The Call God Has for FBC
Vision for FBC • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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· 5 viewsEmphasizing the new vision for First Baptist Church
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Good morning Church! If you have your Bible and I hope that you do, please turn to the book of John, chapter 15. John 15. I am so excited to be back with you after the incredible week that we’ve had. I want to thank everyone that serves on the Loving Our World Team for organizing a fantastic week focused on the Great Commission and how to reach every person for the Lord Jesus Christ.
Now, I know many of you were anticipating and even hoping that we would be back in Ruth. You all know it’s extremely rare to go “off script” but since we took a break last week it didn’t make much sense to start it back up and then stop again in a few weeks so we decided to go ahead and introduce the vision that the elders have been working on for a while.
About a year ago I was sitting in our weekly elder meeting and I’d felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to introduce the need for our church to have a renewed vision and mission statement.
I remember my first time visiting First Baptist Church. It was in March of 2016 and the Power Team was here for some kind of outreach thing. I remember looking at the sign outside and thinking “Huh”… I thought this was First Baptist Camdenton.
After I got here in May of 2016, I was talking with Pastor Kirk about the logo back then. Because it reflected our current mission statement. “Loving God. Loving Each Other. Loving Our Community. Loving Our World.” And I was confused because It wasn’t clear which loving was being left out in our previous logo. You can still see this one around on some of the signage.
Then I was asked to update it and make it a bit more abstract which is our current logo today and I don’t really know what it is or what it’s supposed to mean but at least it says clearly what we’re about even if the emblem is not clear.
So for years I saw this as an issue but if you’ve been here since 2018, you’ll remember what we call the scary graph. This is an updated version. It shows our steady decline as a church. This is tough to see, but I want you to remember where we were because our church was dying. Going back to the early 2000’s we were running nearly 400. No mistake about it we were on the verge of death and I don’t think that’s overstating the issue. It was anticipated with trends then that we would be worshipping alongside 116 other brothers and sisters.
Here’s a ten year view so you can see where we would be and yet we’re not! We were an aging church in ongoing decline but praise the Lord that’s not who we are!
Here’s where we are actually. We are a revived church rebounding after a massive crisis! We see that in 2025, we are averaging 198 in service! This is something incredible to celebrate! Our church was on a 20 year decline and we’re not. If we zoom in to a 10 year view here, this is what we see. But it still doesn’t explain something that’s very important: why does First Baptist Church exist? Why are we here? Is it because of the preaching? Is it because of the Christ-centered worship? Is it because we give to the Cooperative Program?
To be honest, none of those things make First Baptist Church unique at all and some of those things aren’t unifying to be honest. So when the elders met, we were laser focused on finding an unchanging biblical principle for us to unify around. That led us on a season of searching the Scriptures and focusing on prayer. Jim pointed to his life verse, found in John 15, and so we began developing a mission and vision statement that wasn’t based on something catchy, not based on my personality or preferences, but on what Jesus said to His disciples and ultimately to you and I about what His desire is for us. But we had to get the timing right and the timing is right right now.
Today, I hope that you’re as excited as I am to hear from God’s Word as we seek God’s vision for First Baptist Church and for ourselves as well. Let’s stand together in honor of God’s Word as we read John 15:12-17
12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.
John 15 belongs to what we call the Farewell or Upper Room Discourse—the most extensive section of teaching anywhere in the Gospels. On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus speaks not to the crowds but to the eleven, giving His final words of instruction for life and mission after His departure. He uses the image of the vine and the branches to teach that the Father tends, the Son gives life, and the disciples must abide. Genuine discipleship, He says, is proved by fruitfulness, because apart from Him we can do nothing. These are not evangelistic appeals but words of discipleship—urgent, intimate, and meant to shape how believers live when Christ is no longer physically present.
In verses 12–13 Jesus defines the first mark of abiding: love one another. This command repeats what He said in John 13:34–35 and becomes the distinguishing sign of His followers. The love He describes is not sentimental or occasional but sacrificial and devoted—“as I have loved you.” His love chose, taught, served, and ultimately laid down its life. Christian love, then, is measured not by feeling but by sacrifice. It begins with God’s initiative—“We love because He first loved us”—and it overflows toward others, especially toward fellow believers. Such love is the first fruit of those rooted in Christ and becomes the visible proof that His life is in us.
