Reverend Wears Four Hats

By Sarah Rothwell, Tampa Tribune, Fla.

Dec. 29–TAMPA PALMS — Growing up in Uganda, the Rev. Benjamin Twinamaani studied the Bible every day. He fell in love with the passages and, despite opposition from some of his countrymen, made a commitment to Christianity. Walking to church, Twinamaani dreamed of one day preaching God’s word to others.

In 1992, he traveled to the United States to study theology. In 2000, he graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary and took his place in the Episcopal Church.

Today, Twinamaani is the head priest at Grace Episcopal Church in Tampa Palms.

What was it like growing up as a Christian in Uganda?

Uganda is a small country in east Africa. I was the firstborn of six children. My parents were schoolteachers. My grandparents were clergy in the Anglican Church, which here is the Episcopal Church.

I grew up around family and friends in the Christian faith.

In Africa, being a Christian is all or nothing. People are persecuted for their faith. I tell stories of being chased by dictators as a boy because I was a Christian.

What brought you to the United States?

I came to go to college. I still say Dallas Theological Seminary is the best place in the world to learn about the Bible and how to teach it. They take you apart and show you your weaknesses. They show you it is part of your job to be a man of God’s character. They say, “Just because you are a master of theology, that doesn’t mean you are a master of life.” I like that.

What was it like experiencing the United States for the first time?

I was surprised by all the choices. In Uganda, there is one church. You walk one or two miles to go to that church. Here, there are so many churches. If you don’t like this one, you can go to that one. There are choices.

When did you finish school?

I started in the fall of 1992. I finished in 2000. It took me seven years because I ran out of money and had to take time off and work. I also got married. I married my childhood neighbor from Uganda.

How did a friendship turn into love?

When I went home to visit, I saw her and said, “You’ve grown up.” I asked her if she would be my wife. She said, “No, you’re like my brother.” But then she realized she had grown up, and we were married.

After leaving seminary, did you immediately begin work as an Episcopal priest?

I started as an assistant at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in South Tampa. Then, the bishop in Africa said they wanted me to stay in America and study public administration. So, I started at USF in 2004. I am in the graduate program.

What brought you to Grace Episcopal?

They were looking for a priest, and the bishop said as long as I could still go to school, I could take the job. I started in 2005.

Describe the church.

It is a young church. It is only 14 years old. We have a young congregation. Our average age is 35, which is unusual for the Episcopal Church. Twenty-five percent of our church members are under 18. We have about 250 people attending service each week.

We have a very small space. We want to expand.

What is the church’s role in the community?

We want to be the church that anchors the Tampa Palms community, whether it is for the people’s spiritual life, education for the children or recreation. We used to have trails here for biking and jogging. I want to reopen them.

Describe your job.

I wear four hats. I call them the four P’s. First, I am a priest. I prepare people to communicate with God. This part of my job includes preparing the worship services.

Then, I am a pastor. As a pastor, I am a nurturer. I am there to help the people. In times of sorrow, I weep with them. In happy times, I celebrate with them. I can celebrate a birth in the morning and be at a funeral in the afternoon. It can all happen in a 24-hour period. It can be emotional.

Third, I am a prophet. I must give God’s word to the people. This is the part I love the most. I love the Bible. I wish I had the time to tell it all day.

Fourth, I am a professional. I have to abide by the standards of my profession. I have to be a manager. I manage the budget. I manage the building. I plan for the future. I work with other priests and clergy.

How do you balance everything and still make time for school?

I only take one or two classes a semester. That’s why it’s taking me so long. I have to take care of myself, take care of my health and manage my time. It’s hard, but I have help.

I take Friday off every week to spend with my family. My eldest is 6, then 4, then 4 months. At home, when I walk into the door, all work must remain outside.

Have your children visited Uganda?

Yes. We go every two years. They visit their aunts and their cousins.

Coming from a different cultural background, what do you think you bring to Grace Episcopal?

I tell the congregation they can’t love God just at their comfort level. God sent his son to die; you can’t respond at your comfort level. I bring stories from Africa to remind the congregation that there the Christian faith is all or nothing. Discipleship is a total commitment. You can’t do it halfway. You have to go all the way for God.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Grace Episcopal Church

WHEN: Services at 8 and 10 a.m. Sundays

WHERE: 15102 Amberly Drive

INFORMATION: Call (813) 971-8484 or visit www.grace newtampa.com.

Sarah Rothwell can be reached at (813) 865-4845 or srothwell@ tampatrib.com.

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