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Bill Smith:
I unfortunately spent the majority of my life living in the worldly ways of today’s society, and was completely lost. I never really knew what my end goal was, because it changed frequently to keep up with what was important at the time. My life was changed on Easter of 2006, when all of a sudden I had this awful feeling of shame and embarrassment that I had not attended Church for all of these years. I told my wife we would find a Church and attend the following Sunday. I saw Crossroads’ ad in the paper and we attended that week. While listening to Pastor Barry’s message, the tears flowed and I was forever changed.
We have attended Crossroads since that day, and I surrendered my life to Christ on Palm Sunday this year and was baptized by Pastor Barry. The fellowship at Crossroads is phenomenal, and from day one we felt as if we had found our Christian home. I now serve as an usher for the first and second service and my wife and I attend the Life Group, The More Excellent Way. I now have a true goal in my life, serving our Lord!
Robert Hoffman:
Over the last five years I have experienced two deaths. The death of my father and then six weeks later the beginning of the death of my marriage. I have been a member of Crossroads for four and a half years. I got involved in the Up Front ministry right away, I also got involved with the men’s ministry. When I was two years into my divorce I was introduced to the divorce care ministry (my kids went to DC4K) and now I am involved with the singles’ ministry.
You could say my life has been shaken, but being involved in all these ministries has pulled me closer to God. This closeness to God has helped in sorting out what I have been through. All of these ministries have blessed and changed me into a more mature Christian. The divorce care ministry has helped my kids and I heal from the worst thing a family can go through. I have to say “thank you” to all the leaders at Crossroads. I’m glad the truth is preached from the pulpit no matter who is behind it. I love my church home, thank you Jesus!
Jodi Compton:
I have been attending Crossroads Christian Church since June 1998 and have been blessed to attend many women's retreats, girlfriends groups, and other social activities over the years. Our church offers many opportunities for families to be involved. It is truly a blessing to sit under the teaching of a pastor who preaches from the Word of God every Sunday.
I would have to say my greatest blessing from this church is the abililty to facilitate in the Divorce Care program. I get to see first hand how Jesus meets the needs of those who are hurting. Each session my heart is broken when I hear the stories of those who come for help. At the end of 13 weeks it is phenomenal to see how lives are transformed by the healing power of Jesus. I am thankful that our church provides this program to our community and am proud to say I am a member of Crossroads Christian Church.
Tomeca Howard:
I can remember coming to Crossroads searching for a church home. It took me a while but everyone always made me feel welcome and that really touched my heart. In the Connections’ class the person who inspired me the most was Michelle. I felt as though she could relate to me somehow at the point where I was in my life.
I now have a new hope for serving God and the church in a major way. The Life Groups I have attended are very helpful and I look forward to serving in the new Sports Center ministry, as well. God has given me something new and exciting to live for and I am grateful that I have found a good church where my family and I can worship and grow in our walk with God.
Patricia Gullatte:
My daughter, Madison, and I started attending Crossroads in late 2005. I joined in 2006 and on Easter 2007, my daughter was saved and baptized. I was raised in the church and received salvation at an earlier age, but only since coming to Crossroads have I developed my own personal relationship with Christ. Due to the teachings from Pastor Barry and the awesome Bible studies, I have gone from knowing of God to knowing God; from loving God to being in love with God. The greatest pleasure I receive from Crossroads is the many opportunities to serve. I truly believe you are not fulfilled as a Christian or church member until you are serving in some way. I am currently serving in Upfront ministry, children’s ministry and food ministry. My daughter is also very involved in children’s ministry and KAT’s. We both are so thankful to God for the change Crossroads has brought to our lives.
Larry McDonald:
Along with attending the Men's Addiction Group taught by Scott on Thursday nights, Crossroads has strengthened my walk with Christ. As I meet with these groups of men I am able to learn how much God really loves each of us. God has strengthened my marriage so much through the Men's Addiction Group. It's as if we are newly weds! Who would of thought that going into a class with my struggling with tobacco would come out with a marriage on fire - only God! Thanks again for all the work you do and support for countless men at Crossroads.
Jim Taylor:
I am a graduate of Arlington Baptist College (1980 Class). I was deeply disappointed by one of my favorite pastors, and the deception I experienced eventually led me to determine in my heart, that if this was the kind of church leaders God wanted, then I did not want any part of it. I had seen some other Pastors who had done equally bad things, so I left the church in 1982. I got involved with Wicca and was in that religion for about 10 years, then drifted away from it. I was nothing for 27 years, mixing with the bar crowd, etc.
