Weekly Update – September 24th, 2026
In order for the lost all around the world to come to Christ, missions must be a priority. That is probably not a shocking statement, especially to those of us who have been a part of a “missions-minded” or a “missions-giving” church for any amount of time. The ultimate problem around the world is that God is not worshipped and honored as he ought to be and missions is the only means by which those without Christ will hear of his gospel, leading them to worship our God and king for all eternity.
But missions is not only crucial for the life of the world. It is also crucial for the life of the church. J. Campbell White has an article in Perspectives on the World Christian Movement, titled “The Layman’s Missionary Movement” where he says this:
The effort to evangelize the world presents the speediest and surest methods of saving the Church. Our material resources are so stupendous that we are in danger of coming to trust in riches than in God. “If a man is growing large in wealth, nothing but constant giving can keep him from growing small in soul.” The evangelization of the world is the only enterprise large enough and important enough to provide adequate outlet for the church’s wealth.
What this means is that not only does missions bring the saving truth of Jesus Christ to those who have never heard of him, but it also mobilizes the church towards something greater than inward ministries that serve itself. In response to the above quote, John Piper in his book titled, Don’t Waste Your Life, said, “We will perish with our wealth if we do not pour ourselves out in ministries of mercy at home and missions among the unreached peoples.”
This truth about missions and the church ties directly with The Great Commission. The Great Commission calls us to, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I (Jesus) have commanded you….” (Matt. 28:19-20). The imperative, “Go” is clear and we often interpret this very literally as “Go” in the sense that we need to go out to all the nations and share the good news of Christ. This is very true. But I would argue, as would many others, that the word “Go” is not simply a command that tells us to only “Go”. No, this command is better interpreted to mean, “as you go”, or “when you go.” So then, if The Great Commission is given to us beginning with the phrase, “As you go” instead of merely “Go” then we have an entirely new dynamic to consider.
That means that The Great Commission is not fulfilled through merely encouraging overseas missions, giving a few dollars to mission’s campaigns and praying for missionaries. Now, don’t get me wrong here, we should be doing all of these things. But, if that is all that we do, then we may not be helping fulfill The Great Commission. I would argue that The Great Commission is a call given to all Christians and is to be fulfilled by all Christians in a very active way. Yes, we should be active in sending missionaries, and serving in mercy ministries here at home, but perhaps we need to think a bit more intentionally about where we “go.” On the one hand we should “go” to our friends, family and neighbors, but on the other hand, we should seek to “go” to the uttermost parts of the world.
This Sunday, we will hear from International Mission Board missionaries, Daniel and Marlalee Watson. As we listen, consider their context, how we might pray, encourage and support, but also, consider if the Lord might be calling you to “go” to the nations. Not only is missions how we will ultimately fulfill the Great Commission, but it is how we will continue to mobilize our church towards something greater than ourselves. Our vision is to see not only our families and community transformed, to which we will continue to serve actively in fulfilling. But we also desire to see our world transformed by the power of God. All of this, is for as Habakkuk 2:14 says, the goal of seeing the whole earth filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. Join us this Sunday as we hear of God’s work among the nations.
Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson
Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson
Fighter Verse for the Week
..."My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. [For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.]"
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Announcements:
IMB Missionaries: This Sunday, the Watson’s will be with us to share about their mission in Thailand. Daniel Watson will then preach for us from 1 Timothy 1:3-11.
All Church Picnic: Our end of summer church picnic is scheduled for 5pm on Sunday, September 27th, at Mapleview Park. Truw Oquendo will be smoking brisket for us. Bring a side or dessert to share.
Ladies’ Night: On September 29th, from 5:00-9:00pm the ladies will be having dinner and attending Beholding Christ, with Nancy Guthrie at Ascend Church in Olathe, KS. Tickets are $10. See the bulletin board in the hall to sign up.
Membership Matters Class: Beginning Sunday, September 20th, there will be a Membership Matters Class for those interested in joining FBC. This will be a 4-week class (9/20, 9/27, 10/4, 10/11), meeting at 9:15am during our Equipping/Sunday School hour. You can find out more about our membership process HERE.
Fall Festival: On Saturday, October 31st from 5:00-7:00pm, we will host a fall festival at the church. We will have trunk or treat, bounce house, chili, hot dogs, dessert, hot chocolate and a fire pit. Help us fill up our candy barrel before the event, and sign up in the hall to help on that night.
Men’s Retreat: On Friday, November 6th – Saturday, November 7th we will host our 3rd Men’s Retreat at God’s Mountain Camp. Cost will be $45. Sign up in the hall today! You can pay HERE. Make sure to select “men’s ministry” when you do.
Missouri Missions Offering: Every year, along with nearly 1,800 other churches, our church partners to pray and give concerning the Lord’s work in our state. The statewide goal is $825,000 this year. Our church goal is $1500. I hope that you will consider praying and giving to this effort throughout this month. As with your normal offering, you can give in person, by mail or online. Just mark MMO when you do give. Check out more information about this effort 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.
Discipleship Training: There is a new adult study on Wednesday nights. The study is over the topic of Christian Ethics. Join us from 6:45-8:00pm
Ladies’ Bible Study: There will be a 9-week study of Romans by Courtney Doctor starting on September 8th. Morning and evening sessions are each Tuesday for 9 weeks.
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 Matthew Klika for more information.
Building Remodel: If you would like to give to our remodel fund, there are commitment cards available 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 Clubs are 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. “A Survey in Church History” meets in the Sanctuary, a study in Isaiah 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.
Wednesday Evening Activities
Awana, Youth Group, and Discipleship Training are on Wednesday evenings. We will share a meal in the Faith Center Gym at 6:00pm before heading to classes at 6:30pm.
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.