We know what it's like to try anything for the first time - the anxiety, the questions, the curiosity...

So we've come up with the top ten questions people have before visiting a church!!

How did we come up with this list?
We all started off as first-time guests, too!

1. What kind of church is this?

2. What should I wear?

3. How long will the service last?

4. What will the service be like?

5. Will I have to say anything, sing anything, sign anything, give anything, or be singled out in any way?

6. What about my kids - do they come in with me, or is there something going on for them?

7. Is this a Christian church, or something else?

8. What are the service times?

9. How do I get there?

10. Can I find out what this weekend's message is going to be about?

 
 

We are a church that teaches the Bible.  Crossroads adheres to a unique philosophy of ministry. We use video, drama, multi-media, contemporary music and practical messages to present the timeless truths of Scripture at an introductory level easily understood by non-churched people. The Small Group meetings are designed for those who wish to develop their relationship with Christ and other people through worship and more in-depth Biblical teaching. This environment fosters the development of inter-personal relationships and spiritual growth. 

Rick Gates is our Pastor.  Rick is a 1982 Graduate of Taylor University in Upland, Indiana with a degree in Psychology.  He then attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth Texas from 1982-1986 where he received his Masters of Divinity Degree in Theology. 

Rick has served as an associate pastor and a senior pastor for the past 20 years.  For 12 years previous to Crossroads Pastor Rick led an existing church and began a new church in the Chicago area. His heart is committed to providing a relevant and contemporary ministry that helps people explore the claims of Christ in a non-threatening environment.

Rick grew up in a small town in North-central Indiana.  In 1983 Rick and his wife Cheryl were married.  They have two children, Samuel and Shelby.

3. How long will the service last?

For info. about our Small Group Meetings, click here.

For a preview of this week's topic, click here. 

4. What will the service be like?

Crossroads adheres to a unique philosophy of ministry. On Sunday mornings, video, drama, multi-media, contemporary music and practical messages are used to present the timeless truths of Scripture so they can be easily understood and applied to every-day life.

Our goal is that what we teach on Sunday is something we can actually do on Monday!  ... and discover that the Bible actually works!

The midweek Small Groups are designed for those who wish to develop their relationship with Christ through community building, and Bible teaching. 

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5. Will I have to say anything, sign anything, give anything, or be singled out in any way?

At Crossroads, you can rest assured you will never be put on the spot, never singled-out, and never embarrassed. We're a family, where we want you to feel loved and appreciated, so that you will want to join the Crossroads family! 

Further, as our guest, you will be encouraged to accept the service as our gift to you.  When the offering time arrives, we don't ask our guests to give us anything back.  It is our pleasure to serve you!

We will probably ask you to fill out an "Info. Card" which you will find in the program we give you.  After your visit we want to send you a note of thanks and a brief survey to rate your experience at Crossroads!

6. What about my kids - do they come in with me, or is there something going on for them?

Our children's ministry, which we call "KIDZONE," provides an exciting, quality experience for your birth-fifth grade child simultaneously with our Sunday morning service. This allows you to maximize your experience at Crossroads while your child is receiving high-levels of care and attention.  We provide nursery care for the youngest children from the moment you arrive until the service ends.  The grade school kids generally remain in the service while we sing, because they really love the music!

7. Is this a Christian church, or something else?

Though non-traditional in style, Crossroads is deeply committed to the eternal truths of the Christian faith. The Bible is our one and only source of Truth.






Our mission is simple:

“Engage Culture… Encounter Christ… Enable Community”

"Helping people come to Christ and become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ." What truly defines a church is not simply its doctrine, however, but its values. Crossroads' values are simple, but like any set of values, they shape who we are. Below are Crossroads' 7 core values, and some of the passages from the Bible that support these values:

Naturally, because we are a collection of diverse individuals, we all have slightly different values with regard to how we go about serving Christ.  Yet certain common values unify our efforts and define our distinctives.  

Value 1:  We believe that the Bible and the Holy Spirit are the catalysts for transformation in individuals’ lives and in the church.  Romans 12:7, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, James 1:23-25. 

Value 2:  We believe that life-change happens best in the context of small groups. Luke 6:12-13, Acts 2:44-47. 

Value 3:  We believe that lost people matter to God, and therefore, ought to matter to the church. Luke 5:30-32, Luke 15, Matthew 18:14. 

Value 4:  We believe that the church should be culturally relevant while remaining doctrinally pure. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23. 

Value 5:  We believe that Christ-followers should serve according to their spiritual gifts, with a genuine and loving spirit.  Ephesians 4, Hebrews 12:1, Philippians 1:6, Romans 12, John 13:34-35 

Value 6:  We believe that Christ-followers should give their best to God in every area of life and ministry.  Colossians 3:17-23, Malachi 1:6-14, Proverbs 27:17, Ephesians 6:7. 

Value 7:  We believe that both healthy Christians and healthy churches reproduce themselves spiritually by helping other people and other churches develop and grow.  Matthew 5:13-16, Mark 9:50. 

8. What are the service times? 

Our Sunday Morning Service time is 10 am. 

Our "KidZone" ministry to children birth-fifth grade, runs simultaneously with the service.

Crossroads adheres to a unique philosophy of ministry. On Sunday mornings, drama, multi-media, contemporary music and practical messages are used to present the timeless truths of Scripture at an introductory level easily understood by non-churched people.

The Small Group meetings are designed for those who wish to develop their relationship with Christ through community and in-depth Biblical teaching. 

For info. about the Small Group Meetings, please follow the links to that page.

9. How do I get there?

Crossroads is located at 2810 First Street (hwy 144)on the North side of Perry.  Your best directions are to travel hwy 141 to First Street (or hwy 144) street and turn north.  Crossroads is almost exactly 3 miles North of the 141/144 intersection.  We are located on the East side of the road just before you leave the Perry city limits!

click for local map                click for county map

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You bet! - just click here!