Bengston Uses New Technology To Teach God's Word

Surprisingly, a drum set and other musical instruments sat Thursday on the altar at Fellowship Church.

Music has always been a big part of most church services, but those aren't conventional hymns heard Sundays at this church.

Led by Pastor Eugene Bengtson, the church even issued several live CDs of music that the pastor said were "Contemporary Praise and Worship" music.

The Hammock Road sanctuary still presents hymns, and for one musical selection, the worship team even recited the Lord's Prayer in verse.

The catchy background melodies would be right at home during an REO Speed Wagon, Carpenters or Barry Manilow concert.

But instead of addressing lost love or dreaming of superstardom, these musicians sing exclusively about Christianity.

After 35 years as a pastor at Fellowship Church, Bengtson is set to retire next year after embracing technology and changing the way parishioners worship and learn about Christ.

The tennis player and avid bass fisherman said, "While our methods changed to reach more people," the church never "compromised the teachings of the Bible."

As part of the church's mission, and not just on Sundays, but all week long, parishioners meet in small fellowship groups at their homes and at the church to study the Bible.

"We need to reach people and grow them up," said Bengtson. "We moved into the electronic age. We use the methods of this age."

But not just the music has changed at Fellowship Church. Bengtson works harder to give the congregation "a sense of belonging."

"We treat people as if they are important, valued and not a commodity." said Bengtson. "And we tried to address the needs of today's society."

Other changes include the use of overhead screens to post announcements, rather than conventional paper church bulletins.

The father of four, and grandfather of eight, works hard to bring families into the fold.

"If you don't change, you die or shrivel up and stop existing," said Bengtson.

Bengtson joined nine worshippers in a home, 35 years ago. He said he never "lived in sin," heard the call of the Lord when he was 7 years old and married his high school sweetheart, Yetta Ruth Weyant.

The Fellowship congregants spent five years holding services at the Sebring High School Band Room until the move to a four-acre site on Hammock Road, then surrounded by palmettos and scrub oaks, 28 years ago.

Three building drives later and Bengtson happily said the spacious sanctuary is paid off.

The man said he acts a pastor, councilor, administrator, visionary, janitor, a visitor to accident scenes, jails and hospitals, plus a comforter and friend.

There have been trials and tough times, including personal financial woes; his wife suffered form cancer; he underwent open heart surgery and there was division in the church.

"I know God put me in the ministry and the prayers of the people have sustained me for 35 years," said Bengtson. "I'm where I'm supposed to be. I wouldn't change anything."

When retirement comes, Bengtson said he will spend more time with his children and grand children, travel the United States, rest in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia and continue to serve the Lord wherever he is sent.