Spirituality is alive and well in South Walton

Even though this area is known for its wine connoisseurs and well-heeled bars, according to area pastors, the local churches are also thriving.

Ronnie McBrayer, pastor of A Simple Faith in Seagrove, said things are going well at his church in the few months time it has been established.

"We haven't set any growth records but certainly haven't set out to do so. We have between 60 and 100 each week in worship. From a spiritual perspective, the church is doing quite well as we try to re-imagine church as an intentional community that seeks only to worship God, follow Christ and serve the world," he said.

Just a few blocks away is Seaside Chapel, located in the resort town of Seaside. Pastor Jeff Miller said attendance at the chapel continues to grow.

"During the holiday weekend, we had more people in attendance outside in our tent and courtyard than were able to sit inside the chapel. The chapel and our tent were both full on Christmas Eve as well," said Miller.

"We have a committed base of believers at the Chapel who care very deeply for God, and who are committed to the welfare of this community on every level," he said.

In addition to Sunday worship, the Chapel offers a Bible Study on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m.

In Santa Rosa Beach, parishioners at Good News United Methodist have recently completed a new sanctuary and worship center for its congregation, which grew by 20 percent last year.

GNUMC sponsors a healthy list of events, activities and Bible studies during the week that are centered on its purpose of "going into the community (and the world) with God's Good News, gather people together to experience God's work here, grow in knowledge and love of God and give of ourselves and the good things God has given us."

"We do all of this to glorify God," said pastor Randy Greene, who expects the church's growth to accelerate in 2008.

"The growth in numbers is good but we desire to see spiritual growth in our people during the coming year," said Greene.

The church is kicking the year off with a church-wide Wednesday night Bible study on the Purpose Driven Church by Rick Warren.

"Our goals for this study will be to unify under our purpose statement and inform every congregational member about the organization and function of our church. We want everyone to know how and why we can be agents doing God's work near the beaches of South Walton," said Greene.

"I believe the people in South Walton County are seeking and searching. I believe this because it is the most powerful aspect of human nature to seek God. The historical questions about why and how all trace their way back to the creation and to the Creator. I get the modern version of these questions every day. Why am I still here? How does God work? Is he interested in regular people like me? Why is there evil in the world? Can the church be relevant? How can I do something that really makes a difference? Can I learn about God? These are questions that result from being human and from being inspired and infused with a spirit and soul."

At the west end of the county, Destiny Worship Center's director of operations, John Benaquis, said his church also offers a plethora of opportunities, including Sunday morning Ladies Bible Study, Hebrew Roots, Financial Peace University, Sign Language, Christian Entrepreneur, Every Man's Battle, A Daughters Worth, and Celebrate Recovery.

"Our church is growing at a very rapid pace," said Benaquis. "We feel people in Walton County are searching for God and are looking for something different and relevant to their lives. There are a lot of people here that love God and this area is more spiritual minded than many might think."