Then one day my daughter, who is a member of Crossroads, asked me to come to church with her one Sunday morning because she wanted me to meet someone. Well, I went, enjoyed the service, and kept going back every Sunday. I thought I would join in with the people here even though I wasn't living my life for Christ Jesus. I went to the Connecting@Crossroads classes every Sunday. In one of the classes, I was listening to Frank tell about how he had blamed God for a traumatic happening to him. He explained in detail what had occurred and that he had totally left the church for over 20 years. Then one day something happened to make him realize that it wasn't God, but he, Frank, who was the one who had left, God was always there for him. When I got home, I realized that I was to blame, not God. I fell on my knees and asked God to forgive me for being so stupid for so many years - AND OF COURSE, HE DID. I joined Crossroads, the Overcomers Life Group, and have not missed a Sunday since. Thanks to Crossroads, Frank, and all the good people I have met, Life Is Good, Praise God.
Tom Becerra:
Since attending Crossroads for a couple of years, I have been involved with UpFront ministry and taking Life Group Bible studies to grow in my Christian walk. The work and studies have helped me to be a better Christian. God planted me here and I will continue to serve with other wonderful Christians. God has been faithful and gracious to me and my family with blessings (health, finances, etc.). The church has also given me tools to be able to witness to others. This is my priority now and I will continue so, as God gives me life. Thank you God and Crossroads for meeting my needs.
Colton Giddens:
Upon coming to Crossroads I was at a place in my life that was unhealthy. We had just left a church where there had been problems and as a result I was done with Christians and the church. God and I were good but I had no use for His people since they, as a whole, weren’t near as perfect as they thought or tried to act on Sunday morning. After being at Crossroads for a while, I was shown a different side of the church, and therefore, of Christians as well. I began to enjoy coming to church and started to fill the void created by not being in some form of ministry.
My wife and I got involved in a Life Group and from there we got involved in the College Ministry. Today we host a small group for college men at our house on Sunday nights and are an active part of serving in the College Ministry. This allows my wife and I the opportunity to minister to and mentor college students while they are becoming adults and becoming who they are as individuals and Christians.
Richard Garcia:
This is what Crossroads has meant to me:
- CALL TO SPIRITUALITY
- CALL TO GRATITUDE
- CALL TO HUMILITY
- CALL TO FORGIVENESS
- CALL TO ACCOUNTABILITY
- CALL TO SERVICE
- CALL TO OBEDIENCE
- CALL TO TITHING
- CALL TO DEBT ELIMINATION
- CALL TO UNITY
Thank you Crossroads!
Lee Miller:
I have been a fan of Jesus Christ my whole life. My wife and I started coming to Crossroads a little over three years ago off and on, but I'll be honest, I was hesitant of joining. I didn't understand the importance of serving, fellowship, Bible study, etc... In January I decided to get baptized, become a follower of Jesus and join Crossroads. Since then the Holy Spirit has put me in situations that I never thought were possible and my life has been changed because of it. We are regularly attending worship twice a week, joined the Men's lifegroup class, joined the Homebuilders bible study class, joined the Media Ministry to work cameras and participate in the Men's Mountain Biking Fellowship "Ride for the Cross"; Chrystal has joined the Music Ministry and Adia is involved in Awana.
My family and friends have seen a change in me, and that is what I want. I want them to know Christ because they know me. I am still working on my relationship with Jesus, but Crossroads makes that so much easier for me. I can't imagine going back to living day to day before I really knew Jesus instead of living with a Kingdom perspective as I do now. So with all of my doubt pushed aside, I allowed the Holy Spirit to not only talk to me, but I allow the Holy Spirit to guide me, and it guided me to Crossroads. Crossroads helped bring me closer to Christ than I thought I could ever be. I know I am a better child of God because of it, a better husband, a better father, a better friend. And every Wed/Sun when I see someone else make a decision for Jesus Christ it makes me think that every bit of service that I do for the Lord at Crossroads is every bit worth it and I wouldn't change that for anything. I am so glad that Crossroads helped lead me to Christ and I truly thank Crossroads for it.
Karen Frederking:
I was raised in secular homes (parents divorcing by 2nd grade) for the most part, little if any Bible referencing, amongst a variety of lifestyles and behaviors that were contrary to God’s will or instruction. Crossroads has taught me this life can be changed and no one has to remain in the “old” sinful way - the “old has gone the new has come. Here are a few ways my life has transformed:
Life changing Women’s ministries - defining the many contrasts between a woman who believes in God and a Godly woman, recognizing there’s more to one’s Christian lifestyle than just attending church; these ministries, ranging from the cooking classes to Mentoring Step by Step, Girlfriends ministries, retreats, etc., the message of Christ and the mission of Christ’s love to women and the treasure of women’s relationships have been made a priority in my life. The very practices of women interacting with one another to increase their effectiveness and sense of satisfaction in the home and community have all but become extinct in our culture; generations of women who “taught one another” in small groups are no longer the norm. As a result of this cultural shift, women have become isolated, without confident friendships, support systems, mentors, homemaking skills or interests, and time-trusted child rearing techniques. Our church’s Women’s ministries is attempting to reverse this shift, all in Christ-centered groups.
