Weekly Update – April 23rd, 2026
Last Sunday, we had an opportunity to witness the baptism of Braydon Cromwell. Braydon’s wife, Rachel, joined our church a few months ago, and since then, we many have been praying for her husband to come to know the Lord. The Lord answered our prayers, opened Braydon’s eyes to see the truth of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 4:6) and saved him from his sins. Therefore, his next step was to publicly profess his faith through baptism. With that said, let me highlight why this event was so significant on Sunday.
First, the bapitzer. For the first time in 11 1/2 years someone else besides me conducted a baptism. It was a joy on my end to witness this event with you all on Sunday and watch the fruit of what God was doing, not only in Braydon’s baptism, but in someone else baptizing. In this case, Daniel Holsten was the one who conducted the baptism. As we consider leadership within our church, each elder serves the body as a shepherd. Therefore, together, the elders have the privilege and the responsibility to lead and care for the church. At the same time, each elder has equal authority before the church. This displays itself through preaching, teaching, praying, but also in baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
Second, for every baptism, we ask the person being baptized to share their testimony. This is not only so that you might be able to get to know the person about to go under, but so we might together affirm their faith in Christ and rejoice in God’s work of salvation. Having a testimony shared also allows a clear presentation of the gospel to any potential unbeliever who might be present. In fact, any of us who profess Christ should have a clear testimony so that we might be ready at any moment to share with others about Christ and how he redeems us from our sins (1 Pet. 3:15).
Third, when Braydon shared his testimony, we, as the church, had an opportunity to affirm his faith. The reason why that is the case is because what is happening in baptism is not merely a group of us watching someone profess their faith in Christ, but it is the church participating as it commits to walk beside the person being baptized. In other words, baptism is not an individual act, which is why we don’t baptize people on a Tuesday by themselves, or in their bathtub at home. Baptism is a public act, performed in front of the gathered church, as the person being baptized is officially “initiated” into the people of God.
Fourth, baptism ought to be done in connection with membership to the church. If in baptism, the church is affirming the testimony of the person being baptized, and the person being baptized is “initiated” into the people of God, the next logical step is membership in that local church. In fact, we see this pattern in Acts 2:41 which says, “So those who received the word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” In other words, those in Jerusalem heard the word preached, were changed, baptized, and then added into the membership of the church. They were immediately added into the membership of the church because the best way to commit to the faith of a newly baptized believer is to do so in a covenanted relationship.
Everything we do at First Baptist Church is done with a purpose. The way the word is preached, the songs that we sing, the prayers that are prayed, the scriptures that are read, and even the way we witness baptisms. There is a reason and a biblical precedent behind it all. At the same time, we don’t take any aspect of what we do lightly either. For we believe that as the gospel is communicated and displayed, God is at work to bring transformation to all who see and hear.
Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson
Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson
Fighter Verse for the Week
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night."
- Psalm 1:1-2
Announcements:
Game Night: Our monthly game night is Friday, April 24th from 7:00-9:00pm. invite a friend to come with you and bring your favorite game and/or snack.
Youth Dessert Auction: We will hold a Dessert Auction from 6:00-7:30pm on Sunday, April 26th. This auction will be a fundraiser to help send the youth to summer camp. Everyone is invited to bring a dessert to auction and to bid on a dessert. For more details and to sign up, look at the bulletin board in the hallway.
Thursday Night Worship Jam: Do you play an instrument or sing? Everyone is invited to come play or sing during this informal time of worship held at 6:30pm on the last Thursday of each month. See Martin Maharas for details.
Harry’s Hay Days: On Saturday, May 2nd, from 10:00am-4:00pm, First Baptist Church will be participating in the citywide festival called, “Harry’s Hay Days.” We will be hosting carnival games, face painters, balloon artists, and more, right here in our parking lot. We need lots of volunteers. Put this date on your calendar and look for a sign up sheet in the hall. You can find out more information about Harry’s Hay Days HERE.
Parent/Child Dedication: On Sunday, May 10th, we will have a parent/child dedication during our morning service. This is a time for parents to affirm their commitment to raise their child in the Lord (Eph. 6:4), as well as the church to affirm their commitment to invest and encourage parents as well as pray for their child to one day know the Lord. If you have had a child born in the last several months and you would like to take part in this dedication, email michael@firstbaptistgrandview.org
Membership Matters Class: Beginning Sunday, May 3rd, there will be a Membership Matters Class for those interested in joining FBC. This will be a 4 week class (5/3, 5/10, 5/17, 5/24), meeting at 9:15am during our Equipping/Sunday School hour. You can find out more about our membership process HERE.
Family Discipleship Guides: These guides are designed to help equip parents further engage with what our children and youth are learning. You can find a guide for AWANA, HERE and for our Youth, HERE.
Men’s Study: Our Men’s study meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday nights at 8:00-9:15pm. The book for this study will be The Case for Christ. See Clint Blankenship for more information.
Building Remodel: We have officially kicked off our fundraiser! There are commitment cards available in the sanctuary as well as in the welcome center. Feel free to pick up one and return it to one an available basket. If you would like to give a one time or a reoccurring gift, you can do so HERE and select “building remodel.” You can also give through one of the offering boxes at church. Be sure to mark your envelop, “building remodel.” Check out a video highlighting the work done so far.
Food Pantry: The food pantry is currently in need of some food items. For a complete list of food pantry needs, click HERE.
Awana Bible Club
Awana is officially on summer break. Clubs are typically held on Wednesdays throughout the school year. Dinner is at 6:00pm with Awana Clubs starting at 6:30pm. Children can be registered HERE.
Equipping Hour
We have three classes held at 9:15am on Sunday mornings. “Habits of the Household” meets in the Sanctuary, a study in Hebrews in the Fellowship Hall, and a Ladies’ class studying the Old Testament meets in the classroom next to the nursery. You can find more information HERE.
Giving
To Give Online, Go HERE.
You can also mail your offering to: 1416 Main Street, Grandview, MO. 64030
Home Groups
Home Groups typically meet on the first and third Sunday of each month. Please contact Pastor Michael if you would like to join a Home Group. You can find more information HERE.
Prayer
An updated Prayer Guide can be accessed HERE.
Prepare for Sunday
Guide for Worship can be found HERE.
Worship Service
Worship Service begins at 10:30am on Sunday mornings. Nursery care for children ages 0-4 years is available during the worship hour.
Livestream
Continue to join us at 10:30am on Sunday mornings.
YouTube: HERE.
Join us and invite a friend or family member to watch with you.
Sunday School
Children and Youth Sunday School take place at 9:15am on Sunday mornings.
Ages 0-2 and 3–k meet in the nursery suite.
Grades 1-2nd meet upstairs in U-5.
Grades 3rd-6th meet upstairs in U-6.
Grades 7th-12th meet downstairs in the youth room.