The digital age is transforming the way some churches evangelize, and what Calvary Church is about to do will allow hundreds to find a new way to worship.
Seminole, FL. Calvary Baptist Church, the first church established in Clearwater, turned 150 years old in 2015. But they are still one of the fastest-growing churches in the area, and just because they are the oldest does not mean they are behind on the latest technology—in fact, quite the opposite.
To celebrate their 150th anniversary, Calvary set a vision for the next 10 years to multiply the blessings God has given them 150 times. This included plans for new “satellite” campuses; churches that would be located in different places in the Tampa Bay area, but that would share the Calvary name, beliefs, model, and most notably, the same message each Sunday via live video stream. This September, the first of those ambitious plans is becoming a reality.
Calvary Church Seminole is set to publicly launch on September 10th . The church is located at 6155 113th Street and will have two services, at 9:30 and 11am Sunday mornings. There is a worship band that will play live, but the sermon will be coming from the church’s lead pastor, Dr. William Rice (preaching from the Clearwater campus), and people who attend will view it on large, state-of-the-art screens.
“Some people are wary of seeing Pastor on a screen, but the way the technology is, it feels like he’s really there. Nothing about the church experience is being lost—if anything, I think it’s being enriched,” explains campus pastor Chris Bridges, who will be consistently on site along with other ministry leaders to talk to people who have questions, or that want to be prayed over personally. “Launching our next satellite campus is something we are all really passionate about. We are so excited to get to know the community and share the Gospel with them in this new way!”
There are fun programs offered for kids and teens during the services, so the whole family can become involved, and parents can relax while knowing their kids are being well taken care of. Adults have the opportunity to get to know others better and learn more about the Bible in small groups that are also available.
The church is having a block party the night before (September 9th) at 11am which will include Free Dole Whip, Face Painting, Free Food, and Inflatables. The event is free and open to anyone in the community. It is a great chance to tour the church, meet the pastors, and check out what Calvary Seminole is all about! To learn more or plan your visit, go to calvary.us and click on the Seminole tab, or just show up that weekend. You’re invited!