The Rev. John M. Epps is no stranger to old fashion tent revivals. He’s been doing them for 25 years all over the world.
His latest one will take place April 14 to 19 — right here in Plant City.
“You draw a lot of people off the streets who normally wouldn’t be pulled into a church,” Epps said.
Epps has traveled from Canada to Jamaica to host his revivals, which he said are among his favorite ways to share the word of God. He’s been in the area for 32 years, serving as a bishop at the Full Gospel Tabernacle of Plant City, along with four other churches.
His first local revival started as just a small church rally. But he saw the popularity of it. So, he moved on to a bigger project — a revival in Ruskin, primarily for migrant workers. The response was huge. About 500 people showed up each night. The lively activity even garnered the attention of a Catholic priest, who came to bless the tent. He thought it was a dance. Out of all who were saved that night, 15 went on to become pastors of their own church. After the revival, a new church was erected on the site.
“They built a church of God there right underneath my tent,” Epps said.
Since then, he has been holding the revivals throughout the area. In the past, he organized revivals on the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds. But, when prices increased, he looked for other venues.
“We don’t make any profit,” Epps said. “We pull just enough in to cover our expenses.”
Epps tries to operate at just $200 per night. His preachers do it mostly for their faith, making only $100 for the appearance. Epps tries to invite Plant City pastors. But after some of his regulars died, he has extended his network to Tampa pastors.
Epps always has had a passion for the ministry. He gave his first sermon at just 8 years old and has been preaching for 62 years. Epps started at Full Gospel Tabernacle in the 1980s, holding church in the small building on campus that used to be the main sanctuary.
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
OLD-FASHIONED TENT REVIVAL
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. April 14 to 19
WHERE: 2916 James L. Redman Parkway
DETAILS: The Revival is hosted by Full Gospel Tabernacle of Plant City and will feature the Rev. Tommy Hampton from the General Assembly Pentecostal Church in Tampa, the Rev. Hank Furr from LightHouse Revival Center in Riverview, Pastor Jack Myers from The Cynery Church in Plant City, Pastor Joe Bowls from Shiloh Baptist Church in Plant City, Bishop John M. Epps from Full Gospel Tabernacle in Plant City and Evang. Randy Baldwin from ABC Tents in Winter Haven.
INFO: Full Gospel Tabernacle, (813) 754-3843