Posted: 9/5/03
Waco church start delivers real love
By John Hall
Texas Baptist Communications
WACO–The Temple of Deliverance and Development started following a vision from God, and now the temple is filled with God's people, the pastor said.
Building on a “keep it real” atmosphere where members come as they are, the Waco church has grown steadily to serve 50 members and routinely draws about 35 people for Sunday worship.
The congregation's warmth invites people of different ethnicities and backgrounds, said Taronica Weaver, a church member and the pastor's sister. Each visitor is welcomed with a hug and an “I love you,” she added.
Pastor Larrye Weaver's plainspoken manner of teaching is easy for members to understand and relate to, according to Sheila Waits, a church member.
“He just breaks it down,” Waits said. “He doesn't use big words like other preachers. He's just a down-to-earth preacher.”
Weaver said he delivers “motivational and inspirational” sermons as he moves among the congregation “like Jesus did.”
The church recently launched a Sunday School program to help members develop their faith. The new venture represents an effort to fulfill the second half of the church's name.
“Deliverance is what Jesus did for us on Calvary,” the third-generation pastor said. “The development part is what needs to happen on a daily basis.”
Church members regularly hold revivals at a nearby apartment complex known for drug problems and catering to the low-income “down and out,” Taronica Weaver said. Church members are taking the gospel to the residents with the purpose of bringing hope and changing lives.
The church also is consistently involved in community projects, volunteering the time to raise money for local causes.
As a new church start, Temple of Deliverance and Development receives funds from the Mary Hill Davis Offering for Texas missions.
Pastor Weaver credits the church's quick growth and ministry to following God's will. “God ordained” the church to move in such a manner, he said.
“Anytime God tells you to move and you move, amazing things happen,” Weaver emphasized.
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