Our Staff

Pastor Steve Ware

Born April 5, 1953 in Greenville, South Carolina to Arthur and Lillian Ware, Dr. Ware graduated from Parker High School in 1971.  He married his high school sweetheart, Brenda Kay Keller on May 23, 1972. The Lord has blessed them with four children, Chris, Faith, Jeremy and Kelly. Called into the Lord’s service shortly after he accepted Christ as his personal Savior in 1973, he began attending Tabernacle Bible College in Greenville, South Carolina. In 1981, his older brother Dr. Bob Ware called him to come to Orlando, Florida and work with the Tabernacle "Super Seniors".  He received his Bachelor of Science in Bible Degree in 1984 and Doctor of Divinity Degree in 1989 from Heritage College.In 1998 Dr. Bob Ware resigned from TBC and upon his recommendation and a 100% church vote, Dr. Steve Ware became our Pastor.  The ministry has continued to reach souls for Jesus Christ under Pastor Steve's leadership.

Bro. Markus Secrist Assistant Pastor

Markus and Kelly Secrist returned to Tabernacle Baptist on January 4, 2010. Kelly grew up here at Tabernacle and attended Heritage Prep. Markus, being from Mount Lookout, West Virginia, is enjoying sharing his southern hospitality to all in Orlando. Both are recent graduates of Crown College in Powell, Tennessee, with Bachelors in Youth Ministry and Music Education. They are leading the Super Seniors program and praying the Lord will allow them to see it grow to 100 Senior Adults. Markus is supervising the Bus ministry and directing the junior aged children. Kelly is our church pianist, works as the Pastor's secretary and teaches violin and piano lessons.  They are glad to back in Orlando, Florida, serving in  God's will for their lives. Please pray for them as they lead in these different areas of our church's ministry. 

Bro. Allan de Souza Music Director

A Brazilian native, Allan de Souza came to the United States to study Sacred Music at Pensacola Christian college. As a young adult, he dedicated his life to serve as a music director. Bringing glory to God through music is his desire. Allan is happily married to Cassandra, and enjoy their two daughters Julianna and Jordanna. Tabernacle offers many opportunities for musicians to be involved in serving Christ such as the Christmas and Easter cantatas, adult choir, and the orchestra. At Heritage Preparatory School (a ministry of Tabernacle Baptist Church), Allan teaches recorder class to first through sixth grade students. Christmas is an exciting time for parents and students alike at HPS with the children's Christmas cantata. One of Allan's favorite verses in the Bible reads, "I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth." Psalms 34:1

Mrs. Rebecca Ritchie Financial Director

Mrs. Ritchie was born in Manila, Phillippines. She met her husband through a friend, while in the Philippines, and began corresponding with him in letters. When she came to the United States she married the man she had been corresponding with. Later they began to attend TBC and was saved and baptized in 1982.  She began working for Tabernacle in the financial department right away. In 1987, she became Financial Director and is an indispensable asset to our ministry here at TBC. Mrs. Ritchie is celebrating 28 years of serving the Lord at TBC. Mrs. Ritchie is also a member of our TBC orchestra playing the violin. She received her B.S. from Adamson University in Manila, Philippines. She has two children, Candice and Joseph; as well as two grandchildren. Mrs. Ritchie is looking forward to the new addition to her family as her son Joseph is getting married. We thank the Lord for Mrs. Rebecca Ritchie and her ministry at TBC.

Bro. Billie Evans Maintenance Supervisor

Bro. Evans is a "Jack of all Trades" and a great blessing to the ministries of TBC. He began doing small piece mill jobs in 1992 and worked his way to full-time employment in 1994. He is faithful to his bus route every Sunday morning and teaches the third grade boys Sunday School class. The Pastor has stated that "Bro. Evans is the most important man to the ministry of TBC. People may excuse the Pastor if he preaches a poor sermon and say he had a bad day. However, the people will not excuse a dirty facility." He is responsible to maintain the 62,000 sq. ft. of building and the 8 acres of grounds. He is married to a wonderful lady, Susie. Mrs. Evans helps in our Super Senior program by driving every friday. They togther have several children and are thrilled to be grandparents. Bro. Billie is always cheerful and willing to tell anyone about Jesus. He has a true servants heart. TBC is thankful to have a great Christian man like Bro. Billie Evans as a member, trustee and employee for the last 16 years.

Bro. Lloyd Elliott High School Administrator

Bro. Lloyd Elliott and his beautiful wife Becky moved back to TBC in August of 2008. Bro. Elliott  is the High School princpal. His wife teaches spanish to the elementary and high school. She enjoys teaching the children in whatever classroom and subject. The Elliotts are faithful members of TBC and enjoy helping anywhere possible. God has given Bro. and Sister Elliott a tender heart for young people and the talent to work with them in this Administrative capacity. The Elliotts have 5 children and are happy grandparents. We are glad the Elliotts serve at TBC and HPS to give the Gospel in all aspects of our ministry.

Dr. Barbara Stewart HPS Elementary Principal

Dr. Barbara Stewart is celebrating 32 years working at Heritage Prep School and Tabernacle Baptist Church! She received both her B.S. and M.A. from Liberty University. Her doctorate is from Freedom University. We can't figure out if she is a true patriot or just a free spirit. Dr. Stewart has served at Heritage Prep since 1978. She is the Preschool and Elementary principal. Dr. Stewart truly loves Heritage Prep, her students, and the Lord. She is a professional who continually updates her skills through attending classes and seminars to better serve the students, staff, and community. Dr. Stewart also serves in the church as our chruch organist and teaches the teen girls sunday school class. She is a master teacher as she can take a lesson and make it applicable to any age and situation. We love Dr. Stewart and the ministry she has at TBC and HPS.