Bishop Taurus Davis wasn’t expecting the responsibility of leading a church when he came to Greater Love Christian Center a year ago.
“I just came to help,” Davis said. “I never knew I’d be asked to carry it on.”
However, after the former pastor, Franklin Echols died in March, the church tapped Davis to take the reins. Davis’ installation service took place Oct. 19.
Born into a pentecostal family, Davis didn’t waste any time sharing his faith. He began at just 8 years old and obtained his first official license at 12.
Davis received his education at Moody Bible Institute, in Chicago. There he studied Methodist practices, leading to his pastoring of both Methodist and Baptist denominations. In 1993, he was consecrated as a bishop.
Originally from Miami, Davis traveled up the coast of Florida, planting churches in Ft. Myers and Naples. He founded Faith Cathedral three years ago, in Tampa. He was preaching there and working as a supervisor of remodels for Walmart at the same time.
When Echols’ health began to decline, Greater Love Christian Center called for Davis’ help.
“The goal I have for this location is to show them the true love of Christ,” Davis said. “One of the things we want our people to know is we love you in spite of, because of. I believe everyone has issues and struggles.”
Part of his preaching style, Davis wants his congregation to know he is not judgmental.
“In order to help the world, we cannot condemn the world,” Davis said. “It is my goal to be a community pastor, and I want the community to know we are here to try and help them.”
Davis also wants to be an approachable figure. He’s known for his high-fives, sense of humor and giving out his personal phone number, rather than the church office number.
“I want people to know me personally,” Davis said.
Davis currently serves as the bishop of protocol at C.L.U.R.T International Assemblies, under Bishop George G. Bloomer. He lives in Riverview with his wife, Sharon, and two children, Tashara, 2, and Taurus Jr., 7 months.
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
GREATER LOVE CHRISTIAN CENTER
ADDRESS: 1109 N. Franklin St.
PHONE: (813) 759-8270
SERVICE TIMES: Noon Saturdays; 11 a.m. Sundays; 7 p.m. Wednesdays
