You’re driving down South Dale Mabry on a Sunday morning. If you aren't paying attention, you might miss it. But then you see the crowds. It’s a lot of people. Like, a lot.
Radiant Church South Tampa has basically become a local phenomenon over the last decade. It didn't start with a massive building or some corporate takeover of the local religious scene. It started in a movie theater. Specifically, the Britton Cinema in Britton Plaza back in 2013.
Most people expect a church in South Tampa to be, well, traditional. Stained glass. Pews. Maybe a bit stiff? Radiant is the polar opposite. It’s loud. There are lights. The music feels more like a concert than a choir rehearsal. Honestly, for some people, that’s exactly why they love it. For others, it’s a bit of a culture shock.
The Vibe and the Move
If you've been around the neighborhood lately, you’ve probably heard the news. After twelve years of setting up and tearing down at Britton Plaza, the church finally made a massive move. Just this January 2026, they officially bought the old iHeart Media property on Gandy Boulevard.
It's a big deal.
The Britton Plaza site is slated for demolition, and for a long time, it seemed like the South Tampa location was destined to be a "nomadic" church forever. Finding real estate in this part of town is a nightmare. But they snagged 4002 Gandy Blvd. Construction is starting soon. This marks a shift from being a "pop-up" style gathering to a permanent fixture in the South Tampa skyline.
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What actually happens on a Sunday?
Walking in can feel a bit like entering a high-end tech lobby. It’s organized. You’ve got the "Dream Team"—that’s what they call their volunteers—everywhere in matching shirts. They’re smiling. They’re handing out coffee. It’s very... intentional.
The service usually kicks off with high-energy worship. If you aren't into loud music, you might want to grab some earplugs (they often provide them). After the music, you get the message.
Lead Pastor Aaron Burke is usually the one on stage here. While Radiant has about 12 locations now across Tampa Bay, the South Tampa spot is the "broadcast" campus. This means Aaron is actually there, in the flesh, and his sermon is beamed via live stream to the other campuses in Heights, St. Pete, and beyond.
He’s a good speaker. Relatable. Funny. He wrote a book called The Unfair Advantage, and his style is very much "here is how this ancient text actually helps you not lose your mind at work on Monday."
Community or Franchise?
There is a lot of talk online—especially on places like Reddit—about whether Radiant is a "real" community or just a "franchise mega-church." It’s a fair question. When a church gets this big this fast, it can feel a little corporate.
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Some critics argue that the focus on production and "putting butts in seats" takes away from the personal touch. One reviewer mentioned that as the church grew, it felt harder to get actual help when things got tough.
But then you talk to the people who have been there for years. They'll tell you about "Groups."
Small Groups are the "Real" Church
Basically, the Sunday service is the "show," but the Groups are where the actual life happens. They have groups for everything:
- Foundations: This is for the "I have no idea what I believe" crowd.
- RYA (Radiant Young Adults): A massive group for the 18-30 crowd. They meet on the third Thursday of the month for "RYA Night."
- Business Leaders: For the South Tampa entrepreneurs who want to network without it being weird.
- Missions: They are big on "Go Global" trips. In 2026, they’ve got teams headed to Indonesia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka.
It's not just about sitting in a dark room once a week. They do a lot of "21 Days of Prayer and Fasting" events—usually in January and August. It’s a bit intense for the casual observer, but for the members, it’s a way to reset.
The Kid Situation
If you have kids, you know the struggle of trying to listen to a 35-minute talk while a toddler tries to eat your shoes. Radiant Church South Tampa puts a massive emphasis on "Radiant Kids."
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It’s not just a babysitting service. They have actual classrooms, security check-ins that feel like TSA (in a good way), and even specialized support for kids with autism or ADHD. For a lot of parents in South Tampa, this is the "killer app" that keeps them coming back. They know their kids are safe and actually having fun, which lets the parents breathe for an hour.
Why it Matters Now
South Tampa is changing. It's getting more expensive, more crowded, and—honestly—more lonely. People are looking for connection.
Whether you love the mega-church vibe or think the lights are a bit much, you can't deny the impact. They recently helped with Hurricane Milton relief, using an app to coordinate volunteers for serving projects. They aren't just tucked away in a building; they're active.
Is it right for you?
Honestly, it depends.
- Go if: You like modern music, want a professional kids' program, and prefer a "come as you are" dress code (jeans are the norm).
- Skip if: You want a small, traditional service with a pipe organ and 50 people who all know your grandmother's name.
The growth hasn't been without its growing pains. Some people feel the "broadcast" model is a bit cold. Others find the "Dream Team" a bit too "on." But the numbers don't lie. Thousands of people in South Tampa call this place home.
Practical Next Steps
If you're thinking about checking it out, don't just show up at 11:00 AM.
- Arrive early: Aim for 20 minutes before the service. Parking at the current site (and soon the Gandy site) can be a bit of a scramble.
- Use the "Serve" App: If you want to see what they actually do in the city, download their app. It lists local projects like food drives or disaster relief.
- Try an Open House: Instead of just lurking in the back, they host "Open House" events where you can actually meet the staff and ask the hard questions about where the money goes and what they believe.
- Check the Calendar: If you're a young adult, skip the Sunday service first and hit up an RYA Night. It’s a different vibe and much easier to meet people your own age.
The move to Gandy Blvd is going to change things again. It’s a permanent stake in the ground. For Radiant Church South Tampa, the movie theater days are over, but the "movement" part seems like it’s just getting started.