Mission Grove Church Podcast

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 surrende...

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 facin...

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 t...

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, transform...

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...

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...

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.

In James 2:1–13, we’re reminded that real faith doesn’t play favorites. Showing partiality isn’t just impolite—it’s sin, because it violates God’s command to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus reached across every barrier—rich and poor, young and old, insider and outcast—and calls His church to do the same. In this message, Pastor Jon unpacks how mercy triumphs over judgment and how keeping o...

Today, Pastor Jon will share how living faith is a moving faith. Like riding a bike, following Jesus gives us balance, rhythm, and forward motion—helping us stand firm in our identity as God’s children, be grounded in His Word, and live it out daily in obedience.

Where do we turn when the world feels broken, divided, and heavy with grief? Whether through tragedies in the news or struggles in our own homes, we all face the reality of evil and sorrow. This Sunday, Pastor Jon will share a message reminding us that while evil is real and grief is heavy, Jesus offers us lasting hope.

God doesn’t waste your trials—He uses them to prepare you for the wild journey of faith. James introduces himself as a servant of Jesus—the brother who once doubted but now leads with bold faith. He calls scattered believers to see trials not as setbacks but as opportunities for growth, producing perseverance and maturity. Faith isn’t tame; it thrives in adversity.

What does it really mean to live with courage as a follower of Jesus? In the final week of our Room to Grow series, Pastor Jon unpacks what it means to live with real courage. True courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s trusting God enough to take the next step. Drawing from Romans 12, we’ll discover four practical steps of courage that mark a growing Christian life: the courage to worship by surr...

How do you deal with complicated people who frustrate, hurt, or challenge you? In Week 4 of our Room to Grow series, Pastor Jon unpacks Romans 12:14–21 and shows how complicated people don’t block your calling—they build your character. This passage reminds us that growing Christians choose blessing over bitterness, peace over pride, and goodness over grudge. The message challenges believers to pr...

Biblical love isn’t a feeling you fake—it’s a life you live. We're joined by guest preacher, Hunter Jones, as he unpacks Romans 12:9–13 to show how authentic love transforms our relationships and strengthens the church. God calls us to a love that stands strong, lifts up, moves forward, doubles down, and reaches out.

Are you doing what you’re made for—or just trying to make it through the week? In this message, we dive into how God's grace is more than a rescue plan—it's your empowerment strategy. Grace doesn’t stop with you—it’s meant to move through you. Learn how your God-given gifts are designed to build up others, bring purpose to your life, and strengthen the Church. You are gifted. You are needed. Let’s...

Is your faith stuck in neutral? In this message from Pastor Jon, we’re exploring Romans 12:1–2 and discovering how lasting transformation begins—not with more effort—but with deeper commitment. You’ll learn how God’s mercy lays the foundation for real change, what it means to be a “living sacrifice,” and how renewing your mind can reshape your entire life.

Are you looking for a way to keep your family grounded in the middle of a busy, ever-changing world? This week’s message from Pastor Jon, Rooted & Ready (Colossians 2:6–7), explores what it means to build a strong spiritual foundation for your family this fall. Discover four practical, biblical practices — being grace-filled, grounded, growing, and grateful — that will help you anchor your faith a...