The Grove’s New Home
“Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is Yours. Yours is the kingdom O LORD, and You are exalted as head above all.” – 1 Chronicles 29:11
We are thrilled to be part of this exciting opportunity that God has placed before us — in January 2025, we purchased a new property at 415 Lumsden Rd.
As The Grove, we exist to evangelize the lost, edify the church, and exalt the name of Christ.
Since moving here in April 2025, we’ve seen God do remarkable things:
Over 150 people have completed the Our Doctrine class,
Nearly 150 more are being trained through our Understanding Your Bible course,
Dozens have taken next steps in baptism and membership,
And every Sunday, God’s people are gathering across our campus—to worship, to pray, and to grow as disciples of Jesus.
All of this has only been possible through God’s grace and the faithful worship of His people through the Broadcast His Glory campaign—a two-year commitment of joyful, sacrificial giving to make this property a home for ministry. Our church family pledged over $1.3 million, of which $900,000 has already been given, with the remainder to be fulfilled through 2026.
Now, as we close this year and look toward what’s next, we’re inviting everyone who calls The Grove home to join us through considering two opportunities:
End-of-year gifts and new 2026 pledges will help us finish key projects already underway—drainage improvements, updated signage, outdoor lighting, building improvements, and completing the courts. They will also open the door to new ministry spaces like Judson Commons, where we hope to create a shaded playground and a large gathering area for families and fellowship between the Whitefield and the courts.
Together, we’re broadcasting His glory in the eastern communities of Tampa.
“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory.” — Psalm 115:1
Wife: Amelia
Years at The Grove: 2021-Present
I was raised in Chicago, Illinois by a God-loving family, but what I thought to be a relationship with God, I eventually found out was just knowledge about Him. Ever since that realization, I have sought relationship with God. I pray that I never lose the passion that I have today.
For my ministry training I have had the privilege of studying at Trinity Christian College and Northern Seminary in order to receive my bachelors in Theology and Masters in Divinity. Prior to my time at the Grove, I served and worked at Harvest Bible Chapel for 8 years, which was beneficial to my spiritual growth as a leader.
I am most passionate about: 1) Building young leaders; 2) Building relationships with people; 3) Doing all things for the sake of the gospel. As for my favorite things, I enjoy athletics, games, and music. I always have a bundle of energy, which helps me fit in well and keep up with the student ministry.
Fun Fact: I love doing videography and photography in my free time!
Wife: Heather
Children: Huck
Years at The Grove: 2015 – Present
God arrested the affections of my heart and granted me saving faith in my King and Master, The Lord Jesus Christ. God rescued me from a life saturated with sin and debauchery and saved me from His Just and Holy wrath, He graciously moved me to repent, trust Christ and to be enamored by His Sovereign Majesty and Love.
I graduated from a ministry called Crossing Cultures International, completing the “Bible Training Center for Pastor’s” curriculum. God has blessed me with a diverse array of ministry opportunities including… periodically teaching CCI classes, serving in a nursing home ministry, being a leader in a recovery ministry for three years, going on a short term mission trip to India, and the occasional itinerant preaching opportunity. My greatest joy is serving in the local Church and Proclaiming Christ.
I am overwhelmed by King Jesus, madly in love with my precious bride, Heather, and love being a father. My passions are to exalt the Lord Jesus Christ, spend time with my family and read good books. SOLI DEO GLORIA!
Fun Fact: I love poetry
Wife: Teri
Children: Casey, Sienna, Claire
Years at The Grove: 2014-Present
I am thankful that, by God’s grace, I was born into a Christian home where I came to know Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Where I was once a shy little boy struggling with shame and fear, the Lord has now given me confidence in Him alone and a daily deepening knowledge of His grace in my life.
The Lord has been gracious in allowing me to have a wide variety of professional opportunities ranging from having been a police officer in central Indiana for ten years, to leading several different Christian foster care ministries in central Florida. The Lord used my time as a police officer, specifically being a Detective investigating internet crimes against children, to show me the depth of sin in our world, while also affirming that true life changing and eternally lasting hope can only be found in Jesus Christ.
I find great joy in hearing other’s stories and walking with them in life while watching them increase in the likeness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is an even greater blessing to have Teri Claassen as my wife, and to be the father of our three children. Our home is my greatest mission field, one in which I am reminded daily of God’s grace and love. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and roasting coffee. (Yes, I am a coffee snob and nerd…. I buy green coffee beans and roast them at home.)
Fun Fact: I have always enjoyed aquariums with my favorite fish to keep and breed being Lake Tanganyika cichlids
Wife: Julie
Children: Reilly, Shea, McKinley, Camdyn, Macy, Dax
Years at The Grove: 2019-Present
I was saved out of a home where there was no gospel influence. God rescued me and gave me light for my darkness, hope for my despair, and Christ’s righteousness for my sin. The beauty and power of the gospel of grace overwhelm me to this day.
For my ministry training I have had the privilege of studying at The Master’s Seminary and serving at Grace Community Church under John MacArthur. The 15 years I spent at Grace were amazing and shaping grace to me. I have completed a D.Min. in Expository Preaching and Leadership at Southern Seminary. The Lord has sent me to serve with ministries in North Carolina and Chicago. And now we are home in Central Florida, where my roots run deep.
I am most passionate about: 1) Making disciples 2) Training leaders and 3) Doing all things for the sake of the gospel.
As for my favorite things, Julie and my six kids are tremendous gifts from God. I love time with them, doing ministry with them, and seeing His goodness through them. When I am not holding my wife’s hand, I am probably holding a Puritan biography.
Fun Fact: I love the mets! I think they will win the World Series this year…