Lisa Robinson:
My husband, Jason, had attended Crossroads for many years and already had numerous friends. I enjoyed our time there, but I never found a place that I just "fit in." Jason and I started attending Koinonia College Ministry; I finally fit in!! I found a group of young people who were not afraid to admit their faults, not afraid to be goofy having fun, and most of all not afraid to grow in their faith with each other. My girls’ small group is the group that has helped me grow the most, and who guided me into opening my heart to a relationship with Jesus. We were doing a study on self image. Sitting with those beautiful women of
Christ and hearing that they have the same issues as me made me realize that I was not alone. On the drive home I was instantly filled. I felt that I could die at that instant and open my eyes to see Jesus standing in front of me with open arms. I had peace.
The girls bring me sanity and stability. I look forward to Sundays not
only for worshipping the Lord, but also for joining in fellowship and
Bible study with the Koinonia girls. They are just as flawed as me, but
equally as beautiful as me. I have never met such a loving, accepting,
fun Christian group where I felt like I belonged; I am blessed to be a
member of the best Christian family, Koinonia College Ministry.
Sheila Brown:
You could say that coming to Crossroads was purely incidental, but in looking back I know it was God’s divine direction that sent me here.
I was at a crossroad in my life; I felt alone and I was hurting emotionally. I was going through a rough period in my life facing a divorce. I never would have imagined my life taking such a drastic turn after 25 years of marriage, but it did. During this time in my life I tried my best to stay focused on God, but there were also many nights of tears and pain.
I begin to search for some help to get me through this trying period in my life and found the Divorce Care group sessions at Crossroads. I can’t begin to tell you how this ministry has helped me. After attending a few of the Divorce Care Classes and being blessed through this ministry, I decided to also visit Sunday service. At that time, I was looking for a church and when I came to Crossroads and heard the sermon by Barry Cameron, I knew that this was a church I needed to get connected with, so I joined the next Sunday. Since the short time of joining Crossroads, God has blessed me spiritually, emotionally, and financially. Oh yes, did I mention I was unemployed? I give God all the glory.
Tami Sosa:
I absolutely loved the Connecting@ Crossroads classes! Pastor Barry is phenomenal, he preaches the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth with love and honor for our King. Serving at Crossroads is such a pleasure, whether I am in the nursery or Upfront. I have never been to a church where the people all seem to be so happy just to serve God and each other! I feel so blessed to have found Crossroads, my whole family is thriving and growing in the Lord. The children’s programs and facilities are definitely top notch and everything is so well planned. My husband probably experienced the biggest life changing experience at Crossroads. He has enjoyed all of the Men's groups and activities, and I don't believe he has ever been happier in his entire life. What a joy it has been for us. I feel like every Sunday morning worship is a preview of what we will do when we get to heaven and Praise God continually. Thank you everyone at Crossroads for welcoming us into your family!
Jacquie Osei:
Crossroads has really brought my family closer together while becoming closer to God. I have learned more about God and what He expects from us than I ever knew. I learned to follow God, and no matter how hard it is, to do the right thing, to hold my tongue, and to stop thinking it is all about me.
Crossroads really changed my way of thinking, and taught me how to be a better wife, mother, and friend. I feel very at home and every day I am encouraged to be the best Christian and actually dedicate my life to God.
Ellen Bartley:
I started tithing after we joined Crossroads. Initially, I didn't think I could afford it but I realized that it wasn't my money to begin with. On October 8th, I lost 51% of my 401k and I continued to tithe and give joyfully. I realized that I didn't miss the decrease in income. Bottom-line: I've learned that my family wants for nothing because we give the Lord what is due him.
Tara Cogdell:
In 2007, Joel and I moved to Texas to pursue the ministry God had called us to at Crossroads. I came to Crossroads as a pretty “strong” Christian, or so I thought. I definitely had salvation, but I was not growing as much as I should have been. I existed, yes, but I wasn’t really living the abundant life Jesus talks about in John 10:10. I wasn’t really growing in my walk with the Lord. I had never been a part of a church that really challenged and strengthened me as a believer. However, every Sunday at Crossroads I learn, hear, or see something that helps me grow in my faith. I also find myself humbled during a Sunday or Wednesday service while learning things that God has for me that day; things I need to work on and gain knowledge in. What a blessing!
Joel and I have been involved in a few churches but never have we been a part of a church that God has so blessed as Crossroads. We leave church every Sunday in awe of the God we serve and what he is doing within the life of our congregation. I have grown as a Christian through challenging sermons, worship, and the relationships I have been able to build at Crossroads. I literally leave church giddy on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. It’s oh so wonderful! How many people can say that? Christ has used Crossroads in my life at a time I have needed discipleship the most. I am at a secular school, the University of Texas at Arlington, and I need as much encouragement as possible to not only finish school but to share my faith with fellow classmates. I have been emboldened by the leaders at Crossroads. Needless to say, Joel and I see ourselves here for a long while.
