What does true, long-term obedience look like over decades of ministry, and how do you stay open when God asks you to pivot?
This week on Off Script, Neil sits down with long-time Southland team member Mike "Vandee" Vandemark to reflect on 70 years of Southland's ministry. Vandee shares his 28-year personal journey from playing drums at college ministry to overseeing multiple departments across the church, offering a front-row seat to how Southland has evolved while staying anchored to its core mission. Together, they discuss the danger of taking spiritual shortcuts, the power of trusting leaders who see potential in you, and how an attitude of availability can transform a simple life decision into a lasting legacy.
What we discuss
- Vandee’s origin story at Southland: playing drums for the "Encounter" college service to leading music, production, and facilities
- Reflecting on Southland’s 70-year history and the constant flexibility of methods while keeping the Gospel mission unchanged
- Conversations with former senior minister Wayne Smith about reaching central Kentucky
- Why avoiding shortcuts in ministry means choosing long-term obedience and flexibility over "the way we’ve always done it"
- How Gary Black's perspective on video tools shaped Neil's heart for ministry 15 years ago
- A life-changing conversation with Vandy's dad about stepping into leadership and trusting trusted mentors
- Overcoming the fear of stepping outside your comfort zone to step into unexpected "God moments"
- Reencountering a man in Richmond whose life was impacted by a simple parking lot prayer two decades ago