Cross City Church
Real people finding real hope and experiencing real life has a deep meaning to us at Cross City. It’s the story of us. It’s the process we’re going through and the process we want others to go through as well. At the heart of it is the word REAL, which is an important distinction to us. We hear constantly about people trying to “live their best life.” People will seek it, but since God designed us to be in relationship with Him, we’ll never find the best life until we find the only source of real life out there! It’s in HIM!Looking for the best life you can possibly have? It’s only found IN HIM! So this word “real” is how we start, and it leads us to our core statements and strategy. We must start by being authentic, genuine, caring people who realize relationships with our God and with those around us.
Acts 2:44-47
And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.
These “core value” statements are not a set of statements that we have obtained—but they are the biblical priorities that we are constantly pursuing.
RELATE—ENGAGE—ADOPT—LEAD
Core Value #1—We are biblically devoted to following God.
Core Value #2—We are relationally connected to God.
Core Value #3—We are intentionally compassionate in loving others.
Core Value #4—We are gospel centered in our mission
Core Value #5—We are passionately relevant in ministry
Core Value #6—We are community focused to reach our cities
Core Value #7
We will lovingly welcome followers of Christ
And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common…Acts 2:44
Two types of welcomes happened to new believers:
1) They were welcomed by God.
Romans 8:15–17
For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.
2) They were welcomed by God’s people.
Acts 10:34-35
I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him.
Are you making room for people? Are you welcoming the spiritual family God sends us?
Core Value #8
We value authentic community with all who profess Christ
Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart…Acts 2:46
We all leave an old life to begin a new life – and need others.
Acts 2:42
They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Teaching
Sharing
Eating
Praying
Who are your people at Cross City? Should you find a group, or start one?
Core Value #9
We will relentlessly pursue those who wander
And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved...Acts 2:47
James 5:19-20
…if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.
What is true of a lost sheep, or a wandering saint, is true of a person who seems to be forgotten—they need to be lovingly pursued.
In a season when it’s easy to lose touch, are you determined not to let people lose contact with you? Who do you need to check on?
Discussion Questions
Are you making room for people? Are you welcoming the spiritual family God sends us?
Who are your people at Cross City? Should you find a group, or start one?
In a season when it’s easy to lose touch, are you determined not to let people lose contact with you? Who do you need to check on?