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The Center Hits High Note In Brandon

A Brandon minister will release a national music DVD this month and a CD later this year.

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Debra Massaro

Published: March 22, 2007

When Orfa and Bobby Roman met at an Assembly of God church in the Bronx, N.Y., more than 30 years ago, they had no idea what the future would hold. They had no clue that they'd marry, have a son and four daughters and one day become senior pastors at a church in Brandon. But they believe God knew exactly what he was doing when he led them to Brandon in 2002.

Before that, Bobby Roman worked as a music pastor throughout the United States.

"After a series of prayer and constant confirmation that Florida was where God was calling us to be, we took a step of faith," said Roman.

They moved from Los Angeles to Tampa, where Bobby Roman accepted the position as music director at Crosstown Community Church.

Then, in 2004, the couple founded The Center multicultural worship center in Tampa, with Bobby Roman contributing his musical talents and Orfa her biblical knowledge and love of teaching. Together, they shared rhythm and reason with all who would listen.

"We've got something to say," said Orfa Roman, sitting at the counter of The Center, which has since relocated to a house at 3007 S. Kings Ave. in Brandon.

"We share the mindset of the first-century church and get back to the roots of intimacy with God and reality of people. We are a multicultural worship center but we seek the culture of God's word."

The Romans describe their worship service as a progressive, interactive, spontaneous celebration through music and prayer.

"We, the church, error if we do not take a look at the New Testament writings in an honest, cultural and historical setting and determine whether our culture or traditions are traditions of men or culture and traditions of God," said Orfa. "We are evolving in a progression that frees us and grows us and it leads right back to the early church. And then we find ourselves not apologizing for believing and following things which Jesus believed and did."

For example, Bobby sings and worships in both Hebrew and English.

"We don't want to scare people away with our progressive style. We are simply keeping it real," he said. "Our desire is to be transparent and serve one another in humility. Our goal is to be as it was in the beginning of the church era where Jew and Gentile worshipped together and ministered to the down and out: the orphans, widows and prisoners."

Church services are Fridays at 7:30 p.m.

"That may seem a bit radical for most but we would probably be closer to the norm within a first-century context," said Bobby Roman.

The Romans say the time also attracts young adults and young families, as does the relaxed atmosphere and soulful music.

Since the church sees studying God's word as one the highest form of worship, they hold study every other Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Additional fellowship opportunities include: The Call, a coffee house night that includes spiritual expression and creativity through poetry, hip hop and rap; Tuesday night prayer at 7:30 p.m.; a children's ministry and puppet ministry; a homeless ministry; and a prison ministry.

"Tuesday night prayer is the strength of our church. It is the highlight of our week and we have at least half of our congregation attend. This is a candlelight prayer with song and interaction," said Orfa Roman.

The church, which meets in a house, has grown through word of mouth.

Bobby Roman hopes to see The Center expand to include a school of the arts. His personal success in the music industry and the opportunity to work with artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Raul Malo of the Mavericks and Andrea Crouch has given him the desire to share his abilities with young adults and mentor up-and-coming musicians.

Roman recently completed the first half of an album in New York and Los Angeles, which will be released in late 2007. His music DVD is due in late February. His hope is that his eclectic style of praise and worship through song will cross over to secular radio, bringing God's word to listeners of all types of music.

"It's not the singer. God works through you," Roman said of his music.

Information: 600-5404 or www.thecenterintampa.com.

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