The Vision of Crossroads Community Church (Acts 19 8-10)

The mission of Crossroads Community Church centers on passing on an obedient relationship with Jesus to the community. This mission finds its foundation in the model described in Acts 19:8-10, where Paul’s ministry in Ephesus offers a clear strategy for building the church, reaching our community and beyond, and establishing a lasting spiritual impact of discipleship. Crossroads Community Church has been positioned by God to embrace this divine blueprint.

The Biblical Foundation in Acts 19:8-10

Acts 19:8-10 describes Paul’s approach in Ephesus, where he taught boldly in the synagogue for three months. When some rejected his message, he moved to the lecture Hall of Tyrannus, continuing daily teaching for two years. This extended ministry led to many people hearing the word of God, resulting in spiritual growth and transformation across the region of the province of Asia:

...so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord. (Acts 19:10)

This passage highlights several key principles:

• Consistent discipleship: Paul’s daily teaching created a strong foundation for the church.

• Adaptability: When the synagogue ministry faced resistance, Paul found a new venue to continue his work.

• Community focus: The teaching was not just for believers but aimed at reaching the wider community.

• Long-term commitment: The two-year ministry shows the importance of patience and persistence. This was where Paul had his longest stay.

  
  

Crossroads Community Church adopts these principles as a blueprint for its mission. Through its equipping and training platforms (both online and in-person), the church sees itself as a modern Hall of Tyrannus. This dedicated place allows the community to gather, grow, be equipped, and be sent to multiply disciples.

What About Crossroads?

The vision of Crossroads Community Church is not just to grow in numbers but to cultivate obedience to Jesus. This obedience is the heart of discipleship and community life. The church encourages members to:

• Engage deeply with Scripture: Regular study and reflection on God’s word guide daily living.

• Practice obedience in everyday life: Faith is shown through actions, not just words.

• Support one another: Building a community where accountability and encouragement thrive.

• Reach out with love: Sharing the message of Jesus through service and witness.

  
  

This focus on obedience aligns with the example of Paul, who taught not only knowledge but also transformation. The church’s strategy includes small groups, training sessions, and outreach ministries that mirror the daily teaching in the Hall of Tyrannus.

What About the Community?

Crossroads Community Church understands that building the church means reaching beyond its walls. The model in Acts 19 shows how Paul’s ministry impacted the entire city of Ephesus and beyond. Similarly, the church aims to:

• Create Outposts: Small groups and ministries that serve different neighborhoods to establish churches where everyday life happens.

• Return blessings to the church: These Outposts bring new life and resources back to the main community as a hub church.

• Engage in practical service: Meeting physical and spiritual needs in the community.

• Invite participation: Welcoming new people into the journey of faith.

  
  

This strategy ensures that the church remains connected to the community, not isolated. The Outposts act as extensions of the Hall of Tyrannus, multiplying the impact of teaching and obedience.

Values We Embrace

The vision of Crossroads Community Church is clear: to build a strong, obedient community centered on Jesus. This vision guides every decision and activity. Key elements include:

• Intentional teaching/training: Focused on Scripture and practical obedience.

• Sustainable growth: Emphasizing quality of faith over quantity of members.

• Leadership development: Training leaders who model obedience and service.

• Cultural engagement: Addressing the needs and challenges of the local community with biblical wisdom.

  
  

By following this vision, the church creates a healthy environment where faith can flourish and multiply.

Practical Steps for Building an Obedient Community

Crossroads Community Church’s approach offers practical lessons for any church or group seeking to grow in obedience and mission:

• Create flexible spaces for ministry: Adapt to challenges by finding new ways to connect.

• Encourage small groups and Outposts: These foster deeper relationships and community impact.

• Focus on obedience, not just knowledge: Faith must translate into action.

• Invest in leadership development: Leaders shape the culture and vision.

• Serve the community actively: Meeting needs opens doors for sharing Jesus.

  
  

These steps reflect the biblical example and help build a church that is both inwardly-strong and outwardly-focused.