Local Visionary Excites In Evangelism

Troubles brewing? Think of coffee.

As a young pastor growing a dynamic church, Joe Santerelli loves his 'cuppa Joe,' and employs coffee as a church acronym, stimulant and evangelical outreach gift.

The phrase "A fresh approach to worship" serves as a motto, as in fresh coffee for Sunday attendees, a sample packet of coffee given as a gift to first-time guests. In addition, special Hillside Coffee is for sale to benefit church building funds, and the name of the once-a-month Friday night worship services is called Friday Night Expresso. It targets younger families and singles.

The pastor's colorful church business card has brown coffee beans and Hillside Coffee in its logo and graphics. It says "Come for worship, Stay for coffee," the pastor said. "This coffee stands for Christ centered, Outreach minded, Friendly fellowship, Family focused, Enthusiastic worship, Evangelism driven."

Pastor Santerelli was in the news recently in reference to the successful local Freedom Fest held last July Fourth, celebrating America's birthday with Christian and other live music, massive fireworks, food and entertainment for all ages. As head of the Brooksville Ministerial Association he helped spearhead and coordinate the mega-celebration, formerly held in Pinellas County. Its local quasi-Christian-based affiliation may have caused local political concerns about separation of church and state, so the 2009 "Freedom Fest for God and Country" sponsorship will be reconfigured to satisfy any such conflicts.

"A dream list is to have two big stages - hey, who knows yet?," the pastor said. "We can dream - the event might include Carrie Underwood, Jeff Foxworthy or Charlie Daniels and other noted country music performance. Many Christians founded America and we call it a nation that God blesses. I don't see any problem we can't negotiate and resolve with both God's help and any local government and law. I especially think now is a time our nation ought to be seeking God's intervention, not excluding Him."

Other examples of Santerelli's visionary "thinking outside the box," as he puts it, include persuading the Beacon Theater management to allow a tent to be set up for prayer and solace as viewers exited "The Passion of Christ," in 2004. The pastors volunteered from several area churches, so it was an ecumenical outreach to hundreds of moviegoers, Santerelli noted.

Last year Santerelli viewed the "Jesus" DVD, a 1972 movie released through Campus Crusade for Christ, a movie about Jesus' life. Santerelli recommended that churches of the Brooksville Ministerial Association purchase and mail free DVDs to every home in zip codes 34601 and 34602. Teams of ministry representatives from the local churches made personal follow-up visits to offer prayer, church flyers and further evangelism, another venue for members of various churches to work ecumenically in community outreach.

Last weekend, Santerelli went camping with family in Fort De Soto Park, including his wife and six home-schooled children, five sons and one daughter. It was a rare family getaway for this energetic leader, whose ministerial association position email title calls him "Bishop of Brooksville," a humorous moniker also bestowed by fellow seminary student. A colleague, Pastor Mike Milke acted in his stead Sunday, preaching a sermon from Job on "Why Bad Things Happen to Good People."

The Wednesday evening Bible study, led by Santerelli, begins with a dinner paid for by donations, often pizza or Italian fare made by Papa Joe's, a popular family restaurant where Santerelli was employed before his ministry became full time.

The Wednesday night Bible study is currently focusing on the Book of Revelation. Global money market struggles worry Santerelli, as do other contemporary major issues, so he is informing others on how to respond biblically to current situations. The popular Baptist-based program AWANA may soon be instigated for children age preschool - fifth grade.

Addiction problems are addressed in the new Tuesday eve weekly "Freedom Through Christ" ministry. Problems addressed include those of abuse of alcohol, drugs, anger control, gambling, depression, pornography and anxiety. Each meeting begins with praise and worship, followed by teachings through Romans, and an hour of fellowship support group 'Recovery in Christ' discussion, lessons, personal journaling in lesson handouts, and closing, led by Sean Hughes and James Mercer,

The monthly Friday Night Expresso features more fresh coffee and snacks, "exciting worship, an encouraging word, and great fellowship," Pastor Santerelli said. "The program offers local people the opportunity to be a part of something fun and meaningful."

Upcoming events include the annual outdoor "Road to Bethlehem," enactment, where families can walk through Jesus' birth, take a trip through Bethlehem, and end with carol singing, cookies " and of course a fresh cuppa Joe," the pastor promises, dates released later.

Growth at Hillside has been one of continuing prosperity, according to Pastor Santerelli. A large playground and a covered pavilion have been added, as well as additional indoor seating space to accommodate some 200. "But we will have to build a bigger sanctuary and we will soon have to think about two Sunday morning services," Santerelli said. He is glad that growth and the consequent church budget have allowed for additional staff and outreach needs.

Brandy Pallay is the new staff member, serving as church secretary since late August. She noted that the free bread ministry offers drop-by-for-pickup loaves on weekdays from 9 a .m. to noon, as well as on Sunday morning. "Pastor Joe keeps me jumping," she said. "This is a wonderful church for all ages and his enthusiasm is catching. He is so easy-going, down to earth and always encouraging. So come have a 'cuppa Joe' and discover a 'fresh approach to worship,' for sure. I'll put the coffee on...." (And she did and it was delicious!)

When do they meet?

Sunday morning worship: 10:30 a.m.

Tuesday: Freedom Through Christ, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday family night: dinner 6 p.m.

(Bible study etc. following)

Friday Night Expresso: (monthly on first Friday) 7 p.m.