Melanie Sherman:
The Lord has changed my life. When I was going into my 10th year of marriage my husband and I were not getting along. We were arguing constantly and there was no peace in the household. I could feel the Lord tugging on my heart to seek guidance through the church.
Not long after I got plugged into the women’s ministry at Crossroads, I learned about the mentoring program. It is modeled after Titus 2 teaching where younger women are to learn from older women about how to love their husbands. Not long after, I was paired up with the women’s minister, Phyllis Montoya. She taught me how to strengthen my marriage with better communication and modeled how to treat my husband with respect and how to be a better wife. Our marriage began to heal and become so much healthier. I really benefited through the “Step-by-Step” program in the women’s ministry. I feel myself growing in the Lord each day, and I’m working hard to keep my marriage strong.
Rodney Wallace:
I came to Crossroads like a lot of others, visiting with my daughter and son-in-law (Alana & Corey Okon). I liked what I saw and heard and was soon coming on a frequent basis. The Bible was being taught and preached in service and I was being fed my spiritual diet. I kept seeing the invitations on the big screen about the classes for new members, and the call to make Crossroads my church home kept me wondering when I would make that decision. I went to the classes first to learn more about Crossroads. I also started going to a life group regularly. I saw people that were walking the walk and talking the talk about Jesus. I liked what I was seeing and hearing, because it is all about Jesus. I wanted to wait for my wife to join me in joining the church and making Crossroads my home, but on a Wednesday night when you made the invitation, I answered and I am glad I did.
I am going to the men's addiction classes that started last spring/summer. It is a wonderful experience to be with men who are seeking a closer walk with the Lord and who can share their shortcomings with each other so that we can all have a life that honors Him.
Jeanette Woodard:
Woody and I have had the pleasure of being a part of Crossroads Christian Church, since Easter Sunday of 1999. I can't tell you in a few words just what this church means to us, but I'll try.
We have gained so much in every area of our lives. Our biblical knowledge has increased a 100 fold, by being part of the Precept classes that the church has offered in the last couple of years. We were encouraged to become debt free by our pastor and it feels so good to be debt free. It is also wonderful to be a part of a church that looks into the future and plans accordingly, especially where the youth are concerned. Can't wait for all of the new buildings to be built.
Personally, we feel the people in this church are the cream of the crop. From day one we were welcomed as if we were long lost family. Woody and I have both had some pretty serious health problems, and the way they have rallied around us and given us support is wonderful. We have the best prayer warriors in the world. I know that their prayers for me through this last cancer diagnosis is what helped get me through and I am eternally greatful for each and every one of them.
Ellie Knight:
Since joining Crossroads in 1999, I have learned so much about the Bible. Coming from a Catholic background, I did not know the Bible very well and after all these years of listening to Pastor Barry's (and other staff ministers’) messages, and attending two Precept classes on a weekly basis, my knowledge of God and the Bible has increased immensely. Thank you Crossroads. I love the church and our Pastor!
Bruce Staron:
I was raised a Catholic like many other members of our church. As a kid I was brought up to believe it was the one and only true religion. After 30 years of being without God or any religion, my wife, without any coercion, already a member at Crossroads, asked me nicely to attend a service. I was filled with the Holy Spirit on that first visit. The sermon was great and the interaction with other members was different, but it was the music and the choir that got to me. Now after four years as a member of the choir, I am so grateful to be in the service of our Lord.
Ross Wiedenkeller:
My family began visiting the church in late 1996 and from early on we felt like God was calling us to be here. As our children became more and more involved in the youth ministry it became even more clear that God wanted us here. In Dec. of 1997 we became members of ACC. When we first started attending, there were only probably 400-500 regular members! Now we have grown to 4000+. Of course it is not about the numbers, but more abot the souls won for Jesus! Something about standing firm on the Word continues to draw new people to our church.
I have witnessed probably thousands of baptisms during the last 12 years (especially since I have attended nearly every service since then) and many have accepted Jesus into their life. Also during this time I have seen 3 of my children, 2 of their spouses, and even 3 of their children (my grand-children) accept Christ and be baptized here. I thank God each day for the Christ-centered ministry that he has provided for us at Crossroads and for the people he has brought into our lives through His church.
Latona Hackworth:
I have been blessed by the singles’ ministry. Last year after my car accident, when I returned home, Kevin Pope blessed me with rides to church until I could drive myself, and now after having surgery again the singles have stepped up and volunteered to bring me meals. This is a special group of people who know how to show God's love.
Krista Mori:
I accepted Christ in 1988, as a young married woman, after having an aneurysm almost take my life. I was raised in the church as a child, but I had never accepted Christ and understood or felt what it was like to know that he was my Savior and my Lord. Because of the emptiness in my heart, I had teenage years full of rebellion and heartbreak and then a long marriage in the bondage of alcoholism. When I came back to the church about 10 years ago after my divorce, I realized the life and love that I always wanted was really waiting for me the whole time, He was my Lord.
