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.