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Small Theater Holds Big Dreams

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By SARAH ROTHWELL, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 16, 2008

NEW TAMPA - The word of God isn't a black thing or a white thing: It's a blanket that wraps around us all, according to the Rev. Richard Lockett Jr.

On Feb. 3, Lockett opened Bethany Christian Discipleship Church, the first New Tampa church led by a black man. The nondenominational church meets Sundays at the Muvico Starlight 20 theater. In addition to regular services, Bethany offers weekly Bible studies, children's church and community outreach ministries.

More than 100 people are registered as members of the church, which previously held services at AMC WestShore Plaza 14 theater. Still, starting off small doesn't bother Lockett. He has faith that Bethany will grow into one of the largest churches in the area, serving people of all ages, races and economic classes.

"I always tell people, 'You fail to realize what God can do when you never ask him to do the impossible,'" Lockett said. "With God, anything is possible."
Lockett was born and raised in Georgia. He grew up in a Christian household and knew as a teenager he wanted to pursue a career in ministry. After graduating high school, he enrolled in a Texas seminary. He worked as a minister at megachurches in Dallas and married his sweetheart, Stephanie. Then, he had an idea: Lockett and his family would move to a different city to start a church. The possibilities included Chicago, Atlanta and Tampa.

"We just had a peace about Tampa," Lockett said. "I wanted to go where the Lord wanted me to be. We made a lot of sacrifices to be here."

For three months, Lockett flew back and forth to Tampa from Dallas. He began scouting locations and meeting people. He fell in love with New Tampa but couldn't find an available space. So on April 16, 2006, he began hosting services at WestShore.

Finding A Home

Unable financially to make a quick move to Tampa, Lockett, Stephanie and their young son stayed with family in Atlanta. Lockett drove from there to Tampa every week, staying overnight in hotels. A few months later, the family found a house in New Tampa.

In late 2007, Lockett heard about available space at Muvico. He jumped at the opportunity to serve the area where he lived. Soon, signs announcing the church's arrival went up along Bruce B. Downs Boulevard.

Those signs sparked New Tampa resident Betty Williams' interest. She attended her first service at Bethany on Feb. 10 and signed up as a member the same day.

"It was like the pastor was speaking directly to me," she said. "When I got here, I had things I had already committed to prayer. The pastor answered the questions I had before the Lord."

Della Jamieson felt the same way.

"We live in the Pebble Creek area and we needed a church home," Jamieson said, holding her infant girl.

"I really liked the service and the message today. It was very touching."

The message was simple: God gives people tests but he wants them to pass; people just need to follow the instructions.

"This is a test," Lockett said with an unmistakable passion in his voice. "This is only a test."

The congregation nodded and applauded. Still, Lockett encouraged those in attendance to get even louder.

Having come from churches with more than 5,000 members, he isn't afraid to shout "Hallelujah."

"You can do better than that; let me hear you," he said with a smile.

Spreading Message Beyond Walls
Lockett hopes Bethany's message will be heard throughout the community. He encourages members to get involved with community service projects. In March, the church will begin the Operation Matthew ministry. Throughout the month, members will volunteer feeding needy families, visiting nursing homes and ministering to prisoners.

"We want to have an effect on the community," Lockett said. "Ministry means meeting the physical needs of people through the spirit of Christ."

New Tampa resident Robin Lockett, who isn't related to the pastor, heard about Bethany while doing a community service project.

"I met the pastor when I was out feeding the hungry and decided to try the church," she said. "Now, I plan on joining. The pastor's messages are something everybody can relate to."
Lockett hopes more New Tampa residents will take a chance and visit Bethany. From March 30 through April 20, the church will host its grand opening celebration. Sunday services will include guest speakers and special events.

"People are spiritually prewired to handle problems, but they don't realize it," Lockett said. "When they come to church, I coach them."

As for being the first black male pastor in New Tampa, Lockett is proud to make history but hopes his message will reach beyond color lines.

"It doesn't matter what color you are," he said. "We're in a time now when people are beginning to follow leadership, not color."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Bethany Christian Discipleship Church

WHEN: Services at 9:20 a.m. Sundays

WHERE: Muvico Starlight 20, 18002 Highwoods Preserve Parkway

INFORMATION: Call 1-866-756-2538.

Reporter Sarah Rothwell can be reached at (813) 865-4845 or srothwell@tampatrib.com.

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