Twenty-four years ago tomorrow, God saw fit to launch the humble beginnings of Crossroads Christian Church. I can remember being quite nervous, wondering if anyone would show up at our first services at Shoney’s Inn on Richmond Road. We had made over 11,000 phone calls to those living within a three-mile radius of our target area. Over 1100 homes asked for more information about the new church. On the first day 176 people showed up, about 125 that were not going to church the weekend before.
So this church for people at a crossroads in their faith began. From day one we hoped to provide new direction for hurting people. Twenty-four years later we are still committed to that vision. We see ourselves as a hospital for hurting people more than a sanctuary for the saints. New people have always been our first consideration.
The benefit of looking beyond ourselves is that we have never gotten selfish with our buildings or our expectations. Those who have been around the longest are expected to be the lead servants – those willing to make the greatest sacrifices for the sake of new people. As an example, those who might be charter members in some settings are not singled out. We appreciate their pioneering spirit and willingness to take risk in those early days, but they don’t expect any special recognition or privileges.
People ask if I expected Crossroads to have the impact that it has had in the lives of so many. Honestly, I did. I believed that God was up to something big. As long as we gave Him the credit and determined to seek his direction, I believed he was going to show up in a big way.
One reason we believed that was God was up to something big was a prayer we prayed from Ephesians 3:20, 21 (New International Version) “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!” He has done immeasurably more than we could imagine. He continues to do so!
Twenty-four years later we have never had a major rift or division. We have kept our focus on reaching new people, not coddling the already convinced.
Five years ago tomorrow, God saw fit to give us our first grandchild Crosbie Grace. Crosbie means “at the crossroads.” At the crossroads … grace – on November 15! Little did I realize how much God had to teach me about his love and grace – through my grandchildren. I am clearly a slow learner! It was as if her birth helped clarify once again God’s unconditional love for me and every other person in his world.
November 15 will always be a special day.
Glen Schneiders
Crossroads Christian Church 