Visions Of Two Pastoral Teams

A local church has two husband-and-wife pastoral teams, and each has various ministries and skills to reach families in an extended and caring family church.
Springs of Life Family Church rents a modern facility on County Line Road, begun from its initial foursome to such growth that the church is near the point of needing two Sunday morning services. "One solution is our Saturday Night Alive worship service," said Associate Pastor Allen Sabo. "This is a great service as an alternative for those who work on Sundays or as an addition to Sunday worship."
He plays drums while a Christian recording star and puppetry master, Crystal Whitehouse, leads in the lively praise and worship casual evenings. A large soundboard makes for audio clarity and balance. "Come as you are," Pastor Sabo said.
Senior Pastor John Grossi plays guitar and sings, so he is often present for Saturday Night Alive. Other musical instruments for both Saturday and Sunday traditional and praise and worship music include keyboards, bass, congas and rhythm accent.
"We are Spirit Filled in nature and our vision is to minister the very Spirit of God to each and every person God sends through our doors, " Pastor Grossi wrote in the colorful new welcome flyer. Its photo backdrop of sunlight in the forest echoes the scenery of the personal business cards while the huge hand-painted wall mural behind the pulpit allures with azure skies and - well - "Heavenly clouds, " the pastors noted. "The baptistery now shows the three Calvary crosses. We added that when one visitor wondered if this was a 'Christian' church, before he heard the sermon."
The What We Believe page lists, among other things, that the Bible is the only and infallible Word of God; the Trinity; salvation as a gift of God; baptism in the Holy Spirit subsequent to the New Birth (of the believer); and supernatural ministry of the Spirit.
Both pastors noted that many members come from backgrounds of different denominations. "We have Bapti-coastals and Metho-charismatics, some call themselves. But we are united in our love of God and our worship style ...We named this independent inter-denominational church as a 'family church' because we truly are the example of what family should be in the way of encouragement, support and togetherness," Pastor Grossi said.
Food and toiletries and sometimes monetary sharing are distributed for those who regularly attend, after each service in the Blessing Room. "We celebrate the holidays together as well as other occasions just to have fun and fellowship," Grossi said. "When we have a covered dish meal we call it a 'Pot Blessing,' not a 'Pot Luck.' No such thing as 'luck' here, only God's blessings."
Suzanne Morgan has been a member for three years. Describing herself as a 'seasoned citizen,' she appreciates the church Bible study, social gatherings and prayer groups tailored for older people. She appreciates the blending of all ages that adds to the feelings of family, she said. "And Pastor Grossi has a warm personality and great sense of humor too," she added. "His messages come from the Bible and he makes them so useful and understandable. Sherral Grossi sings hymns like an angel. Her voice is so clear and pretty she could inspire people every time she shares her musical gifts. You can't beat this church for family friendliness, too. I just love it!"
For charity support, Springs of life established a mission in Haiti, and is completing a school for 100 impoverished children. It also supports the local Somebody Loves Me food distribution.
Pastor John Grossi met his wife Sherral at Central Bible College in Springfield, MO. He has a BA in Biblical Theology and Sherral has an AA in Music Arts and Biblical Theology. They have three children: Tony, 20, Cherise, 18, and Tiffany, 16. The Grossis have served in various ministries such as Sunday school, transportation, youth and children's pastors and in this church as founders. They moved to the area from Arizona to help care for John's elderly parents, and planted Springs of Life in 2003.
Chuck Swindoll and Rick Warren impress Grossi for preaching style and church-growth vision. He appreciates the positiveness and encouragement of Joel Osteen's messages. David is strong biblical hero for Grossi, "because he was imperfect yet he tried his best to obey God. I'm imperfect. We all are," he added, "and David's example surely gives hope."
When asked about local personal encouragement, he spoke of his best friend and wife, Sherral.
"My wife leads worship and assists with pastoral counseling," John Grossi said. "She spends much time encouraging and praying for many individuals. She has the compassion of Christ and the Wisdom of Solomon. Sometimes she can be a velvet steamroller, as she tells it like it is with such love."
Pastor Allen Sabo similarly credits his wife for pastoral help, especially in prayer ministry. Maria Sabo had been serving the Lord before God joined them in marriage, Allen recalled. After an aneurysm Maria suffered, Allen said he made a deal with God that if He healed his wife, Allen would serve Jesus in ministry. He earned his Master's degree in Biblical Theology from Christian Vision University in Bay Ridge, NJ, where Maria earned her BA in the same courses. Allen has taught English and Spanish, and the Sabos have served in Campus Crusade for Christ and other ministries since 1995. The couple founded Christ the King - A Full Gospel Worship Center church in Queens, NY before moving to Florida.
Some of the Sabos relatives were attending Springs of Life as Allen Sabo was serving in another church. When he visited Springs of Life, the Grossis and Sabos discovered shared affinities in abundant church vision and heart, so the Sabos soon became part of the leadership team. "In talking about church leadership, as members we are all a family team at Springs of Life Family Church and we all work together for the same Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. There is only one Commander, one Chief, one Captain, or one King and His name is Jesus," Pastor John Grossi said.
Both men are eager for church future plans to build a facility large enough to include a Christian school and daycare with exercise like Wii games and a teen 'hang-out,' with classes and outreach for singles and people of all ages.
"It has never been our intention to fill a church with people," Pastor Grossi said, "but to fill people with God. We welcome you and your family to visit and become part of the family at Springs of Life Family Church."

WHEN THEY MEET

Springs of Life Family Church
Sunday worship and children's church: 10:30 a.m.
Thursday family night and Bible study: 7 p.m.
Friday Youth Service: 7 p.m. Saturday Night Alive: 6 p.m.
Other groups and events: call church
Nursery provided for all services