On Vision Sunday, Pastor Josh White brought a clear and compelling message about the future God is calling Grace Bible Church of Phoenix to step into. The sermon centered on one big idea: we exist to develop committed followers of Jesus Christ — and everything else flows from that mission.
The Mission Comes First
Before diving into the vision, Pastor Josh reminded us of the church’s mission statement: “To develop committed followers of Jesus Christ through the teaching and encouragement of God’s word.”
This isn’t accidental language. “Developing” implies a process — it’s never finished, never complete. The church doesn’t exist to fill seats; it exists to intentionally move people toward deeper faith and greater commitment to Christ. That’s why we do what we do.
“We exist to be in the process of developing committed followers of Christ. We never arrive. There’s always more people to develop — but we want not just followers of Jesus, people who say ‘I believe in Jesus.’ We want committed followers of Jesus. That’s why we exist as a church.”
The Vision: Plant a Church Within Three Years
Pastor Josh shared that the elder board has identified a bold vision: plant a new church within three years. This isn’t a impulsive decision — it’s a response to two critical questions:
- Is there an actual need?
- Are we in a position to work towards this?
The answer to both, according to Pastor Josh, is a resounding yes.
The Need: Maricopa County Is Exploding
The need is real. Between 2010 and 2020, Maricopa County added 671,000 people — making it the fastest-growing large metro area in the nation. Every year, thousands of families move to the Phoenix area looking for community, purpose, and truth. They need churches. They need families of faith. They need places where they can grow as committed followers of Jesus.
Maricopa County didn’t slow down after 2020. The growth has continued, and with it, the spiritual need. We don’t live in a dying community — we live in one that is exploding in growth. That’s a significant responsibility.
The Four Steps Toward the Vision
The board has identified four steps to pursue this vision:
- Step 1: Be committed to fulfilling the mission — developing committed followers of Jesus Christ
- Step 2: Launch a second worship service — creating room to grow and making space for new people to join
- Step 3: Begin preparation for a church plant — identifying leadership, form a core group, develop an identity
- Step 4: Plant the new church
Steps 3 and 4 are years away. But steps 1 and 2 are happening now.
Why Two Services?
Pastor Josh explained that GBC Phoenix is consistently approaching capacity in its current space. The 80% threshold for perceived fullness is around 180–185 people, and the church has been hitting that number with increasing regularity. But it’s about more than just running out of room.
Going to two services will:
- Allow the church to grow to the point where it has the people to plant a church
- Create more opportunities for people to serve and use their gifts
- Free up space for newcomers to find a home
It’s also a natural result of being serious about the mission. If we are committed to developing followers of Jesus, we will naturally put ourselves in a position to reproduce.
Finishing the Course
Near the end of the sermon, Pastor Josh read from Acts 20:24 — Paul’s words to the Ephesian elders:
“But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”
— Acts 20:24
This is the heartbeat behind the vision. The elders at Ephesus had been committed to the gospel ministry, and Paul was passing the baton. At GBC Phoenix, we have a similar opportunity: to be faithful to the mission today so that, by God’s grace, we can reproduce ourselves and plant a new church family that will carry the same mission into a new community.
So What?
Vision Sunday wasn’t just an announcement — it was a call to action. Every member of GBC Phoenix plays a role in fulfilling this vision. Whether it’s committing to your own growth in Christ, stepping into serve, inviting a neighbor, or simply praying for the church’s leadership — you are part of this.
The mission is clear. The vision is set. The need is real. The question is only whether we will be committed enough to see it through.
Scripture References
- Acts 20:24 — Finishing the course and the ministry
- Acts 20:17-38 — Paul’s farewell to the Ephesian elders