Kyle Schanbacher, the worship pastor at Grace Community Church (GCC) in Newton, Kansas, has written and released a new worship song. “Send Us Out” is an anthem for Christ followers to “live missionally,” Kyle says. GCC challenges its members to follow Christ’s example and gather with their neighbors, co-workers, and friends around their own tables and in their own homes. In singing this song, Kyle’s hope is for people to be “inspired and encouraged as they prepare to share Christ.”
“Send Us Out” was written during Pastor Kyle’s sabbatical last summer. As he meditated on God’s Word and sought guidance from the Holy Spirit, Kyle saw an opportunity to compose a prayer centered around reaching people for Christ. “Our songs also convey God’s word; it’s not just the sermon. Songs can preach to us as well. I felt like there was a need for a song like this.” Based heavily on 2 Corinthians 2-5, Paul’s charge is echoed in the song’s lyrics – “Because we believe, so we will speak. Because of your love, the lost we will seek.”
Pastor Kyle’s hope is to see God’s people take those words to heart and be Jesus to those around them, himself included. “I can’t sing that song and not think about my own neighborhood.” One of the ways Grace Community Church does this is by conducting Summer Quests each year. Similar to VBS, Summer Quest is an outreach to the community at many locations – parks, backyards, etc. This helps the church step out and connect to its neighbors, bringing truth and good news to nearby children and families. Kyle says it can also be as simple as saying hello, taking someone to coffee, being a listening ear, etc. We never know how God will use our efforts to reach others, bring encouragement, and build his Kingdom.
“Send Us Out” is available on Spotify and all other platforms. You can reach out to Pastor Kyle directly for chord charts, questions, and more information at kyle@gccnewton.com.
