Backseat drivers

                    

Just shy of seven years ago, Destiny Worship Center, formerly Abundant Life Church of South Walton, opened its doors to this community. This vision brought excitement and the hope of a promise fulfilled to my heart, but right on its heels haunted apprehension and thoughts of inability. One thing I have learned in life, whether in watching my toddler take his first step, or my teen taking the position behind the wheel, each step is a step of faith, and with faith, doubt desires to ride in the backseat… along with its backseat driving!
Reflecting back, some seven years ago, there were those who spoke doubt, attempting to drive from the backseat yet never willing to take the responsibility of the wheel. My husband and I had to see beyond comments that labeled our community.
People asked us, “Why are you starting a church in Destin/South Walton? They are only concerned about their condos and money.” These forms of prejudice forced us to see through God’s eyes, not the eyes of others. We chose to believe that the people of South Walton had a heart for God rather than money, extravagant lifestyles and multiple homes. Thank God that we didn’t listen to the prejudices of others, but rather saw for ourselves an awesome people living in a beautiful community. Today, these people that we pastor are some of the most gracious, generous and passionate people we have ever met. Man might look on the outside, but God looks on the heart. There is no better view than being in the driver’s seat.
Two weeks ago, Destiny Worship Center expanded its vision to Freeport, Fla., taking yet another step of faith. This time, however, we had to have a different kind of faith. Rather than being the ones to start the campus, we had to raise up a team, and trust what we had modeled for them would enable them to succeed on their own. I guess this is how grandparents feel. (Not that I am in a hurry to experience that in my family just yet.) It was extremely rewarding to stand on the sidelines and coach, encouraging the team with, “You can do it; you can reach this community for Jesus.”
In starting a campus in Freeport, we had to again focus beyond the labels of a community and hear the heart of God. Freeport, like Destin/South Walton some seven years ago, is at the threshold of unimaginable growth. It’s like the potential a mother sees in her child to take those first steps, knowing that a whole new world awaits; Freeport is on the cusp. It is a community full of engaging people who are warm and welcoming. We know first-hand, for we have been so warmly received in this community.
Diversity has been the strength of our church, and I also believe will be the strength of this new campus. Our new campus might look different, sound a bit different and even minister differently, but isn’t diversity a good thing? Didn’t Paul say in the book of Corinthians that the Holy Spirit is diverse, and He manifests in different ways, through different gifts and through different people? The uniqueness of the Holy Spirit is to take so many of us and make us one. We sometimes forget that He called us to make disciples, not clones.
At our new campus, there have already been opportunities for me and my husband to “steer from the backseat.” As we stop and consider those who lead might do things differently, they are still in the same vehicle with us, going in the same direction, toward the same destination.  Just make sure you’re in the car!
Jackie Vaggalis, wife of Destiny Worship Center’s senior pastor, Steve Vaggalis, is the mother of two boys, and her hobbies are shopping, golf and spending time with her family. She can be reached at jackie@destinyworship.com