Mission Grove Church Podcast

We tend to measure influence by followers, platforms, and applause. But Jesus measures influence differently. He looked at ordinary people on a hillside and said, "You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world." In Matthew 5:13–16, Jesus reminds us that the way we live should point to the God we love. We're called to be salt that preserves, purifies, flavors, and creates thirst—and light that reveals, guides, and shines.

In the opening message of What If Jesus Was Right? Rethinking How Life Works, we begin with one of the most familiar—and most challenging—passages in Scripture: (Matthew 5:1–12) the Beatitudes. Jesus describes a “blessed” life in ways that can seem almost upside down: humility instead of self-sufficiency, hunger for righteousness instead of getting what we want, mercy instead of keeping score, peacemaking instead of winning, and hope even when following Him comes at a cost.

What do you do when something is growing faster than the way you've always done things? In Acts 6, the early church was growing—and that growth created new challenges. Instead of resisting the strain, the church recognized that healthy growth required healthy change. They raised up leaders, strengthened their capacity, and made room for the church to multiply.

Maybe something broke. Maybe you're carrying more than you expected. Or maybe you're simply tired of trying to become the person you know God is calling you to be. As we wrap up our Transformed series, Jon takes us to Galatians 6 and reminds us that growth isn't always a straight line. There are gaps—between where we are and where we want to be, between our intentions and our actions, and between wanting to keep going and feeling worn out. But here's the good news: God's grace meets us in the gap.

How can I make a lasting impact on someone's faith while juggling work and family? That's what we're exploring today: what it means to be a disciple who makes disciples. You'll discover how healthy disciples multiply their faith, the difference between equipping and empowering others, and how the Holy Spirit gives you what you need to take the next step. Whether you're mentoring a friend, investing in your kids' faith, or growing in your own walk with Jesus, it starts with one name, one prayer, and one next step.

What if spiritual growth isn't just about becoming a better Christian—but becoming someone God can use to bless others? This Sunday, Pastor Jon continues our Transformed: Becoming More Like Jesus series with a look at how healthy disciples grow, serve, and produce fruit that benefits others. God has uniquely gifted every believer—not simply to receive ministry, but to participate in it. Discover how your gifts can help you grow in Christlikeness, strengthen your convictions, and build up the people around you.

Jesus never called us to have a shallow faith. He calls us to be deeply rooted in Him. This Sunday we'll discover why spiritual roots matter, what a true disciple looks like, and four practical habits that help us grow strong in our walk with Christ.

Today we're kicking off a brand-new four-week series called Transformed: Becoming More Like Jesus. We'll open up Mark 4 and look at Jesus' Parable of the Sower to discover how the condition of our hearts determines whether God's Word grows in us or gets crowded out. Along the way, we'll be reminded that the Gospel is where every transformed life begins.

Ever told yourself, "I'm not going to do that again"... and then did it anyway? If you've ever felt frustrated by your own lack of self-control, you're in good company. In this final message of our Bear Fruit series, we're exploring what the Bible says about the last fruit of the Spirit—Self-Control. The good news is that God isn't asking you to rely on sheer willpower. He's inviting you to let His Spirit produce something in you that changes the way you live from the inside out.

What does true gentleness actually look like? In a culture that often mistakes gentleness for weakness, the Bible paints a completely different picture. This week, Pastor Chad Moore continues our Bear Fruit series by showing us how Spirit-filled gentleness is a mark of every follower of Jesus—shaping the way we treat others, respond to difficult people, and receive God's Word. Join us as we discover how following the gentle heart of Jesus can transform our relationships, our witness, and our daily lives.

What does it really mean to be faithful? This week in our Bear Fruit series, we're looking at Faithfulness—the seventh fruit of the Spirit—and how God develops steadfast, dependable faith in the lives of His people. Today, Jim Kragel, brings this week's message. His wisdom, life experience, and love for God's Word make this a message you won't want to miss.

In a world that celebrates success, achievement, and appearances, what does genuine goodness actually look like? This week, Pastor Dan King explores the Fruit of the Spirit called Goodness and shows how God develops a character that goes far beyond simply being nice. Discover how the Holy Spirit transforms our hearts so we can make a lasting difference in our homes, workplaces, and communities. Join us and learn what it means to bear the fruit of true goodness.

What does it look like to reflect the kindness of Jesus in our everyday relationships? As part of our Bear Fruit series, Pastor Dave Reno explores the Fruit of the Spirit known as kindness—not merely as a random act, but as a Spirit-produced character that reveals God's heart to others. Discover how biblical kindness can transform the way you respond to family, friends, coworkers, and even difficult people. Join us for this encouraging message and see how God can grow the fruit of kindness in your life—watch now.

