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Reaching New Heights In The LOFT

Tribune photo by JAMIE PILARCZYK

Led by music minister Karl Lackey at the microphone, the LOFT band plays Christian rock music during the Wednesday night gatherings that also include socializing, worship and pizza.

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By JAMIE PILARCZYK

jpilarczyk@tampatrib.com

Published: January 7, 2009

PARKLAND ESTATES - The music at Bayshore Baptist can be heard down the hallway of the church's education building.

On approach to the second-floor, the room dubbed the LOFT (or Living Our Faith Today) is alive with students talking, singing, texting and playing pool.

"I wanted to create an environment where kids feel safe to mingle and bring their day, bring their life with them," said Kevin Glenn, minister to students for the last year and a half. "It's a place where kids can be encouraged, where they are loved."

The youth center at Bayshore Baptist, 3111 W Morrison Ave., is 5,000 square feet including a cafe area, four flat-screen TVs, air hockey and pool tables, pinball machines, Nintendo Wii and Xbox 360.

The $30,000 renovation was completed in August with a beach-shack theme complete with umbrellas and surf murals. Glenn said it was inspired by a Jimmy Buffett concert.

The Christian rock music and casual style has increased attendance from about 10 students to more than 70 on any given Wednesday night. During football season, Glenn hosted a Fifth Quarter event where students came to party after the Plant-Blake high school football game. About 225 people showed up.

"Sometimes I just scratch my head," Glenn said. "This is really a special thing that is happening. This is a God thing and I'm glad to be along for the ride."

Richard Bush, 12, said he started coming to the LOFT at the invitation of friends.

"It's a lot more exciting," said Bush, a Coleman seventh grader, comparing it to traditional church services. "At school, I'm just waiting to come here.'

Some members of Plant High's crew team come together after practice.

"I like mainly the music," said Parker Hodges, 17, a Plant senior. "There's always a message you can relate to life."

Hodges doesn't belong to Bayshore Baptist. She goes to Palma Ceia Presbyterian. But the LOFT is open to all students, of all or no faith backgrounds. The music is contemporary, and a message from the Bible always is taught.

The first hour of fellowship is an open format in which pre-teens and teens trickle into the LOFT, munch on pizza and catch up with friends. By the second hour the lights are turned down, and the live band has turned up the volume. The music alternates with Glenn's teaching. By the 8 p.m., the show is over, but many participants linger.

"Once you're here, you don't want to not come back," said Amanda Wynter, 16, a Plant High junior.

"In the midst of the music you give them something to make them more comfortable with their life," said Glenn, who plays drums and bass guitar.

Passionate about reaching out to youth, he said, "I'll do this forever if they keep getting it. It's been a blast."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: The LOFT

WHEN: Tonight; 6 p.m., pizza and socializing; 7 p.m., worship

COST: Suggested $2 donation for pizza

WHERE: Bayshore Baptist Church, 3111 W. Morrison Ave.

CONTACT: Kevin Glenn, (813) 253-3411, or go to www

.bayshoreyouth.com

Reporter Jamie Pilarczyk can be reached at (813) 259-7661.

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