About Overflow
Who We Are
Overflow Church lives to receive and release God’s love to everyone, everywhere.
Born from a rich legacy
Overflow Church officially opened its doors in January 2019, but was birthed from a rich legacy of faithful love and obedience.
In 1981, a group of men and women purchased 10 acres on Bell Shoals Rd with faith that God would build a church there. 7 years later, in 1988, they saw the fruit of their faith as they planted a mission church that, in time, became South Brandon Worship Center.
9 years later, in 1997, Len Harper came as South Brandon’s Lead Pastor, with a heart for the city of Tampa. 2 years later, in 1999, Chris Thomas came as the Worship Pastor, passionate to see the saints walk in joy. 2 years after that, in 2001, Chuck Ammons came (then as Youth and Teaching Pastor), with a fervent desire for people to fully “know” their God. 7 years after, in 2008, Cindy Ackerman officially began as Prayer Pastor, asking God to equip His saints. 9 years later, in, 2017, Mickey and Erin Arruda became Outreach Pastors, asking God for the nations. That SAME year, Ruth Spiegel came as Creative Arts Pastor, asking God for creative expression that glorifies Him.
In 2016, Pastor Chuck wrote a book called, “Life in the Overflow,” which quickly became an anthem representing what ALL of them had been praying. In 2018, though South Brandon Worship Center had enjoyed a tremendous reputation in the community, they ALL sensed the Lord was doing something new. (Isaiah 43:19) For 9 months, they prayed and waited in obedience and knew they were to close the doors of South Brandon and to completely re-birth a NEW Church with the SAME heart, staff, and location, revived mission and a completely new vision, strategy, and structure for a completely new day.
And they were crazy enough to DO it!
In January 2019, Overflow was born. Soon after, they welcomed Pastors Josh and Brenda Balogh, Pastor to Missional Community Leaders, and Student Pastor, respectively. In the years since launching, the entire body has ‘leaned in together’ with childlike faith to trust Jesus to build a church of their dreams according to His will. Today, we stand upon the grounds of the faithful “yes” of many sons and daughters who’ve gone before us. And our greatest desire is to be found faithful with the seeds we get to plant during our time under the sun in the beautiful city we call home.
What drives us
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Our Vision
We yearn to see every man, woman, and child know they are HELD in God’s adoring love, grow to be WHOLE as who He created them to be, and go alongside their brothers and sisters to bring Brandon, the Bay, and Beyond HOME to the Father’s heart.
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Our Core Values
Our Core Values of Intimacy, Expectancy, Community, and Restoration are what drives us at Overflow Church. Read more about why these are the values we hold dear.
We Value Intimacy
Friendship with God is our greatest priority and privilege.
The entire Gospel is summed up in the command to love God with all of your heart (Matthew 22:37). We believe that God adores humanity, the cross paid for our every need, and God is actively speaking and pursuing us. Because of this, it is our great joy to help people recognize and understand God’s voice — to them directly and through the Bible. Overflow Church is a safe place to discover how to walk with God.
We Value Expectancy
We trust God’s faithfulness over our feelings.
We all reach places where the circumstances we are facing prompt feelings about God that do not seem to match who God says He is. Overflow Church is a safe place to be vulnerable in taking these doubts to God. It is also a place that empowers you to elevate what God says over how you feel, weaving a beautiful tapestry of vulnerability and faith.
We Value Community
With God, we grow together and we go together.
We weren’t made to “go” to church, but to BE the Church! Helping beloved sons and daughters of God belong within a community of honor, love, and equipping is one of our greatest joys! You were made to be a vital part of God’s family!
We Value Restoration
We recognize worth in everyone and partner with God as he transforms them.
When Jesus saw broken people, He never treated them like they were broken. Instead, He recognized and called out the glory God placed within them. Every single created being bears immense worth and glory. We are a family who refuses to treat people by their history, but sees them instead by their destiny. We focus more on loving people than labeling them. We walk with God to see dreams given back, hope replacing shame, and a voice returned to the silent.
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What We Believe
GOD – The one true God is the source of all life and all love. He is good, all-powerful, and intimately connected with all He has made. He is Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer, Lord over all, and friend. He is simultaneously beyond our ability to fully understand yet completely knowable.
Our full statement of faith continues, in Overflow’s own words. It covers:
- God
- Father
- Jesus Christ
- The Holy Spirit
- The Bible
- Mankind
- Grace & Salvation
- The Christian Life
- The Church
- Eternity
A five-fold church
The people who lead us
Meet the friendly staff of Overflow Church and know their smiles before you go! Our staff are ready and excited to get to know you more as you join the Overflow Church family.
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Chuck Ammons
Vision & Communication
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Len Harper
Spiritual Father & Regional Church Health
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Chris Thomas
Connection & Family
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Ruth Spiegel
Creative Arts