After the horrifying events at Douglas high school in 2018, Pastor Steve Daigle and other Parkland friends began a group Bible study in an effort to comfort members of the community, giving them hope and building their faith. That small group grew into a regular meeting at Westglades middle school, moved on to a hotel, movie theater, and finally culminated in him praying for a larger venue while he was in line at Chick-fil-A at the north east corner of Wiles and 441. He noticed a space for rent in the nearby plaza, and felt that God may be opening a door. Affiliated with Calvary Chapel, Fort Lauderdale, Steve is the pastor of one of the 10 campuses connected to it. After receiving the go ahead, he and his church gladly filled the space and continue to grow to more than several hundred attendees every weekend.
A happily married father of four children, Steve is also busy with a managerial position at Bank of America, and is on the board of 4KIDS South Florida. He and his wife, Kim, are both passionate about fostering children and finding loving homes for those who have been displaced.
The church follows the Calvary doctrine, teaching the Bible verse by verse and chapter by chapter. People worldwide have been impacted by this style of ministry. In fact, Steve himself came to know the Lord Jesus Christ because of his twin brother’s encouragement and attendance at Calvary Chapel, Fort Lauderdale. After getting more and more involved with his faith, he met Kim, who also attended the same campus.
Thrilled with the way the church has grown in just five years, Steve is encouraged that people from every corner of the world have made it their home church and grown to be grateful for it. Sam is one of those people. He tells us, “I’ve been a Christian since I was young, but after high school, my walk with God grew cold when I moved away from my church community. My business partner invited me to Calvary Chapel and, as my wife joined a Bible study, that study grew into our spiritual home we call Calvary Chapel, Parkland. Soon after, our son gave his life to Christ, and I went from just attending church to finding my passion and calling in youth ministry. Now, with Christ at the center of everything we do, our lives have been completely transformed.”
Calvary Chapel Parkland also shares its space with another Calvary campus, Calvary Chapel Espanol, taught and ministered by Pastor Jose Llamas every Saturday at 6 PM and 8 PM. Furthermore, from their youth and children’s ministry, small groups that serve many interests, and more opportunities, the church facilitates many outreaches that include hospital visits, benevolence, supporting overseas ministries, and involvement with 4KIDS. Calvary Chapel Parkland is focused on changing lives. Steve also expresses his heartfelt gratitude to the women and men who volunteer and are part of the church’s staff. The ever humble and kind Pastor is very grateful for his blessings, as well as the blessings that he sees happening daily in those whose lives have changed as a result of their attendance at the little church that became a very big blessing to a thankful community.
To get connected to a diverse group of people who have a love for their church family and Jesus Christ, please feel welcome to attend a service. www.calvaryftl.org/parkland