Why does it seem like God is taking longer than you expected to answer, provide, or move? In this message, Pastor Jon explores how biblical patience is more than simply waiting—it's trusting that God is at work even when you can't see it. If you've ever felt frustrated by delays, difficult people, or unanswered prayers, you'll find encouragement and practical wisdom from Scripture. Discover how remembering God's faithfulness in the past can help you trust Him with the present and the future. Watch now and be reminded that patience is active trust in a God who is always working.

The peace God offers is far more than the absence of conflict—it is a deep confidence and calm that comes from His presence. In a world filled with uncertainty, stress, and constant demands, the Holy Spirit produces a peace that circumstances cannot take away. Today, we'll discover how God's Spirit grows this kind of peace in our lives and how we can experience it every day. Galatians 5:22–23

Many people spend their lives chasing happiness, only to find that circumstances can take it away in a moment. But the joy that comes from God's Spirit is different—it isn't based on what's happening around us but on who is with us. In this message, we'll discover the source of true joy and learn how God enables us to find strength, hope, and contentment in every season. Join us as we explore the fruit of joy and uncover a deeper gladness that remains steady no matter what life brings.

Love is the first fruit of the Spirit because it is the foundation from which all the other fruit grows. Yet the kind of love God calls us to is far greater than a feeling or emotion—it's a reflection of His character at work within us. In this message, we'll discover how the Holy Spirit empowers us to love God, love others, and even love those who are hard to love. Join us as we explore the fruit of love and learn how God's love can transform our relationships, our attitudes, and our lives.

How do you stay spiritually grounded in a world that constantly pulls you toward distraction, discouragement, and apathy? This week in Walking with Jesus, we turn to Ephesians 6:10–20 to explore Paul's answer: the Christian life isn't passive—it's a battle that requires strength, awareness, and intentional preparation. Paul urges believers to stand firm and to put on the full armor of God so they can resist lies, temptation, and spiritual drift.

Do you ever feel like your work doesn't really matter? In Ephesians 6:5–9, we'll discover that your work is more than a paycheck or a schedule. Your work has an earthly assignment, but a heavenly calling. Whether you lead a company, work behind the scenes, stay at home with kids, or show up to school every day, God can use your everyday faithfulness to make an eternal impact.

What does a healthy home actually look like? This Sunday, Pastor Jon walks through Ephesians 6:1–4 and shows us that healthy homes don't happen by accident—they're cultivated on purpose. Like a garden, your home needs attention, intention, and care. In this message, you'll discover how children and parents both play a role in building something that lasts—and how God designed your family to be a place where faith grows and lives are shaped.

What's actually shaping your decisions—your priorities, your pace, your life? In Ephesians 5:15–16, we're told, “Look carefully then how you walk… making the best use of the time.” But if we're honest, most of us don't feel wise—we feel rushed, distracted, and stretched thin. This Sunday, Pastor Jon challenges the idea that we've run out of time and instead asks if we've lost focus. Scripture goes on to say, “Do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (v.17)—so what does that actually look like in real life? And if “what fills you forms you,” then what are you being filled with right now?

What do you do with the parts of your life you'd rather keep hidden? In Step into the Light, Pastor Jon unpacks Ephesians 5:8–14 and the tension between darkness and living in the light. Along the way, we'll see how passages like John 1:5 and Psalm 119:105 point to a better way forward—one marked by honesty, clarity, and healing. Because what stays hidden doesn't get healed—and what's brought into the light can finally change. This message walks through how light reveals what's true, begins to restore what's broken, and reshapes how we live. If you've ever felt stuck between who you are and who you want to be, this message is for you.

Discover what real love actually looks like—not as a feeling you follow, but a pattern you practice. In this message from our Walking with Jesus series through Ephesians 5-6, pastor Jon Kragel explores Ephesians 5:1–7 and uncovers how the gospel transforms the way we live, love, and lead. Set against the backdrop of Ephesus—a wealthy, influential, and spiritually confused city—this passage challenges us to walk in sacrificial love, turn away from distorted desires, and stand firm in truth. If you've ever wondered how to live out your faith in a culture that often redefines love, this message will help you take your next step toward real transformation.

It's possible to be one step away from a breakthrough and still miss it. In Luke 24, two disciples walk away from Jerusalem—confused, disappointed, and unsure of what God is doing—while Jesus Himself walks right beside them, unseen. Their story reveals a powerful truth: one of the greatest dangers in life isn't that God is far from you, but that He's near—and you don't recognize Him. This Easter message shows that Jesus meets you where you are, changes how you see through His truth, and restores your relationship with God—because when Jesus shows up, eyes open, hearts burn, and lives move in a new direction.

