TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Open Door Church Welcomes Visitors

ADVERTISEMENT

By GEORGE H. NEWMAN, The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 5, 2007

PLANT CITY - Open Door Baptist Church may be small, but it's one busy place.

The Rev. George Harris opened the church at 702 E. Alsobrook St., Suite B in August 2006. The church has about 20 members, but each Saturday they individually visit homes in the community to invite visitors and provide a listing of activities.

'We should all help to carry the Lord's burden,' Harris said. 'We believe it is our obligation to bring the word of the Lord to those around us. Those who know the promises God has made will share in His glory.'

The church also helps finance Baptist ministries in France, Chile, a worldwide ministry and an evangelist who travels and preaches the word throughout the United States.

The church offers a Sunday school for children, teens and adults. A separate children's church service is provided during Sunday morning services. The church's midweek service includes a children's club, Patch the Pirate, which uses an interactive learning program.

'My burden is to save souls in Plant City,' Harris said. 'What we teach here is trusting in the Lord; walking with the Lord. Our church is here for the glorification of the God. We teach and we learn from the Bible.'

Harris lived in Plant City from 1992 to 1993 with his parents. He attended Landmark Baptist College in Haines City and then moved to Belleview.

In December 2005 Harris was ordained at Memorial Baptist Church in Ocala. On Easter 2006, Harris began preaching to a small congregation at the Speer family residence off Branch-Forbes Road. In August he brought his church to the Alsobrook location.

To reach the Open Door Baptist Church from Collins Street, go east on Alsobrook, across the railroad tracks and turn north into the first commercial center parking lot.

Sunday school is at 9:45 a.m., and morning worship is at 11. Sunday evening and Thursday evening services begin at 7. For information, call Harris at (813) 892-5536.

Reporter George H. Newman can be reached at (813) 865-4451 or gnewman@tampatrib.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT