I’ve written a lot about churches and the struggles they have recently. Now let’s go through a thought experiment together. Would you want to be with a group of Christians who or where…
The first and most important thing really is to glorify and honor God in everything?
When you leave after worship you know you have been in God’s presence? A place where you sense the presence of God’s Spirit by the spirit, conduct, and attitude of those who are present?
The Word of God is preached with passion and clarity in love. Then when you leave worship, you can say honestly “It has been good to be in the House of the Lord?”
Each time you assemble there is joy, happiness, and peace among the whole group?
People really are of one mind, do agree, and there is no arguing or dissension of any kind, and gossip is not tolerated?
Missions, evangelism, and ministry is the passion of everyone? People really do love, accept and affirm one another? Where everyone ministers to one another and builds each other up? Forgiveness, grace, and mercy flows from everyone to everyone else?
You know you are loved, accepted, and affirmed by everyone else… even when you make mistakes?
The staff really does love, support, encourage, and help one another?
Would you want to be a part of a fellowship that really is like that?! I attended a church this past weekend (CrossPoint Church) where those things are true. I have seen it. Those kind of churches are out there. CrossPoint Church’s pastor is Dr. Ryan Whitley and they are reaching “Just One More” for God’s glory. They have three worship services and three Sunday Schools with a total in attendance of close to 1,000 every Sunday. The dynamics taking place there have little to do with location… buildings… or any of the other things people try to say are the reason some churches grow. It has to do with the choices they’ve made about being faithful to God’s requirements for churches and how the church is to function.
Tomorrow… God willing… I will blog about things God’s people can do that result in a congregation like described above. No church is perfect, but it is possible to strive to do church the way it is found in Scripture. CrossPoint is not a perfect church… but they sure are doing a lot of things right from my perspective as one who is on the outside looking in!
Pastor Ron, so sorry I missed you on Sunday! I must have been teaching bible study during the service you attended. CrossPoint is an enigma among churches. I have experienced much of what you have and the spirit that flows through CrossPoint is a spirit of love, acceptance and fellowship. Our pastor and staff really do act as one mind and one spirit and that flows into everyone who serves and leads and ministers. There are none of the church leaders found in many churches that insist on their way. Please be sure let me know when you’re going to visit us next time and allow my wife and I to treat you to a meal and some fellowship! Love ya brother!
Searching… I came to the third service with my youngest son. I would have loved to have fellowshipped with you and your wife.
Now… I would like to take issue with you calling CrossPoint an enigma. An enigma, as I understand it, is something that isn’t easy to understand. For me as one on the outside looking in, CrossPoint is easy to understand! The church has chosen to adhere strictly to the Biblical model for how a church should function. What is an enigma to me is why more churches choose to continue doing things in a manner that does not honor God.
Bless you my brother and may God use you to glorify His name!
Point well made. But I do believe CrossPoint is an enigma to people who do not look from where you do, my brother. I hope you will take Ryan’s offer and speak to us while he is regenerating in July. We would love to spend some time with you. Let me know if you need a place to stay. Blessings!
Is it ok to be jealous? I haven’t felt this in church for such a long time. Thanks for reminding me that this type of worship still exits!
I understand your thoughts! Could I suggest something though? Why don’t we work and pray that where we are becomes that kind of church? Let’s pray that God does whatever it takes for the place where we worship to glorify and honor Him in the manner He desires! Let’s be willing to engage those who need to be engaged, pray with other members of the church, encourage those in leadership to quit doing things the way they’ve always been done and evaluate to the point of making changes that will honor God! Just a thought and thank you for your comment Alison…
Ron,
I would agree CrossPoint is a choice church. In fact, she is the 2nd best church in the B’ham area that I know of…FBC Pell City would have to be number 1! When you going to come visit us?
When did Pell City fall within B’ham? I’ll be glad to come to FBPC one day… God willing… I think it’d be a blessing!
Brother Ron,
It was nice to have you in service Sunday and to meet you. Thank you for praying over our congregation. We look forward to you visiting again. You and your family are in my prayers.
Scott… it was nice to meet you also. I wish we would have had more time to talk, but with the hurridness of Sunday it wasn’t easy. God bless you my new friend… and brother in Christ!