Laid-back approach to winning souls for Christ
In the heart of what we in Bermuda call "The Block" there is an unexpected yet welcome arrival.
By night, the Spinning Wheel night club, by Sunday morning Trinity Chapel Bermuda, led by Pastor Jamaine Tucker and wife Paula Tucker.
Arriving a little early and armed with an open mind, I entered the church housed on the second floor of the Spinning Wheel, Court Street, Hamilton. Pastor Tucker, interacting with his two young children, was dressed smart casual in a pair of blue jeans, button-down collared shirt, and dress shoes.
The room was neatly arranged with chairs around the perimeter, chairs and small covered tables in the centre, and comfortable couches in the far right corners.
Placed on the chairs were small tithe envelopes bearing the church's name and motto, 'Love, Acceptance, and Forgiveness'.
There was a raised platform, upon which stood a simple raised chair and a smaller chair alongside, on which rested a Bible. Noticing the absence of a conventional podium, I got the impression Pastor Tucker planned to conduct his sermon without barriers.
The church made good use of the nightclub setting – using the raised platform to place the sound system and the DJ area directly behind to control the multimedia. Upon noticing me, Pastor Tucker warmly welcomed me inside.
The Pastor's wife and DJ, Eddie Glasford, worked as a team to organise the service.
Despite limited help, they did a good job ensuring the service started at 10 a.m.
A mixed crowd of people gradually half-filled the room while popular, upbeat gospel music played in the background.
After prayer, greeting the congregation, and worship in music, Pastor Tucker dispersed leaflets which highlighted the theme.
This theme, also projected by PowerPoint on a far right wall, was a continuation of a series based on "Vision" and "Purpose".
The value Pastor Tucker aimed to share this week was that worship should extend the weekly church service, to be adopted as a lifestyle that pursues the presence of God.
This is a common Christian ideal, so, initially, I was unmoved . . . until he demonstrated his spoken words translated into a purposeful action plan secured by Biblical principles.
Throughout the sermon Pastor Tucker shared his vision for the Court Street community and surrounding areas.
Growing up in nearby Parsons Road gave him a special connection with the area and inspired his desire to jump in and help.
He said: "It's not the aim of this ministry to be isolated from the turmoil, but to get right in the midst of it to add Christ-like values.
"It's not the aim of this ministry to judge a person by the mess they've found themselves in today or even the mess they've planned to do in the future.
"It's the aim of this ministry to accept people where they are right now and love them. It's not the aim of this ministry to preach to, but to relate to – all while keeping methods fresh, innovative, creative, and relevant to the time we live in."
One ambition aimed to benefit Bermuda's youth in the very near future is sponsoring a street festival as a Halloween alternative.
Pastor Tucker explained he awaits and prays for an affirmative response from the Corporation of Hamilton to permit this event.
Overall, the atmosphere of the church resembled a Bible study amongst friends. Most of the sermon was preached amid the congregation.
Pastor Tucker's down-to earth approach and gentle charisma was much like an encouraging teacher.
Throughout the service, the pastor's challenging message and sincere ambition was inspiring and the congregation responded appreciatively.
Many in the congregation learned of the church through a message on local radio station, Hott 107.5, and decided to try an untraditional approach to worship.
The reaction was unanimous. All individually agreed they found the relaxed, non-judgmental approach refreshing and the atmosphere so warm and welcoming, they did not notice a whole hour had passed.
As to the controversial site of the church, they were undaunted. They felt such a church is exactly what is needed there. Community activist Gina Spence-Farmer said, "This (Court Street) is my old stomping grounds.
"I'm excited to see Pastor Tucker step outside the box to do what was called to do. I would like to see this whole area transformed to a place of worship."
In describing Pastor Tucker, she said "He's a preacher that's a teacher."
Trinity Chapel Bermuda is an outgrowth of Trinity Chapel, Powder Springs, Georgia. The 25 year old non-denominational church has a representation of 53 countries worldwide, with Bermuda number 54.
Pastor Tucker, having been in the soul-saving arena for 15 years, is delighted to return home to serve his fellow Bermudians.
His reaction to this experience is optimistic. He is greatly appreciative of the community which has been welcoming and supportive, including Spinning Wheel night club management from whom he rents the venue.
Although there are minor challenges in the form of crowd and tithe fluctuations, personal sacrifices, and other teething pains associated with a church in its infancy, his vision strives strong.
Every week, he has been blessed by the opportunity to receive a crowd that supercedes his expectations.
He doesn't expect his ministry will solve all the ills of humanity.
He acknowledges that existing problems are bigger than one church can handle alone; that all churches have a role to play.
He added: "Although church service is one aspect of this ministry, the mission is to reach directly into the community, see people's needs and minister to them. God blesses us and empowers us to be a blessing." he shared.
Despite the unorthodox surroundings and its historical association with crime, who can judge where a disciple of Christ is able to touch a heart through "unconditional love, acceptance, and forgiveness".
While this laid-back approach in winning souls for Christ may not appeal to everyone, it appears it has the potential to reach many who otherwise may be unreachable.
After all, Christ, himself, gave such an example in his interaction with those He aimed to save.
He ventured right into the heart of madness – with a method to that presumed madness which resulted in the healing miracles of countless people.
Likewise, we can only pray for a miracle in the form of this emergent church and many good blessings to flow to those who have often been spiritually overlooked in this community.
For additional information you may visit Trinity Chapel's site at http://www.trinitybermuda.org/.