Who Are We?
Our mission is to make fully alive
and active disciples of Christ
Our Ministry Distinctives (DNA):
There are many chuches, but each church seems to have a different "DNA" in the way that they go about ministry. It usually takes a while to discover what some of the underlying currents are at a church, but we wanted to make our distictives available to you off the get-go. Again these are not our core beliefs, but rather a code that we use as we filter the way ministry is done at Crossgate. For a list of our core beliefs click here.
We desire to know, love, and pursue Jesus
We are not a church that is merely satisfied with knowing about God, we strive to know him personally. We believe that personal intimacy with God through prayer, reading the scripture, and following the Holy Spirit is at the core of everything we do.
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ Matthew 22:37
We are down to Earth
The pastors and teachers don't put themselves on a pedestal. They are raw and real people just like you. They know that they have weaknesses and imperfections and don’t try to mask it. Infact, everyone at our church has a story of being broken. If you are looking for a church of perfect people you are looking at the wrong place.
Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the Lord. “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word. Isaiah 66:2
We are on a global endeavor
We welcome all walks of Life
We find great delight in diversity no matter what a person’s ethnicity, background, interests, or political status is. Whether you are a cowboy, an artist, a fulltime mom, a redneck, a yuppie, a farmer, a drug dealer, or the talk of the town - you are welcome here.
On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:17
We are armed with Grace
Unfortunately, the Christian church is widely known by what it is against. We are a community that strives to stick to biblical truth, but what we desire to be a church known firstly by for what it is for: Jesus, the power of His love, grace, helping the needy, making disciples, blessing the community, etc. When people that hold different beliefs approach us we choose to have respectful conversations not arguments that pass judgment or condemnation.
15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 1 Peter 3:15
We defend the Big Rocks
We see beyond the walls of our church and hold to belief that even ordinary people from a small rural church can have a global impact. We are a sending church that strongly believes in missions and the importance of bringing hope to the worlds unreached and suffering people.
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
We strive to be relevant to the next generation
We live in a changing world where many people in this upcoming generation are walking away from the church. We want to be a church where the next generation feel at home. We realize that they speak and communicate differently than the generations past, therefore, we are a ministry that is not afraid try new and innovative methods as a means to reach them.
20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. 1 Corinthians 9:20-23
We challenge Men
We live in a day and age where more and more men are leaving the church. We desire to take that ground back by inspiring men to become the spiritual leaders of their homes, their church, and within their spheres of influence.
4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full[a] respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 1 Timothy 3:4,5
We defend the Big Rocks. We prioritize the “Big Rocks” of Christianity, leaving room for differences of opinion on secondary issues of theology. We realize that secondary issues can be divisive which is why we often provide different points of view in scripture and encourage the people to discern their own opinions. When differences of opinions emerge we live in respect with one another and “agree to disagree” rather than “fight to the finish.” Some secondary issues may include: Is it okay to drink alcohol? When will the rapture will occur? How does predestination work? Can someone lose their salvation? etc. For a list of nonnegotiable “Big Rocks” please read our statement of beliefs.
23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 2 Timothy 2:23,24
We are intentional in our daily lives
We strive to be proactive rather than merely reactive in the Christian faith. We value looking for opportunities not just waiting for them.
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24,25
We are on a disciple making mission
We believe that the church is more than a fan club and that God has uniquely gifted every Christian to get in the game. We strive to encourage believers of Christ to become followers of Christ, as well as equip followers to become disciple makers of Christ.
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20