Pastor Claypool was born again at age 17 as a member of Bay Lake Baptist Church. He has been in the gospel ministry for over 25 years. He began that ministry in 1995 attending Florida Baptist College where he received an associate degree in Bible Languages and Theology. He has continued his education over the years while pastoring, he received a Bible degree from Faith Bible Institute. He has served as senior pastor over the past 23 years at various churches in Florida and Louisiana. His ministry here at Central Missionary Baptist Church began in 2012. Pastor Claypool has served as an instructor at Emmaus Baptist College and Westwood School of Hillsborough County. He and his wife Shannon have been happily married for over thirty-four years and have raised three children of their own, who now have their own families are the proud grandparents of six and soon to be seven grandchildren.

Pastor Claypool preaches and teaches from the King James Bible Emphasizing that when God gave us his word, “He said what He meant, and He meant what He said.” Pastor Claypool does not try to give an interpretation of the Bible, but simply gives God’s Word as it is, to God’s people as they are. It’s been said that a church takes on the characteristics of her pastor. One of the prevailing characteristics of this church is its genuine love and kindness to each other and anyone who walks through our doors. Pastor Claypool loves this church and the people in it. He makes it a point to try and greet every individual who walks through our doors and to make them feel welcome and have a desire to come again.

Brothers John, Damon, Bob and Sister Sandy make up the four singers of the Believers Quartet.  Accompanying them in music Brother Don on guitar and Sister Doreene on piano.

Ladies who have lost a spouse, meet for sisterly fellowship. For more information, please contact Sister Dale Adams at 813-777-4159.