Today’s Church was birthed out of Adventures in Consciousness, a seven-week in-home Bible Study sponsored Unity Temple of Truth Church.  Winifred Stevens, a Tampa resident, volunteered to host a group in her home. Among the attendees were Connie Wright, Lana Chisholm, Gywanne “Bootsie” Leonard, Millie Dashiell, Naajidah Haleem, and Sara Minnifield.

 

At the end of this seven-weeks Naajidah Haleem, and Sara Minnifield approached Dr. Pulley about continuing. They desired to know what it would take to start a church in Tampa. Based on the biblical leadership model, Dr. Doral R. Pulley explained that it would require at least ten adults over 13-weeks who demonstrated their interest in the church through consistency in attendance and tithing (Exodus 18:21). 

 

The two women agreed to the challenge and decided Sunday afternoons at 1:30 pm was the best day and time to meet. Sara Minnifield and Deborah Gayle opened the doors of their home for weekly service beginning on Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017. The goal was fulfilled on Sunday, July 9, 2017, and the Tampa Study group continued to grow and flourish. On May 21, 2017, the Board of Directors, which included Cheri Makeda and Vivian Miller, would be known as “Today’s Church,” was established, followed by its official incorporation on September 5, 2017. Weekly attendance and participation continued to increase, and the Board of Directors began to discern a permanent location for Today’s Church. 

 

On March 4, 2018, members and friends of Today’s Church proceeded into its current location on Central Avenue in the heart of Tampa, Florida. In alignment with its vision, the pieces continue to come together and exceed the expectations of all! After planning the largest fundraiser in the church’s history, the Drum Circle, our foundress, Sara L. Minnifield, transitioned on October 19, 2018, from abundant life to eternal life. With mixed emotions of joy, because she is in a better place and sorrow because we miss her physical presence, the church continues to move forward, attracting more F.O.O.T. (Fellowship, Overflow, Outreach, and Teaching) soldiers who continue to carry out our mission.

 

One year later, Today’s Church extended its membership to virtual members, consisting of people from across the country. The addition of virtual viewership expanded the reach of Today’s Church and the Kingdom teachings as established by Dr. Pulley.

 

Today’s Church’s second location was established on Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019, in St. Petersburg, Florida, thus becoming Today’s Church Tampa Bay, Inc. The first service was held at Staybridge Suites St. Petersburg, Florida.

 

After looking at 19 different locations in St. Petersburg, the Board of Directors voted to make 2114 54th Avenue North our new spiritual home on February 20, 2021, and we moved in on March 1, 2021.

 

With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, Today’s Church’s continued to meet the needs of all people. With unique services streamed every Sunday held at the home of Shepherd Mother Renet Dennard Cole, our viewership on FaceBook and YouTube continued to reach higher benchmarks.  Classes and weekly Bible study were conducted on Zoom as we preach and teach the Kingdom principles and our core values of Love God, Love Yourself, Love Everybody. Today’s Church, “where all the pieces come together.”