Guest Info
What To Expect When Visiting STF
We understand that coming onto the campus of South Tampa Fellowship for the first time may be a bit intimidating, and, without some guidance, even a bit confusing. So we’ve developed this section of our website to answer some questions you may have and to help you feel more comfortable as you visit our campus, get your children settled in Pier 3:16, and experience a dynamic time of worship in one of our two worship venues.
What Are the Two Worship Venues?
Our Ballast Point Campus Sunday morning services feature two distinct styles of worship: 8:00 AM features a worship team leads the congregation in a classic service that includes hymns in a more orchestral style, 9:30 and 11:00 AM features a live band with a contemporary music style.
Our Davis Islands Campus service starts at 11:00 AM features a contemporary worship with a smaller church feel.
Directions to our campuses can be found here
What Should I Wear?
Casual dress is fine. We’re more concerned about meeting your needs than what you wear. At South Tampa Fellowship you will see blue jeans, khakis, dresses and skirts suites and ties…. dress however you feel comfortable.
What Are the Services Like?
We strive to create a worship environment in which people can experience the presence of God. Our messages are Bible-based, presented in a creative way, and offer practical insights into relevant issues that concern everyone. We want your worship experience at South Tampa Fellowship to be one of the best hours of your week!
What About My Children?
Our young STF children are full of wonder and excitement about the world around them. That is why we use a web-based curriculum called First Look to help babies to five-year-olds discover who God is. The program teaches three key truths: God made me, God loves me and Jesus wants to be my friend forever. Each month one of these three basic truths is taught through Bible stories, music and engaging activities. To help reinforce what was taught, parents receive a “Parent Cue” sheet when they pick up their children that gives suggested activity ideas to complete at home.
Meanwhile, our elementary-age classes use a curriculum strategy called 252 Basics. This program is named after the three basic truths Jesus modeled in Luke 2:52. We want children to learn: I need to make wise choices, I can trust God no matter what and I should treat others the way I want to be treated. One core virtue is taught each month using a variety of Bible stories, fun activities, games and small group discussion. Children take home refrigerator cards and God-time cards to encourage them to apply what they are learning about God and His character to their daily situations and problems.
Where Does My Teenager Fit In?
If you have high school or middle school students (6th – 12th grade), they have the opportunity to take part in one of our EPIC Student Ministry Groups at 10:30 a.m. at our Ballast Point Campus. One of the primary goals of our Student Ministry is to consistently get students plugged in to a Sunday Morning Group. This way, we can be sure that our students are continually being challenged to journey deep into God’s Word! Each week, before it’s time for Groups to begin, you’ll find our students hanging out on the second floor in the student wing, just at the top of the main stairwell and down the hall. At 10:30 all students go to room B203/204 for a large-group assembly – where announcements and a short preview of their lesson are shared. From there they split up into grade- and gender-specific Bible-study classes, which run until 11:40. We encourage you to worship together as a family at our 9 a.m. service, then participate in one of our adult Bible-study classes at 10:30 while your student is in a Student Ministry Group.
What Classes or Groups are offered on Sunday Mornings?
There are a variety of opportunities to connect and grow, some on Sunday morning and many others throughout the week meeting in homes. On Sunday mornings at both campuses, there are short-term classes/groups offered on selected topics for growth – such as finances, conflict resolution, marriage and more which take place each semester. Click here for a brochure on Connection and Growth Opportunities