone invited him to a Calvary Chapel. He grew up in a Southern Baptist church. At 18, he turned away from God. When he was 25, the Holy Spirit touched him. He was born again. At Calvary Chapel, he experienced God’s grace simply and lovingly. He sat under Pastor Danny Hodges’ Spirit-anointed, verse-by-verse teachings. He grew and felt a call to preach the Word. Before becoming Senior Pastor in South Tampa, he worked at Calvary Chapel St. Petersburg for 7 years.
Calvary seeks Jesus as Lord. They trust the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit builds the church in His way and time. Calvary will not submit to the culture’s false narrative. They will stay faithful to God’s Word. They will seek His glory.
Calvary values being a lean church. Currently, they set up and tear down each weekend. They have a church office near UT. They also meet throughout the city during the week. If God provides a facility that will better fulfill His mission, they are open to it. But the church is more than a facility.
You can download the Calvary813 app. Just search “Calvary813” on your app store and connect with them.