June 13, 2025

Greetings Gospel City –

Summer is here—and with it comes a change in rhythm for many of us. School is out, vacations begin, and some of our normal routines give way to new opportunities for rest, adventure, and even mission.

It’s already been a rich year of ministry. Last fall we studied Hebrews, and this spring we journeyed through 1 & 2 Peter in our Bible studies—anchoring us in the truth and hope of God’s Word. Meanwhile, our weekend gatherings have continued to walk us through the Gospel of John, helping us behold Jesus, the Son of God.

We want to share a few updates and invite you to pray with us as we seek to glorify Christ in all things.

01 — Preach the Word.

This summer, we’ll pause our series in John to hear from a few faithful men who are living sent as church planters.

First, Pastor Nasa Sete will preach as he and his family prepare to depart for Hawaii to plant a gospel-centered church on the island of Oahu. We praise God for the time he has spent growing and serving here as a pastoral resident, and we send him with prayer and joy.

Next, on June 22, our founding pastor, Trent Griffith, will open the Word. Trent and his wife, Andrea, are in the early stages of planting a new church in St. Augustine, Florida, later this year. We are excited to hear what God has placed on his heart.

Finally, Randall Davis, from our church plant—Redemption City Church—will preach on June 29. Randall is preparing to plant another gospel-centered church on the south side of South Bend. Please welcome these men warmly, and pray for them as they follow God’s call.

Following these guest preachers, Pastor Micah and other Gospel City teachers will lead us through focused, topical series to shepherd and equip us well as we head toward our ministry year kickoff in September.

02 —Gospel City Staff Update

In recent months, we’ve prayerfully sought to fill an Executive Pastor role. We’re pleased to share that our fellow elder, Jon Seger, has accepted this position and will begin serving on staff in the coming weeks. Jon is a trusted shepherd, and we’re grateful to have his pastoral and organizational leadership more fully engaged in this next season. We also look forward to celebrating Jon’s new role with the church body and plan to have the elders lay hands on him and pray over him for ordination during a Sunday worship gathering in the near future.

With this transition, Michael Neises, who has served faithfully as our Chief of Staff, will step into a new season of ministry. Mike has played an essential role in stewarding staff culture, offering wisdom and care, and walking closely alongside Pastor Micah during his transition into the Lead Pastor role. While Mike is not retiring, he will be scaling back some responsibilities and time to help pave the way for new leadership. We’re deeply thankful for his continued service to the Lord and to you, Gospel City Church.

03 — Serve the City

In a year that has been focused on being Always On Mission, we’ve been so blessed by all of the stories we’ve heard from you as you’ve lived on mission in the contexts that the Lord has placed you. If you haven’t already, take time to listen to the third season of our For The City Podcast to hear mission-focused testimonies with many of our mission partners (Listen here). 

This summer, we have the opportunity to serve our community together. On Saturday, July 19, we’re inviting our entire church family—young and old—to come together for a day of hands-on service. We’re calling it Serve the City Saturday. We’ll begin the morning by hearing from each of our local ministry partners, and then we’ll jump into service projects that bless and support their work. Picture an assembly line of joy-filled believers, serving shoulder to shoulder, and then celebrating together with a picnic at the pavilion. Whether you’re brand new to Gospel City or have been here for years, this day is for you.

In preparation, we’re collecting donation items to help equip each service project. We’ve created Amazon Wishlists for each ministry partner—making it easy to see and meet specific needs like diaper bags, school supplies, and more. Start now and help us be fully prepared to serve with excellence! (Click here for details about the day)

04 — Final Thoughts

We’re praying for you this summer. Whether your weeks are filled with rest, travel, or trials, we ask that you continue to seek the presence of Christ, delight in His Word, and gather regularly with His people.

As Paul prayed for the church, so we pray for you:

“May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.” — Colossians 1:11–12

You Are Loved!
—The Elders of Gospel City Church