This past January, Grace Bible Church had the privilege of hearing from Pastor Dean Podig, a missionary with Things to Come Mission serving in South Africa since 2019. He shared not only about the incredible ministry happening across that nation — Bible schools, churches planted, youth conferences, and grace teaching video — but also brought a challenge from God’s Word that applies to every believer, right here in Phoenix.
The core of his message was one that cuts through every cultural trend and church growth strategy: the mission is God’s. Not ours. Not GMI’s. Not Grace Gospel Fellowship’s. God’s. And He’s invited us into it.
God Is Already on Mission
Pastor Dean opened with a truth that reframes everything about Christian service. From Genesis 3, God came looking for Adam. He asked, “Where are you?” — not because He didn’t know, but because He cared. God is a missionary God. He initiated salvation before we ever thought to seek Him.
And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?
— Genesis 3:9
It was God who first promised a Redeemer in Genesis 3:15. It was God who provided the covering for sin in Genesis 3:21. The pattern is consistent: God moves first.
First Timothy 2:4 confirms this heart of God:
Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
— 1 Timothy 2:4
God desires all men — even the difficult ones. Even the ones who frustrate us. Even the ones far from us. His desire is universal salvation, and He’s chosen to accomplish this mission through the body of Christ — not through angels, politicians, or programs.
Church Planting: God’s Proven Strategy
Pastor Dean pointed to Acts 14 as a biblical case study in mission work. After Paul and Barnabas preached the gospel and made many disciples in Iconium and Lystra, they returned to strengthen the souls of the believers, “exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, We must through many tribulations enter into the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:21-22).
And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, We must through many tribulations enter into the kingdom of God.
— Acts 14:21-22
Church planting isn’t a modern strategy invention — it’s a New Testament pattern. And Pastor Dean gave five reasons why local churches remain the most strategic platform for advancing the cause of Christ:
- Most effective form of evangelism — A local church is a beacon of God’s love and truth in a community. Where there’s a church, there’s a message of salvation.
- Best place for fellowship — Grace churches are open to all, regardless of background, language, or skin color. In a divided world, the church offers genuine belonging.
- Best place for maturity through discipleship — The church is an institution of learning and training. Grace Bible Church’s goal isn’t passive attendance — it’s developing every member into a minister.
- Opens up opportunity for ministry — Every believer has gifts and talents. A local church provides the environment for those gifts to be discovered, sharpened, and deployed.
- Expresses genuine worship — People can worship differently in the same room, and that’s okay. The local church creates space for authentic response to God.
Be FAT: A Missionary’s Charge to Every Believer
Closing with 2 Timothy 4:7-8, Pastor Dean left the congregation with a challenge that transcends geography:
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day.
— 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Paul made three declarations. He fought a good fight (contrasted with Emperor Nero, who cheated his way through a chariot race). He finished his race (contrasted with those who start well but don’t finish). He kept the faith (contrasted with those whose integrity crumbled).
Pastor Dean’s acronym for every believer: FAT — Faithful, Available, Teachable. You might not know everything, but God can use you if you’re willing to be faithful with what He’s given, available for the work, and teachable in His hands.
Whether you’re teaching Sunday school, running sound, leading a Life Group, or simply showing up with a heart willing to serve — that’s ministry. That’s advancing the cause of Christ.
Scripture References
- Genesis 3:9 — God seeks man
- Genesis 3:15 — The promised Redeemer
- Genesis 3:21 — God provides the covering
- 1 Timothy 2:4 — God’s desire for all men to be saved
- Acts 14:21-28 — Church planting in the pattern of Paul
- 2 Timothy 4:7-8 — Fight the fight, finish the race, keep the faith