In this message, Pastor Jon walks through one of the most detailed and often overlooked sections of the Bible—the tabernacle—and shows how it answers that exact question. What once required layers of sacrifice, separation, and ritual has now been completely fulfilled in Jesus. Step by step, every element points to a God who didn't stay distant but made a way to come near. This isn't abstract theology—it's deeply practical for anyone who's ever wondered where they stand with God.

What do you do when God feels silent—and life doesn't slow down enough to wait? When the pressure builds and answers don't come, it's easy to reach for something else that feels more immediate, more controllable, more certain. But those substitutes often leave us more disconnected than before. This Sunday at Mission Grove Church, Pastor Jon walks through Exodus 32–33 and shows why we're tempted to replace God… and how to find our way back to His presence.

Some people see the Ten Commandments as outdated restrictions, while others treat them like a checklist to earn God's approval. But what if they were never meant to do either of those things? In this message, Pastor Jon explores how the commandments function more like a mirror—revealing what's really going on inside us and pointing us toward the life God designed. Join us as we discover how these ancient words in Exodus 20 still shape the way we live today.

If God is real and good, why do so many seasons of life feel like a wilderness? In this message, Dan King walks through Exodus 16–17 to show that the wilderness isn't where faith dies—it's often where it's trained. Through the story of manna, water from the rock, and Israel's struggles to trust, you'll see how hunger, uncertainty, and even frustration can become opportunities to experience God's provision and presence in ways you might otherwise miss. If you've ever wondered whether God is still at work in the dry seasons of life, this conversation will give you a new way to see the wilderness.

Are you trying to lead your family well while navigating uncertainty, pressure, and the constant pull of everyday responsibilities? In this message from Pastor Jon Kragel, we look at Exodus 13–15 to discover how faith actually moves in real life—how to look back at God's faithfulness, move forward when the path is unclear, stand firm when fear rises, step out when God makes a way, and lift up praise even before the outcome is certain.

In Week 4 of our Exodus series, Pastor Jon Kragel walks through Exodus 12 and Luke 22 to show how the first Passover wasn't just Israel's escape from Egypt—it was God's redemptive blueprint pointing to Christ. From the unblemished lamb and the blood on the doorposts to the broken bread and the cup of the new covenant, we see that Communion is Passover completed in Christ and continued in us. If you've ever wondered why we take the bread and the cup—and what it truly means—this message will help you see the story of redemption with fresh clarity and deeper gratitude.

Have you ever noticed that when God starts moving in your life… things sometimes get harder before they get better? This Sunday at Mission Grove Church, Pastor Jon continues our Exodus series with a powerful message titled “The Price of Redemption” (Exodus 5–11). We'll wrestle with the tension between the relief we want and the redemption God is actually working.

Today, we move from a hidden season into a holy interruption. At the end of Exodus chapter 2 we read of 4 actions of God: God heard, God remembered, God saw, and God knew what was going on with his people. Today, in Exodus chapters 3 ad 4, we'll discuss how God speaks. God called Moses to a specific task, but Moses was reluctant to step into his calling. Thankfully, God even works through reluctant leaders when they reach the place of obedience. Today, we'll learn that excuses delay what obedience delivers.

What do you do when God feels silent—and nothing seems to be happening? In this message, Pastor Jon Kragel opens our new Exodus series by stepping into the often-overlooked early chapters of Moses' life. Before the burning bush. Before the miracles. Before the rescue. Moses spends years in hidden, quiet, confusing seasons—and it's there that God is doing some of His deepest work.

Vision Sunday 2026 is a moment to celebrate what God has done and to look ahead with faith and expectation. We'll reflect on how Mission Grove Church has grown this past year, meaningful community outreach, and lives being impacted beyond our walls. As we step into the year ahead, we'll introduce our new word for the year, Transform, and invite everyone to imagine how God wants to reshape our hearts, our church, and our influence in our city. Come ready to celebrate, dream, and take your next step into what's ahead.

If you're skeptical, discouraged, carrying questions, or simply trying to find meaning in a challenging world, this talk reminds you that evil doesn't win, suffering doesn't last forever, and sorrow never gets the final say.

Why, even when life is good—a solid job, a growing family, meaningful relationships—do we still feel like something is missing? This Sunday at Mission Grove Church, Pastor Jon Kragel tackles that honest question in our Good Question series with the message, "Why Do We Long for More?" Scripture shows that our longing is not a sign of failure, but evidence that we were created for something beyond what this world can provide. God has placed eternity in our hearts, and Jesus offers a life that goes beyond striving, achieving, and accumulating.

