Who we are
A family of Christians, not a denomination.
Every week a group of your neighbors and associates comes together to renew their faith and encourage each other. For over fifty years this independent congregation has met on the north side of Tampa.
We're non-denominational, and we follow the New Testament as our only standard of faith and practice. People leave encouraged, refreshed, and ready for another week.
What we believe
God's Word is final.
It begins with a firm commitment to the God of the Bible. We believe the Bible is our final source for knowing the mind of God, and our final authority for all we believe and practice.
Our service isn't based on the ideas and traditions of men. If we can't show from God's Word that He approves something we practice, then we should stop practicing it.
What we teach
The whole counsel of God.
We're dedicated to preaching the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). Teaching here isn't diluted with the opinions and philosophies of men.
Adult classes run about a quarter at a time. Some walk straight through a book, like Genesis, Ephesians, Acts or Judges. Others take up a subject: marriage, prayer, first principles.
How we treat each other
We commend and correct each other.
The University family is dedicated to helping each member be what God wants them to be. Scripture is for teaching, instruction, correction and reproof, so that a Christian is completely furnished unto every good work (2 Timothy 3:16, 17).
Those who love each other both commend and correct each other. That's what makes a family strong.
In two languages
If Spanish is your first language, there's a seat for you.
The back left pew is reserved for Spanish speakers, and several adult classes are taught bilingually in English and Spanish. Members of this congregation teach them.
Some sermons are preached in Spanish as well, and they're in the archive on this site.
Preachers we support
We send men out, and we hear back.
Part of this congregation's work is supporting men who preach the gospel, and the church hears their reports first-hand. Steve Patton reports on the men we support, and the congregation has heard back from Ethiopia and the Seychelles.
Questions people usually ask
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”Romans 12:1