Through years of Bible study and discovering His promises and truths are real, I began to grow more deeply and heal. What I see now is God’s timing is perfect! This past year I was part of an important Wednesday night Bible study, Breaking Free, which made me see the strongholds in my life and helped me reach a new level of freedom through Christ. During this same time, I became part of the “In His Presence” prayer group, which led me to a spiritual closeness, which was very powerful. I learned with fasting and prayer I could work through the process of “letting go” of those strongholds. I am very thankful for the tender hearts that Phyllis Montoya and the ladies in this prayer group have along with the family that Glenn and I have grown to love at Crossroads. We are learning that you can have an abundant life of freedom through our mighty Lord Jesus Christ! As Christians, most of us have read and been told that we can all have a more abundant life through Christ, but what I have discovered is that I was living for many years in Christ, but not in his freedom. This is what Crossroads Christian Church has done for me.
Michelle Long:
My husband and I first walked in the doors of Crossroads Christian Church on the first Sunday of December 2007. I was hurt and disappointed by the world. I was not prepared to hear the word of God; I didn’t even own a Bible.
I was saved at age 7 and baptized at age 10. We were raised in church but some things happened in the lives of my parents that snowballed things in my life. For 15 years I didn’t need the Lord. I witnessed my single mom be strong and independent. That’s what I was taught as a teenage girl and young woman. All I needed was a good education, a good job, a good man and a good attitude.
The moment that changed my life was on December 5, 2008. Through the Women’s Banquet I had the opportunity to hear an amazing speaker repeat, “Jesus was there.” She said this over and over and it made me realize I still had ways of the world I needed to be free from. That “Jesus was there” when I felt alone. The world let me down and the Lord never left. I accepted the change and finally acknowledged the Lord had a purpose for my life and a month later had the opportunity to work full time in Youth Ministry.
In youth I am able to serve the young people and be blessed at the same time. I can help take the hurt away in someone and direct his or her attention to our Lord. Crossroads has provided a channel through the Women’s Ministry for the Lord to do his work and has changed my life to make me a better Christian wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend.
Kevin Kell:
As for me and my ministry, the singles’ group allows for a distinct way to bond with those who have experienced similar trials and setbacks. There is an openness and comfort level here as to express yourself without being judged or looked down upon. Not only are the classes informative and encouraging, but they allow me to network among Christians who are willing to share what they have been through. eI look forward to the class every week and am now seeking where I may serve in other areas.
Scott Green:
I never knew that finding a job and interviewing was so open. It is not cut and dry, as I knew of it in the past. I learned that there are so many factors in job hunting, as well as career building. Career Solutions showed me how to focus my life, my skills, my resume, and the interview. Focus with my eyes on God. Because I had that focus, I feel that God blessed me with my job. It is not a matter of what jobs I have had, what I have on my resume, the smile on my face, but rather what is in my heart. Having the ability to have God escort me to the interview and sit down with me. He didn't even wish me luck, instead He said, "Hey, I have this one!"
Nancy Barnes:
I can't say enough good things about the Career Solutions program. I am definitely recommending it to people. Even if someone is not presently seeking a job/career change, it is helpful to understand our job choices and the effect they have on our life. While the name and much of its content certainly deals with 'Finding a Job God's Way,' I believe it is going to have an impact on people's lives in ways we can't even know yet. I know it has already made a difference in mine. I had seen this program on the internet and really did not know what it was all about. I am so grateful that Crossroads chose to present it. It will be helpful to our church family members, but also can be such a wonderful outreach program for our community.
Ken Parks:
After my job was eliminated, I lost so much more than income and benefits; and when I didn't find a new career right away, I felt like I had the plague. I never like to admit I need help. When I heard about Career Solutions, I really didn't know what to expect, but I knew my "career" needed help and I needed direction. The content is first-rate, and those who lead the sessions and the other volunteers collectively are used by God. Yes, my job search needed these skills. Yes, I have done some networking, but most of all they have given me hope once again.
Randy Blankenship:
I just wanted to let you know how the men's ministry has impacted my life. I spent a lot of my life living for "me" then I came to a crossroads in my life where God put it on my heart that I needed to "come back" to Him. I watched the church being built as God gently guided me to Crossroads. The first night I heard the Pastor, I knew God "brought me home where I belonged..."
I joined and became involved in the men's group. Again, I realized this was in GOD's plan. Through the leadership of the Pastor, and the shepherding of the men's ministry, I am closer to GOD than I have ever been. Each day I strive to stay focused and "walk the walk" with GOD.
I have been to churches in the past and have never felt connected. GOD truly has HIS hands around Crossroads and I am blessed to know so many GOD-fearing men. I thank GOD for the relationships and accountability the group has given to me.