In a culture that prizes tolerance but resists authority, Christianity is often labeled as too exclusive. This message explores why exclusivity isn't unique to Christianity—every worldview draws a line somewhere—and why the real tension isn't exclusivity, but who gets to define truth.

Most breakthroughs in life don't happen overnight—they happen over time. In this message, Pastor Jon Kragel of Mission Grove Church explains why small daily habits, spiritual disciplines, and consistent faith create the conditions where God brings growth, transformation, and breakthrough.

Joy can feel hard to come by—especially in a season filled with pressure, expectations, and noise. But what if joy isn't something you have to chase… what if it's something you make room for? From the wise men to the shepherds to Mary herself, we see how real joy begins when people personally encounter Jesus—not just as a tradition, but as a Savior.

What if the breakthrough you've been praying for is on the other side of the obedience you've been postponing? This Sunday, Pastor Jon explores how God doesn't just speak—He leads. Using the story of the Magi and Joseph's journey (Matthew 2:11-15), we'll uncover how God speaks to us through Scripture, dreams, people, opportunities, and even our struggles.

What if joy isn't something you wait for… but something God is already leading you toward? Pastor Jon continues our Follow the Star series with a message from Matthew 2:9–11 about The Joy of Worship. We look at the Magi, their journey, and how God led them step by step—long before they ever saw the outcome.

What if the peace you want can't be found by fixing your circumstances—but by shifting who leads your life? In this week's Advent message, The Struggle for Peace, Pastor Jon teaches from Matthew 2:1–8 and contrasts the responses of Herod and the wise men. Together we'll see why peace isn't the absence of conflict, but the presence of Christ shaping who we are and how we live. Discover how surrender brings freedom, how worship replaces control, and why Jesus must direct our lives—not just decorate our holidays.

Have you ever wondered where to find real hope when life feels uncertain? As we begin the Advent season, Pastor Jon launches our new series with “The Search for Hope.” Looking at Matthew 2:1–2 and Isaiah 9:2, we're reminded that hope isn't just a feeling—it's found in following Jesus. In this message, you'll see how God brings light into darkness and keeps His promises, no matter what you're facing.

Jesus meets the Samaritan woman in the middle of her ordinary, messy day, reminding us that He meets us right where we are. In this Week 3 message of Greater Story, guest speaker Fernando Mejia shows how God uses dry seasons and unexpected moments as divine appointments. Jesus sees our whole story, offers living water, and invites us into something greater. No matter your past or present, He can turn your mess into a mission.

What does it look like to move from quiet curiosity about Jesus to bold courage for Him? This week, Pastor Jon shares the story of Nicodemus—a respected religious leader who came to Jesus in the dark but eventually stepped into the light. Through three key moments in Scripture (John 3, 7, and 19), we'll see how Nicodemus' faith journey mirrors our own—how Jesus meets us in our questions, transforms our hearts, and calls us to live out our faith publicly.

Have you ever noticed how an encounter with Jesus changes everything? In Luke 19, we meet Zacchaeus—a man known for greed who becomes a picture of generosity. This week, Pastor Jon shares how grace received becomes generosity shared, and how your story—before Jesus, meeting Jesus, and after—can be a powerful testimony of God's transforming love.

We live in a world full of distractions, discouragement, and spiritual drift—and the enemy loves every bit of it. But there's hope: the enemy doesn't fear a perfect church, he fears a praying church. In this message, we explore how prayer is powerful, persistent, and transformative. From life's struggles to its successes, prayer invites God into every chapter of our story. Join us as we learn how a praying church can move heaven and change lives.

Life can feel unpredictable and out of control—but James (James 4:13-5:12) reminds us that every day is a gift, not a guarantee. In this week's message, Pastor Jon Kragel unpacks what it means to live with eternity in your mind and urgency in your heart. Discover how to trust God with your wealth, your worries, and your words—and how those daily choices shape a life that truly matters.

Why does conflict seem to follow us — at work, at home, and even inside our own hearts? In this message, Pastor Jon unpacks James 3:13–4:12 to show how God can use conflict to shape our character rather than break our spirit. When we learn to posture ourselves with humility, take personal responsibility, and pour out grace, our struggles can actually become the place where faith grows deepest.

Have you ever noticed how one careless word can start a fight—or one kind word can heal a wound? Our words carry incredible power, but most of us struggle to keep them under control. This week at Mission Grove Church, Pastor Jon shares practical wisdom from James 3 in a message called Taming Wild Words. You'll learn why your words can either build or burn, and how real change begins not with your mouth, but with your heart.

Is faith just something you believe—or something you live? This Sunday, Pastor Dan King walks us through James 2:14–26 with a powerful reminder: real faith shows up in real life. Join us as we explore how faith shapes our priorities—our resources, our commitments, our values, and even our sense of security.