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A Shining Little Light

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By MICHELLE BEARDEN, The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 29, 2007

For Kenneth Stewart, the transformation began last year when he was about to turn 40.

What am I going to do with the rest of my life? he asked himself.

'It wasn't quite the call that Paul got on the road to Damascus,' Stewart recalls. 'I had just bought two brand new cars. I went outside one morning and stood there, wondering which one I was going to drive that day.'

Then a more jarring thought: 'What has my life come to that these are the decisions I'm making now?'

Thus began a journey to start a church in Tampa's inner city.

He had the preparation. Stewart is the son of United Pentecostal missionaries in Liberia, West Africa. He lived there as a child for a few years and again for a few years as a teen. In 1989, he earned his bachelor's in theology at Christian Life College in Stockton, Calif.

And he had the experience. Stewart and his wife, Althea, pastored Abundant Life Apostolic Ministry in Panama City for five years, then assisted Althea's father at his church, El Bethel Tabernacle in Tampa.

So this past October, they felt ready for the challenge of starting their own church in a downtown hotel. They called it Tabernacle of Hope, a name that suits the ministry's vision.

I often write about people who follow a calling, even if that calling isn't convenient. The Stewarts fit the profile.

They live a comfortable suburban lifestyle in Wesley Chapel. They're involved at Seven Oaks Elementary and Wiregrass Ranch High schools, where their three daughters - 14-year-old Ayana and 10-year-old twins, Alyssa and Alena - attend.

Stewart has a demanding job as a commercial sales manager for a security company, supervising nearly 20 representatives, while Althea is a full-time mom and church administrator.

'I couldn't do this without her,' Stewart says. 'It's a team effort all the way.'

So what's the compelling reason to take on the task of starting a church? Specifically, a church aimed at serving the downtrodden, the disadvantaged, the lost and the wayward?

'I felt this was my purpose. I want to help rebuild lives, one person and one family at a time,' he says. 'The megachurches have their mission; this is mine.'

So at least twice a week, Wednesday nights and Sundays, the Stewarts make the 50-mile round-trip trek from Wesley Chapel to lead Bible-based services at their modest church, drawing about 20 to 40 people a week.

Some who come are related to the Stewarts. Others come right off the street, looking for solace and spiritual nourishment.

The sparse numbers don't tug at Stewart's buoyant attitude. He's a half-filled-cup kind of guy.

'I don't like to say we're a little church,' he says. 'I like to say we're a growing church.'

Relying On God, Volunteers

A growing church with no money to spare, which means the Stewarts go unpaid and every penny counts. In the early months, when they rented space at the Ashley Plaza Hotel, they got by on about $900 a month.

But since moving into the former convenience store at 303 N. Oregon Ave. and purchasing a van to transport members without vehicles, they have doubled the budget. Amazingly, the Stewarts choose not to take up a public offering at services; instead, they set out a basket and let people make that choice if so moved.

'Our motto is 'No Cover Charge,'' he says.

Although he does preach the responsibility of giving, Stewart says he has been turned off by how some churches have turned into money machines, taking up multiple offerings and promising material riches for those who faithfully sow the seed every week.

'Some people feel they can manipulate God into meeting their financial dreams without even following the biblical principles of stewardship and proper financial discipline,' he says. ''They're treating it like buying a lottery ticket; if you play the game, you may hit the jackpot.

'No wonder some people have taken a cynical view of Christianity.'

Stewart calls his practice 'relying on God.' Supporters who don't attend his church but share his vision donate at the most opportune times, like when a utility bill or rent payment is due. It has helped that he joined the Tampa Downtown Partnership, meeting with local business people to promote the economic benefits of hiring people who may not be the best job prospects on paper, but who are motivated to turn around their lives.

The couple also depend mightily on the help of volunteers, whose free labor has eased some of the financial burden. All this faith and reliance must mean something: One year since launching this mission, the Tabernacle of Hope is on solid ground.

Efforts Make A Difference

And what have they been able to accomplish on such limited means? So far, transportation services, a food pantry, a home Bible study, a Sunday school for kids, a youth sign language and dance team, and the Award of Hope Academic Excellence Award.

At a recent service, I met Rita Durant, 45. She was referred to the tiny church for help after falling on hard times. Stewart didn't disappoint, taking Durant to job interviews, helping her with food and getting her into subsidized housing.

'He's helped me put my life on track, when it was really off the track,' she says. 'Since being in the house of the Lord, blessings have come our way. When my pastor says to call any time, he means just that. And I'm really grateful.'

Now she and fellow church member James Williams, 53, an electrician, both newly baptized, are planning to marry at Tabernacle of Hope in the next month. Durant says she's close to getting a job, and her faith in humanity has been restored.

'I've found strength and faith I never knew I had,' she proclaims.

Pastor To Speak At Conference

This weekend, up to 18,000 people are in town at the Tampa Convention Center and St. Pete Times Forum for the 83rd annual general conference of the worldwide United Pentecostal Church.

Stewart is among the hundreds of pastors representing congregations large and small. Since this is his home turf, he'll get a chance to share a story of a man at midlife, who got off the fast-track train to make a difference in his community.

'I see great things to come,' Stewart says. 'It's not about size. It's about substance. The Lord put us here for a purpose, and we've never been happier.'

Experience the spirit at Tabernacle of Hope on Michelle Bearden's 'Keeping the Faith' segment at 9 a.m. Sunday on WFLA-TV. She can be reached at mbearden

PENTECOSTAL EVENT

WHAT: The 83rd annual conference of the United Pentecostal Church includes Experience Freedom, a free, family-centered community crusade with music, preaching and spiritual restoration.

WHERE: St. Pete Times Forum, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa

WHEN: 7 p.m. Sunday

INFORMATION: www.experience

freedom.net or (813) 817-7288. To reach Tabernacle of Hope, call (813) 254-5260.

@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7613.

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