The Great Commission​​​​​
The final recorded words of Jesus before His ascension into Heaven are found in
Matthew 28:19–20:
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“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
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At First Baptist Church Grapeland, we believe that being part of the Southern Baptist Convention and the Baptist General Convention of Texas equips and enables us to faithfully fulfill this Great Commission. Through these partnerships, we extend the reach of the gospel both locally and around the world—
Making disciples, Baptizing believers, and Teaching obedience to the Word of Christ.
The Cooperative Program: Fueling the Mission
The Cooperative Program is the financial fuel for reaching every person for Jesus Christ in every town, every city, every state, and every nation. It is how Southern Baptist churches—like First Baptist Church Grapeland—join together to do what none of us could do alone. When you give to our church, a portion of those gifts is sent to the Cooperative Program, a unified giving plan that supports thousands of missionaries, ministries, and mission efforts both locally and globally. Through the Southern Baptist Convention (sbc.net), Cooperative Program funds help send and sustain missionaries across North America and around the world, planting churches, sharing the gospel, and meeting physical and spiritual needs. Additionally, the Baptist General Convention of Texas (texasbaptists.org) receives a portion of these funds to support Texas-based missionaries and to partner with Human Care Ministries that meet the needs of individuals and families across our state. By giving together, we go further—reaching the lost, making disciples, and showing the love of Christ to a world in need.
Annie Armstrong Easter Offering
Every gift to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering helps train, resource, and send thousands of missionaries engaged in church planting and compassion ministries throughout the United States, Canada, and their territories. Collected each Easter season, this offering fuels work among unreached peoples right here in North America—sharing the gospel, meeting practical needs, and extending Christ’s love to every community.
Mary Hill Davis Offering
Through the WMU of Texas and Texas Baptists, the Mary Hill Davis Offering provides vital support to send missionaries and share the hope of Christ across our state. Every dollar given goes directly toward funding mission efforts in Texas, sending missionaries, and sustaining the ministry work of WMU of Texas. This special offering is collected during August and September and helps make Christ known in communities near and far—from large cities to rural towns—through evangelism, church planting, and compassionate outreach. Together, we are advancing the Gospel right here in Texas.
Lottie Moon Christmas Offering
The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® is an annual offering collected each December by Southern Baptist churches to support international missions. Every dollar given goes directly to the International Mission Board (IMB) to help send and sustain missionaries around the world as they share the gospel, plant churches, and serve among the nations. Through this offering, we join with other believers to take the Good News of Jesus to people and places we may never reach on our own—fulfilling the Great Commission on a global scale.
Neches River Baptist Association
The Neches River Baptist Association connects churches across our local counties, working together to share the love of Jesus in our communities. By partnering through this association, we are able to support local missions, encourage church leaders, and meet needs more effectively than we could alone. A portion of all the gifts given to our church is shared with the Neches River Baptist Association, helping advance the Gospel right here in our own backyard—through evangelism, discipleship, and cooperative ministry efforts.
Community Outreach - East Texas Food Bank
As part of our local ministry efforts, First Baptist Church Grapeland partners with the East Texas Food Bank to help fight hunger and serve those in need in our community. We host a monthly food distribution on the first Thursday of every month right here at our church. This outreach provides groceries and essential items to individuals and families in Grapeland and the surrounding area. If you or someone you know could benefit from this ministry, or if you’d like to volunteer, we welcome you to join us in making a difference.