In verses 14–15 Jesus deepens the picture: His disciples are not mere servants but friends who He shares His heart with and they obey His words. This friendship is not equality with the Lord but intimacy with Him. The One who upholds all things invites His followers into covenant fellowship, revealing to them what the Father has made known. True discipleship, then, is obedient intimacy—to know Christ personally, to walk as He walked, and to let His Word abide in us. As His friends we learn His will and live it out, proving our love through obedience. This is what it means to be rooted in Christ: to grow in His love, walk in His truth, and reflect His heart to one another.
Jesus’ sequence is intentional:
Abide → remain in Me.
Obey → keep My commands.
Love → as I have loved you.
Go → bear fruit that remains.
In other words: Abiding produces obedience; obedience proves love; love propels mission.
So let’s define a few very important terms before we dive into verse 16:
Bear fruit- to produce visible evidence of Christ’s life within us through transformed character, obedient conduct, and the reproduction of disciples who remain in Him.
Abide- to live in ongoing, obedient fellowship with Christ by continually drawing direction, and strength from Him through His Word, prayer, worship, and the Holy Spirit.
So to put it simply: Abiding is the root of discipleship; bearing fruit is the proof of discipleship.
16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
We introduced this passage quite a while ago to the deacons and we would like to introduce you to it as well as our mission verse. In other words, as elders, we believe that this is why First Baptist Church of Camdenton exists. You see it starts with salvation.
And the salvation we have has its origin in God. He chose us and yet His choice is not only in regards to our salvation but gives us a purpose and that’s the way it has always gone since the beginning.
Noah wasn’t chosen because he was righteous
8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.
God’s unmerited favor is called grace. So in spite of the whole earth being in a terrible place.
5 The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And the Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. 7 So the Lord said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.”
What did God do? He had grace on Noah
7 By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
You see, God’s choosing was for salvation, but also for a purpose. Same thing with Abraham. Joshua 24:2
2 And Joshua said to all the people, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘Long ago, your fathers lived beyond the Euphrates, Terah, the father of Abraham and of Nahor; and they served other gods.
So Abraham came from a pagan background and God came and spoke to Him by His grace. Genesis 12:1-3
1 Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
You have God’s choice, and God’s choice is for a purpose and it’s the same with you. John 15:16 says “You did not choose Me, but I chose you”. Our salvation and purpose begins with Christ’s initiative and this teaches us that we are
Rooted in Christ
Rooted in Christ
Our life, identity and purpose flows from Jesus.
6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
This guards us against any sort of pride. It prevents us from going, “Look at what we’ve done!” and gives us assurance that,
6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
He started it and He will complete it! Thank the Lord for that comfort and reassurance! But it’s clear from this verse that the purpose isn’t ours to invent, it’s Christ’s purpose to obey.
So what is the purpose?
Well we see two of them here in John 15:16, the first is to go and bear fruit. This is a purpose clause to say, “in order that”, we should go and bear fruit.
Let’s remember that definition of bearing fruit: Bear fruit- to produce visible evidence of Christ’s life within us through transformed character, obedient conduct, and the reproduction of disciples who remain in Him.
Character Galatians 5:22-23
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
This is the fruit, not fruits of the Spirit. All these things should be increasing in your life because this is one characteristic— Christlikeness.
Conduct Colossians 1:10
10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Here, fruit is tied to our good works like serving in church, ministering in the community, practicing hospitality, and much more.
And here in our passage, its in reference to conversion. We know this based on the call to go which is implicitly evangelistic! You see the purpose of God saving you, choosing you, isn’t because you’re special, it’s because He’s good. And His choice isn’t simply for your salvation, but for the salvation of others. You are called to bear fruit for the Kingdom of God by making disciples. You’re not responsible for others responses, but you are called to share the Gospel that others may hear it and receive it with gladness! This is what is meant here by bearing fruit.
This is what we would call
Reproducing Disciples
Reproducing Disciples
We are chosen and sent to bear fruit. Jesus said John 15:8
8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
Now bearing fruit is understood as multiplying the life of Christ in others through evangelism and discipleship. It’s not about a program or catchy slogans or anything like that, it’s about being personal and intentional. Each one of us taking a believer and investing in them and teaching them what God’s Word says and how the Holy Spirit has taught us. It goes on and on and on.
I remember a beloved pastor I served with, Lyn Holly, would say “Every member’s a minister. Every member’s a missionary.” And I agree! And I would add that every place is a mission field.
Let’s look at the Great Commission Matthew 28:18-20
18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
You see, since Christ defeated sin, death, hell, and Satan, He now has all authority and through our salvation we’ve been made citizens of the heavenly kingdom. Now, as citizens of the Kingdom of God, we are ambassadors of the King and we live among the world as outsiders. We’re sojourners and aliens to this world. We don’t belong here but we have a purpose: to grow the Kingdom of God by reproducing disciples.
