Derek Grigg

Senior Pastor


What do you do to relax and find balance in your life?
My wife and I have a very close, loving, and romantic relationship. We still love to date each other and I am at peace when I am with her. My kids are the joyful entertainment of my life-- I love watching them learn and grow. Hunting and fishing are my favorite hobbies. In the woods or on the lake, I am able to relax and meditate on the greatness of God.

What are you reading right now? 
I recently finished: "The Forgotten Ways" by Alan Hirsch, "Organic Church" by Neil Cole, "Join the Movement" by Alvin Reid, "The Barbarian Way" by Erwin McManus, "Lectures on Revival" by Charles Finney, and "Jonathan Edwards on Revival" by Jonathan Edwards.

I am now reading: "Practical Research and Design" by Paul Leedy, "The Spontaneous Expansion of the Church" by Roland Allen, "The Rise of Christianity" by Rodney Stark, "Visioneering" by Andy Stanley, "Breaking the Missional Code" by Ed Stetzer, and "The Convergent Church" by Mark Liederbach and Alvin Reid.

In your recent reading, what insights or quotes have you found most meaningful?
Erwin McManus wrote, "God created you so that your life would count, not so that you could count the days of your life." Through most of my reading, God continues to remind me that we must follow our passion for Him in the unique way He gifted us for reaching out to a world without hope and meaning. I am convinced that believers must focus on God's mission to serve Him and to share the Gospel rather than blindly going through the motions of institutional religion. Jonathan Edwards wrote in the 1730's "Whatsoever people have their minds engaged to such a degree in the same affair, that it is every uppermost in their thoughts, they will naturally make it the subject of conversation when they get together, in which they will grow more and more free." 

What is your favorite thing about First Baptist Nixa?
This spiritual family seeks to follow the Lord's leadership. This has led us to begin making changes and to investigate new ways to reach our culture with the saving message of Jesus. There is a spirit of love for one another and a concern for those with whom we come in contact. I believe it is because this is a church that desires to love Jesus and to make Him first in all things.

What websites do you visit daily?
facebook.com, gmail.com, stlcardinals.com, and once in a while I take a look at hogwired.com

Where do you hope to experience Spiritual Growth in the coming year?
In my personal prayer life and in my understanding of how to spiritually parent a teenager. 

What’s playing on your ipod/cd player?
The Wind FM 88.3, I enjoy Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin, John Waller, and Tobymac

Why should an individual visiting this website take the next step and visit First Baptist Nixa on Sunday morning?
We hope this website is helpful but it cannot replace the personal experience of meeting with this family as they worship the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. It is our desire that you will feel welcomed by our people and feel touched by the Lord Jesus. We pray that you will see a group of believers committed to what they believe and you will see that both God and we love you.

Please fill out this form to contact Derek