Thank you for leading AND creating an atmosphere for real men to be discipled. The relationships created here will never be forgotten.
Duke Dotson:
I have learned more about God, the Bible, and what a man is supposed to be to his family. God knew it would take this for me to be the man he could be proud of. I still struggle each day as we all do, but I am thankful that God not only brought me to Crossroads, but to the men that I have come to love even more than a brother.
Words will never be able to express what these men have done (empowered by God) for me, and I assure you I am only one of the many who have been helped at Crossroads.
James Lowe:
I have only been going to Crossroads for a little over a month, but I have learned so much from the LORD and being a part of the men’s ministry. This year has without a doubt been the roughest financially, but I can say without any question it has been the greatest spiritually in my 48 years and Crossroads has been a very big part of that. Thanks, Scott, for being there and being a regular GUY. May GOD continue to bless you and our Crossroads’ family.
Curtis Coomes:
Building relationships with other Christian men has changed my life. Most of us face very similar challenges as we live our very busy lives. We need to spend time with our brothers that have been where we are in our Christian walk. It is not easy to be Christ-like in our world today and that is why I appreciate the men’s ministry and my brothers who hold me accountable. I feel that all men need to have more Christian brothers than worldly brothers. I hope this helps at least one man in our congregation.
Omar & Krystal Hines:
When we visited Crossroads it felt and looked like such a big church. We didn’t know how we would ever fit in. But when we walked through those doors, it felt like home. We were greeted with such warm smiles and guided in every direction to feel like we were the only family that mattered. We knew then that we wanted to become members, so we joined and became members 2½ years ago. Since then Crossroads has given us a true church home for our family to come and be a part of. We have never attended a church that their only focus was the Lord. Every word anyone preaches comes straight from the Bible. It has given us a foundation to grow our Christian walk and grow as a family.
Crossroads has a ton of resources to grow and learn in your faith. One thing that has helped us is being a part of a Family Life Group. About a year ago we joined a Life Group with Lenzy Cornatzer on Sunday morning, and we have truly learned about life and how to be a better witness for our faith to others. The men’s class on Wednesday nights has been a true blessing for my husband, Omar, they have taught him what a true man following Jesus should look like.
Thank you, Crossroads for being our Family.
Daniel and Elizabeth Jeffery:
Early last year we experienced a major trial. It came as a surprise to us and really humbled us as we needed to seek help from God’s people. Crossroads played an integral role and was used by Him to aid us in our time of crisis. In particular, Pastors Carter, Cornatzer, and Milburn were made available to us and offered fabulous wisdom, advice, and listening ears. Additionally, our Life Group (C3) leaders were a tremendous blessing. They prayed us through and held our hands and arms up as we pressed through to victory. I do not know how people not actively involved in a church get through difficult seasons.
We are so grateful to be a part of Crossroads and able to use the resources of our church. God is good and continues to allow us to serve in Decision Counseling and on a committee for Family Ministries. Our service has been taken to the next level as we faced our trial head on and learned from our experience. Now, we can take that confidence and help others.
Joel De La Garza:
Having been raised in a different religion, I never thought that this Church was going to be the right fit for me. My wife (fiancée at the time) introduced me to Crossroads 11 years ago and I have never looked back. What an experience children’s ministry has been for me over the years. It has been one incredible blessing after another and I can’t thank the church enough for the opportunity that was presented to me to work in that ministry. Again, I can’t thank the church enough and my blessing of a wife for showing me what God can do if you just follow Him. As I have stepped out in faith, God has provided me experiences according to my faith. Still, I have only begun a journey that I know will bring encounters with our Lord beyond my imagination.
John Hunter:
I was raised Catholic, got married in the Catholic church, had my sons baptized in the Catholic church and was fairly comfortable being a Catholic. There were times when the ritual of the religion were really comforting. Most of what was taught seemed right. My religion was easy to practice; attend mass once a week and receive the sacraments as the need arose. I knew what I knew about God from the Catholic catechism and from attending mass. There were two readings from Scripture at each mass so I did hear some of what was in the Bible. The religious doctrine I knew came from those experiences and from attending Catholic high school for three years. I did most of the works required by the religion and was hoping that I would not die with an unconfessed mortal sin that would send me to Hell. I was okay with doing some time in Purgatory because that was only fair for the stuff I had done so far in my life.
Then, my wife met a woman at work who, in a conversation with her, said that "no matter what, she knew for sure that she would spend eternity in heaven with Jesus." In our way of thinking, that was a sinful thought- a sin of presumption. But my wife said that in listening to this woman, she immediately wanted the faith that this woman had. When she told me about this, I knew that this is what I wanted too. I wanted to know how I could have that same security. It took some time, but I came to a place where I wanted to talk to Jesus directly. I hit my knees and asked Jesus to forgive me of my sins; to be my Savior and Lord; and to live for Him in any way He wanted to use me. Some months later, my wife and I both left the Catholic church, made our confession of faith and were baptized at Crossroads. We joined Crossroads and have become involved in teaching adult Bible studies.
