MISSIONS & OUTREACH

At First Joplin, we believe in being the hands and feet of Jesus by serving those in need right here in our community. If you have a heart for missions and want to make a tangible impact through local outreach projects, we’d love for you to get involved. Check out the opportunities below to see how you can participate.

Beautiful Feet Mission Trip

Fort Worth, Texas

Each year, usually during the last week of January, we take a team to Fort Worth, Texas, to serve with Beautiful Feet Ministries. The cost is just $20 per person or $40 per family. We also collect sleeping bags and blankets to distribute to those in need.

During this trip, we partner with Beautiful Feet Ministries to share the love of Christ by meeting the physical and spiritual needs of the poor and homeless. Opportunities include organizing clothes and food, sharing personal testimonies, talking with those on the streets, assisting with construction projects, and more. This mission experience has impacted countless lives, and we’d love for you to be part of it.

For more information, contact the Church Office.

Michigan Place

Apartments

We have a special connection with the kids and families at Michigan Place Apartments and host several outreach events throughout the year to show them the love of Christ in practical ways.

Van Pickup – Wednesday Evenings
We provide van transportation on Wednesday nights for students (1st–12th grade) from Michigan Place Apartments to attend our Midweek programs at the church.
  • Pickup: 5:45 PM
  • Drop-off: 7:45 PM

We’re grateful for the opportunity to build relationships and invest in this community.

Crescent Falls

Apartments

A brand-new outreach ministry is launching at Crescent Falls Apartments to build relationships, share God’s Word, and serve women and families in the community. This will be a weekly Tuesday evening Bible study beginning Tuesday, January 6, 2026.

What to Expect

Our first evening will begin with a light meal, followed by Bible study and time to get to know one another. This gathering is designed to be welcoming, relational, and centered on Scripture.

This Bible study will begin with women, and apartment management has requested that we offer a Bible study for children very soon. Children will study the same Scripture as the women, taught at an age-appropriate level.

When & Where

Day: Tuesdays (weekly)
Start Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Time: 5:30 pm for the first meeting (may shift to 6:00 pm afterward)
Location: Crescent Falls Apartments (common areas)

Who It’s For

This ministry is designed for:
  • Women of all ages
  • Children (ages to be determined)
  • Potentially teens as the ministry develops

As this new ministry grows, there may be a need for multiple groups or classes. Crescent Falls has several common areas that may be used for study spaces.

Volunteer Opportunity

This is a new ministry area, and we’re looking for women who would love to be part of this outreach and serve as they are available. Volunteers may help by:
  • Being a consistent, welcoming presence and building relationships with apartment residents
  • Helping others find Scripture passages in their Bible
  • Praying with participants and offering encouragement
  • Assisting with Bible study leadership and support
  • Helping with special events and seasonal celebrations (Christmas, Easter, etc.)
  • Assisting with occasional meal preparation and serving

As children’s ages and needs are determined, we will also need additional volunteers to help support children’s Bible studies.

All volunteers must be willing to complete a background check.

Additional Needs

As the ministry begins, we will learn what supplies and support are needed. We may also need:
  • Bibles for adults and children
  • Volunteers to help with meals and special events

We also want to share information about First Joplin worship services and Equip classes as opportunities for ongoing connection and growth.

Ready to Serve or Learn More?

For more information or training opportunities, please contact:

Wanda Shellenbarger
Email: Wanda4WomensMinistry@gmail.com

Join us in serving the Crescent Falls community.