Guest Pastor Trent Douglass shared a powerful and personal message focused on the purpose of the Church and every Christian—to fulfill the Great Commission by sharing the gospel and making disciples locally and globally. He began with personal updates, celebrating becoming a grandparent and reflecting on the humble beginnings of his church, Calvary Chapel Saving Grace, which started among young adults during a revival. Despite his challenges (including dyslexia), God called him to ministry, showing that God uses the weak and unqualified for His glory. Pastor Trent emphasized that missions is not a side ministry, but the central mission of the Church. He pointed out that the Great Commission appears five times in the New Testament and is a command for all believers, not just pastors or missionaries. He taught from the five Great Commission passages (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20, Acts 1), highlighting: We are all called to preach the gospel and make disciples. The Holy Spirit empowers us to be witnesses of Jesus in our cities and to the ends of the earth. Missions begins with prayer, as Jesus taught (Matthew 9:37–38). Pastor Trent contrasted two types of churches: Cruise ship churches — comfort-focused, passive. Aircraft carrier churches — mission-focused, where every person has a role in supporting the gospel mission. He shared inspiring stories of church planting and gospel impact in unreached areas, especially in the 10/40 Window, and encouraged everyone to discover their role as either senders or goers. Finally, he challenged the congregation to live with eternal purpose, to pray, give, and consider stepping into missions, and affirmed that every believer is called to the work of evangelism and discipleship.
