How about exploring the story of a church that began with just sixteen people? Oakwood Baptist Church in Tampa has a rich history. It started as a small home Bible study.
In the fall of 1982, a group of believers gathered in South Tampa. They wanted a place to connect and worship. On April 3, 1983, they held their first worship service. Plant High School was their first location. Only sixteen people attended that Easter Sunday.
Richard Parker came from Gainesville to lead the church. He served as their first Lead Pastor. Around that time, Oakwood Baptist Church joined the Evangelical Free Church of America. Parker helped organize the young church. He then returned to his sending church in Gainesville.
In 1987, Paul Phair became the next Lead Pastor. He served faithfully for twenty-eight years. The church then met at Gaither High School for two years. For a year and a half, they met in a strip mall on Gunn Highway. In 1992, the church changed its name. It went from Trinity Evangelical Free Church to Oakwood Community Church.
The Lord provided twelve acres of land in Carrollwood. This was a miraculous event for Oakwood Baptist Church. On January 24, 1993, the first service was held at 11209 Casey Road. One hundred seventy-four people gathered. They were grateful for their new home.
Oakwood Baptist Church focused on transforming lives. They wanted to create devoted followers of Christ. Hundreds of lives were changed by the Gospel. The church grew and thrived over the years. New staff were hired. New buildings were added in 2000 and 2005.
Oakwood Baptist Church had a vision. They wanted to reach more people for Jesus. In 2007, a group of fifty people were sent to Land O Lakes. They started Candlewood Community Church.
Pastor Paul stepped down in early 2016. In August 2017, Pastor Darin and his family moved from Chicago. God has been faithful to Oakwood. For nearly four decades, they have focused on Bible-based ministry. The church remains committed to transforming people. This is through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Oakwood Baptist Church celebrated its 20th anniversary on April 6. This was in conjunction with a Ministry Expansion Campaign. Faith pledges of $1.9 million were committed. They wanted to build a facility for Youth and Children’s Ministries. They also wanted an office suite. The worship center was reconfigured. This enlarged seating capacity from 300 to 500.
Oakwood Baptist Church has a vibrant community outreach. The youth regularly lead worship services. They do this at a local juvenile detention center. They also minister to seniors at Park Place of Carrollwood. The church sponsors an annual fall festival. They host satellite seminars on parenting and marriage. They also offer personal enrichment programs. Oakwood supports the Pregnancy Care Center and Hope Children’s Home financially. The women of Oakwood host an annual Spa Night. This is for female staff and residents of Hope Children’s Home. They provide haircuts, manicures, pedicures and refreshments.
Oakwood Baptist Church stands as a testament to faith. It shows the power of community. From a small home Bible study to a thriving church. Oakwood continues to transform lives. Its story inspires all who pass through its doors. It is a beacon of hope and faith in Tampa.