And Jesus continues in John 15:16
16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
Establishing the permanence of the mission. You see, Jesus desires lasting fruit! Disciples that persevere, families being transformed by the Gospel, and communities renewed by the truth and power of the Gospel!
That abiding, remember, is Abide- to live in ongoing, obedient fellowship with Christ by continually drawing direction, and strength from Him through His Word, prayer, worship, and the Holy Spirit.
It’s not about seeing a ton of decisions being made for Jesus but about how many disciples are you making for the Kingdom of God? Who is someone that you’ve invested in? Jesus had the 11 but really poured into Peter, James, and John. Do you have 3 that you have discipled? People that are better in their walk because of your ministry?
We call this
Renewing Lives For God’s Glory
Renewing Lives For God’s Glory
You are called to this work because the work of Christ is not about temporary lifestyle changes but enduring transformation.
You see, people used to think about leaving legacies as in plaques in rooms, movements being started, or buildings built but plaques get moved, movements come and go, and buildings decay. People’s souls are eternal. So let’s invest in the things that we know will last.
This leads to our Mission Statement as a church: Rooted in Christ. Reproducing Disciples. Renewing Lives for God’s Glory.
Church, this is who we are. This is what Christ has chosen us for. Let’s live rooted, reproducing, and renewing — for His glory and not our own. Now that we know why we exist — rooted, reproducing, renewing — the question becomes: how will we stay faithful to that calling together? Over the past six months, as our elders and leaders prayed and planned, we’ve shared with the deacons who were in unanimous support for this and with the loving teams who also were in unanimous support for this.
If John 15 shows us why we exist — to be rooted, reproducing, and renewing — then these seven points show us how we’ll live that out together.
Scripture Based. Strategies come and go. But Scriptural principles never change. Tying our vision directly to Scripture secures it firmly, not in Pastor Cody or the elders, but in what Christ has said and we simply say “Amen, Lord!”
Sharp Focus. This allows us to not be distracted with programs and activities that do not help us meet the vision that the Lord has for us. We want to be focused so we can make a massive impact for the Kingdom here in Camdenton and around the world. The focus is why you can do surgery with a laser and not a flashlight.
Strategic Filter. Filters are designed to remove impurities so we can receive what is good and healthy. Without filters, we would be constantly sick. So this vision gives us the filter to ask: “Is this rooting people in Christ? Are we reproducing disciples? Am I renewing lives for God’s glory?” And applying to our ministries and each person can do that too.
Simple Messaging. It’s easy to remember and reinforce and allows us to bring unity and cohesion to our identity, purpose, and messaging.
Spiritually Rich. You see there’s nothing ambiguous in this you have union with Christ, multiplying disciples, and transformation through the Holy Spirit for God’s glory.
Shared Ownership. This isn’t just my mission statement or the elders. It’s Jesus’ vision for His Church. So it’s something each one of us can and should be living out as His disciples.
Synchronized Ministry. You see, if all of our ministries and programs are all shooting at the same goal then it allows us to have a tremendous impact in our community for the Gospel.
Church, this is who we are. So let’s go — rooted in Christ, reproducing disciples, and renewing lives for His glory — until He returns.
1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. 12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.
Head: God wants you to know that being rooted in Him, reproducing disciples, and renewing lives isn’t just a church mission—it’s your personal purpose as a follower of Christ.
Heart: God wants you to believe that you are chosen and appointed — not only to be saved, but to bear lasting fruit through a life rooted in Him.
Church, God didn’t just save you to sit — He saved you to bear fruit that remains.
He chose you in love, not only for redemption but for reproduction — to live rooted in Christ and see His life multiplied in others.
Hand: God wants you to join your church family in living this mission together—rooted in Christ, reproducing disciples, and renewing lives for God’s glory.
So today, I want to ask you: will you embrace that calling?
Will you personally commit to be rooted in Christ—growing in His Word, increasing in prayer, abounding in worship and abiding in His love?
Will you reproduce disciples by investing in others with the same Gospel that transformed your life?
Will you join us in renewing lives—for the glory of God and the good of our community?
This is not just our church’s mission; this is our shared identity in Christ. Rooted. Reproducing. Renewing. For His glory, not our own.
Lord, make us a people rooted in Your Word, reproducing disciples by Your Spirit, and renewing lives for Your glory.
