A supportive crowd packed the Board of Aldermen session on Tuesday, July 8th as Grandview Mayor Leonard Jones and the Board of Aldermen awarded its 2025 Civic Leadership Award to Grandview First Baptist Church Pastor Michael Nelson.

Surrounded by his family, Pastor Nelson accepted the honor as Mayor Jones read the proclamation detailing his leadership through service.

The Mayor and Board chose the pastor for his and the church’s many contributions improving the quality of life for neighbors, particularly those in need, including a food pantry, free clothes closet, and annual prom dress giveaway for high school students.

Since 2019, Pastor Nelson and Grandview First Baptist Church have partnered with the City on the Harry’s Hay Days festival. The church hosts the Kids Zone in its parking lot and many members of the church volunteer to help out on the games, bounce houses and other fun. 

“It’s an honor to be a part of the city, honor to be able to serve through First Baptist Church and to have been a part of the community for as long as we have,” said Pastor Nelson. He has led Grandview First Baptist Church for ten and a half years. 

As this year’s Civic Leadership honoree, Pastor Nelson will attend a luncheon alongside other civic leadership award winners in the region. He’ll also serve as the Grand Marshall of the 2026 Harry’s Hay Days Parade next May.