My life changed so dramatically that it is hardly recognizable from where I was five years ago. I went from being religious to becoming a follower of Jesus Christ. I went from having little desire for knowing God's Word to a burning desire to know and to teach God's Word. I went from a person who "attended" church out of obligation to a person who loves being in church Wednesdays and Sundays. I went from knowing hardly anyone who was a believer to knowing a larger and larger community of believers. I went from fear and guilt in my understanding of God to absolute assurance and love of the knowledge of my Savior. I went from being a functional alcoholic to alcohol free. I went from being uninvolved and of no use to being wonderfully involved and useful in God's church. It has been a tremendous and exciting journey. My prayer is that I will persevere. At age 62, my goal is to hit the finish line in a dead sprint and to have Jesus say to me "Well done good and faithful servant."
Ted and Tammy Minyard:
We will just be another face in the crowd at a church this big. How will we ever find our place here? Doubts and fears filled our hearts before we ever entered the door at Crossroads. It only took one service to change our minds and relieve our fears. We were soon welcomed into a small group and serving in the children’s ministry. We were surrounded by people who cared for us and could share in the daily struggles of being a Christian parent. Five years later, we are still amazed at how much we have
We have witnessed kindness, true friendship, and what it means to be a servant of Christ here at Crossroads. December 21, 2007 was a day that changed my family’s life forever. My father was diagnosed with AML, a form of Leukemia. This healthy, strong man was about to enter the fight of his life. As a Christian family, we rallied together and prayed over my dad for strength to make it through. Lenzy Cornatzer and Jerry Jenkins also joined us and made several visits to the hospital in Dallas to pray over dad. Bringing laughter, comfort and peace in times of sorrow, fear and the uncertainty, these two men made such an impact in my family’s life. Dad went through 16 months of treatment and even a stem cell transplant, all the while having members of Crossroads by his side. The support they showed to our family with prayers, dinners, and gifts was truly unbelievable; it was God’s love shining through without question!!
Dad lost his fight with cancer on April 5, 2009. I cannot explain to you the peace that I felt in his passing. While others in our family seemed to struggle and dramatize his passing, I knew that God’s hands of comfort and peace were upon me. Lenzy and Jerry once again stepped in to the aide of our family. We held a memorial service for dad at Crossroads and Lenzy officiated the service. It was a gift that touched our hearts and their service was a true testament of what a servant’s heart is. Their example of being a disciple for Christ is one that we have taken to heart and strive to replicate.
Not a face in the crowd, we are a part of something truly bigger than we could even imagine! We are part of this great family at Crossroads!
Wayne Barnes:
I work regularly with the kids in Area X…leading worship, teaching, and (on rare occasion) even doing some acting! I can’t imagine what Crossroads would be without the children’s ministry! Those of us involved in this ministry have countless opportunities to influence and shape these children. We mold the kids into Christ’s image by presenting biblical truths that are needed for a daily walk with God. We comfort kids who parents are going through divorce and other difficult life issues. We laugh with the kids as they show us their personalities through games and activities. And every week, we get to pray with the kids about so many different needs they have. My involvement in the children’s ministry challenges me to give my very best for the kids. But in many ways, the children’s ministry is as much a ministry to me as it is to the kids. The children’s ministry has made me a better man and a better follower of Christ by consistently putting me in situations that require me to allow God to use me in His way…for His purposes…to develop these kids. And in doing so, God has surrounded me with other incredible men and women who are fully committed and extremely gifted in working together for God’s glory and the ultimately the benefit of these young kids. What an amazing ministry! Now, I am not saying it is always easy, and there are times when we have to handle difficult situations, but it is incredibly rewarding. And even as I write this, I am praying that God will continue to richly bless the children’s ministry here at Crossroads.
AnaMaria Peredo Manor:
After having two still-born babies and two miscarriages, my husband’s and my dream of being blessed with children and leaving a legacy had vanished. My joy had been taken with every loss, and depression set in slowy. We had recently built a home with children in mind. Moving in was just not exciting anymore but very sad for me, we would never have children during the holidays, no traditions to pass on, no drawings on the frig etc. But as Psalm 6 says, "God heard our cry and sorrow" and He began to lay out His plan. We received a flyer in the mail one day announcing the opening of a new church nearby, Crossroads Christian Church. We attended the opening ceremonies, continued to visit and joined in January 2007. After attending the Choosing Crossroads class, we jumped into ministries in line with our spiritual gifts. Around the end of that year I received an email from the children’s ministry asking me if I could help out on Wednesdays. I remember thinking this is a mistake, I didn't sign up for the children’s ministry, yes I had helped one Sunday in Giggleville as they were short handed, but I left feeling so sad holding other people’s babies and hating the idea that I didn't have any. So I disregarded the email but forgot to delete it. Unfortunately, every time I opened my email, there it was. The Holy Spirit prompted me to pray over it and I asked for guidance and freedom from any fear.
