Bluewater Bay Campus eLetter
From our Associate Pastor
Can you believe Easter is just around the corner? It seems like Christmas was only just last week. Time sure flies, especially when you lose an hour of Daylight Saving Time! During this busy season, I wanted to take a moment and introduce myself. I’m Mike Vlk, and I’ve been attending Crosspoint on and off since 1997, whenever the Air Force stationed us nearby. Since retiring, my wife Rachel and I have been here in the Niceville area for about five years, and I’ve been a part of Crosspoint as the Associate Executive Pastor and a lay leader. I’m excited to participate in a new role as Associate Campus Pastor here at Bluewater Bay!
As for my background, I grew up in the Chicago suburbs and joined the Air Force after college. I met Rachel while she was serving as an Air Force nurse. During our careers, we had been stationed at Eglin, Duke, and Hurlburt, among other locations around the world. But regardless of where we were assigned, we always felt that Niceville was home for us. When I accepted my final assignment, Rachel and I promised our two daughters that we’d stay put until they finished high school. I retired in 2013, and as promised, we stuck around San Antonio until our youngest graduated in 2019. Our eldest daughter, Kira, attended Texas A&M and is now a middle school teacher in the Dallas area. Kylie, the younger, graduated from FSU and is now at Texas Tech, earning her master’s degree in Athletic Training. Having become empty-nesters, we jumped at the chance to move back to Niceville!
Since my retirement, I finally responded to God’s calling and entered the ministry. I served as an Associate Pastor at Schertz United Methodist Church in Texas for four years and completed my classes to be licensed as a local pastor. After moving to Niceville and joining Crosspoint on staff, I assisted Sam Brown with the Freeport campus to get it up and running and then helped the church navigate through our COVID response and recovery. I had the opportunity to return to government service as an engineer at Eglin, but after a few years, I couldn’t shake God’s calling to ministry. So, Crosspoint graciously allowed me to return on staff in this new role.
One of the things I love about Crosspoint is its focus on making disciples—a calling every one of us has as Christ-followers. And I love how we provide so many tools and programs to learn how to do that. We are a replicating, multiplying church, helping God grow his kingdom! If you’re like me and can’t seem to shake God’s calling you to serve, I invite you to check out the Crosspoint App or our website and explore Life Groups, mission trips, ministries, serving opportunities, and all that’s available and waiting for you! There’s something for everyone of every age to share their love and get connected.
I’m thrilled to be on staff at Bluewater Bay, and I hope you’ll pull Rachel and me aside and introduce yourself when you see us around campus!
I look forward to meeting you!
Mike Vlk
Associate PASTOR
mvlk@crosspoint.church
(850) 678-4411 ext. 227
crosspoint.church