Aaron Proffitt

“and from there to Philippi, which is the foremost city of the part of Macedonia, a (Roman) colony.”

Many have asked me over the past few months why I have chosen Tampa, Florida to be the next location for an Aletheia church plant. There is no other reason than strategy. Tampa is a strategic place to do ministry. Some of the more obvious and glaring reasons are the size of the area (population estimates range from 2 to 3 million people), the size of USF’s campus (46,000 students at three campus’ in a 25 mile radius), and the fact that it ranks as one of the most desired cities to live in the United States.

I have learned so much from the Apostle Paul on how to do church planting. When I arrive in Tampa, the first book that I will take the new church plant through will be Philippians. This book is one of the most practical and helpful books of the Bible in relation to church planting. Many of the core values that make up Aletheia such as serving, humility, unity, giving, hospitality and leadership development, come from this book. But to me, so much can be learned from reading about the history behind the church in Philippi. This account is found in Acts 16. The church in Philippi was a trend setter. It was the first church in Europe. Paul was attempting to move towards Asia (away from Europe) to continue the work of the Great Commission but was “forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia.”

(This reminds me of the original location I had decided on to plant a church at. This same type of thing happened. God forbade us from going there. God always knows what is best and His purposes will most certainly be accomplished.)

As I referenced above, Philippi was the most formidable city in the area that is now known as modern day Greece. It was a Roman colony which adopted the Roman language and law. Many veterans of the Roman army made Philippi their home. It was a desirable location, just ten miles inland from a major oceanic trade route. At the very least, Paul was planting a church at a location where he could sun bathe and live like Caesar all at the same time. I’m kidding about that stuff of course but seriously, Philippi was a hot spot for church planting and the Holy Spirit showed him that quickly.

I feel the same way about Tampa. And more than just the awesome qualities that Tampa possesses as a city, there is a huge spiritual need that exists. My heart burdens for the lost young generation in that area. God is sending us there like he sent Paul to Philippi. He gave us no other choice. This is what His desire was for Paul and what His desire is for us. We are ready for the challenge and are expectant of great things.