It's been almost three years now that I have helped with Awana on Wednesdays and have discovered that I have a passion for children. I have not only been able to heal from my sadness, but also have been blessed by seeing children learn and grow in Christ. What a Legacy! I have also experienced Philipians 4:19. God has used these children to fulfill my needs and dreams as well. Several have given me hand-drawn thank you cards and crayon paintings that I have placed on my frig. Those kids and those parents have no idea that this ministry has now made my tears, tears of joy. As I write this I am teary eyed, I just can't get over how much God loves me and my husband and constantly watches over us and blesses us through Crossroads.
Mark Milam:
I joined Crossroads (then Arlington Christian Church) in Oct ’02. I was timid at first because the place was so much bigger than what I was used to. After “finally” giving into the Lord’s nudges along with the overwhelming genuine love and constant encouragement expressed by the people, I jumped into the singles’ ministry, men’s ministry and finally upfront ministry and WOW what a difference it has made for me both spiritually and personally! So…come on and jump in there with us!
Kasey Carrell:
"The Singles’ Ministry has really helped me get connected with other singles, given me the opportunity to serve in the community, and helped me grow closer to God through His word. Mike's messages are thought-provoking and honestly challenge my daily life as a Christian. I feel like I've grown so much since I've been in the Singles’ Ministry!"
Reynee Grimmet:
Since coming to Crossroads in December of 2007, I have grown more spiritually than I have in my entire life. I feel closer to God now more than ever. I’ve learned so much from the leadership at Crossroads. The guidance I’ve received has made me feel like these people care as much about mine and my family’s salvation as I do.
I believe I have become a much better person since joining Crossroads, and I know I am a better Christian. Being under such great leadership has made such a positive difference in every aspect of my life, especially family and finances. I am so thankful to have found a church that abides by the word and backs up everything with scripture. My family and I love Crossroads.
Amy Greiner:
God has blessed me beyond words. I am so thankful to God for Life! It’s now been 16 years since I was diagnosed with an AVM (a mass of deformed blood vessels) in the brain. My AVM was bleeding and had it not been treated – could have been fatal. Praise the Lord I was a candidate for Gamma knife Radiation! About a year and ½ after treatment, I was told the AVM was healed!! However, my battle wasn’t over yet. A year into the Gamma knife, I developed a seizure disorder. Many doctors, medications, and neurological tests later, God put a wonderful doctor in my life. I have now been seizure free for about 2 years.
I am so thankful for my wonderful family and my church family for all the love, prayers, meals, and support over the years. And now, I am able to give more of myself. I didn’t think I would ever be able to sing again, but, by God’s grace – I am slowly regaining strength in my voice and serving in the Family of Praise! What a blessing and joy it is to be part of such a wonderful ministry.
Jason Robinson:
I was set up for success from the beginning. I was raised in a Christian home with parents who loved me unconditionally. I was baptized as a little kid. I have had 20 years to grow in my relationship with God, to discover His will for my life, to understand that my purpose in life is to serve, worship, and glorify God. I was set up for success from the beginning. Unfortunately, I didn’t really know what it meant to be a Christian. I didn’t see it as a personal relationship with God but as a religion with its own set of rules I was supposed to follow….
We moved to Texas in the summer of 2000, just before the start of my sophomore year of high school. I got plugged into the youth group at Arlington Christian Church, which at the time was going through a transition of its own. School was harder to fit in coming from far away, having no friends, and basically feeling like a freshman all over again. The youth group was small but they took me in and I started building friendships and a love for God and people. The clearest, most defining turning point in my Christian life happened during the Mexico Mission Trip in spring of 2001. I was stripped and humbled before God and the men and women on that trip (2 Chronicles 7:14, 1 Peter 5:6). I was physically exhausted by the hard labor and scorching heat but spiritually I felt revitalized. I discovered I had a passion for missions’ work and helping people. God exploded in my life.
Then God sent me into the United States Army, a place I did not want to be. But this is why God should be in charge and not me. In the Army, I was trained to do a job that is both serving and humbling in nature. If you will recall, the last time God had moved in such a significant way in my life was while humbling me on a mission trip. Not only did God bless me with a job that I could use to serve people and reach out to people, but He blessed me with a wife. If I hadn’t joined the Army, I never would have met Lisa. She is amazing and she serves in the medical field as I do. She is driven, organized, and takes care of me better than I could have imagined.
After I got home, I returned to Crossroads Christian Church, formerly Arlington Christian Church. Lisa and I eventually got plugged into the college ministry after Joel came on staff and Koinonia was born. This was, and has been, an amazing time. God has surrounded me with great friends who love Him and are devoted to Him. I have felt my passion for God grow. Although some of the Word is still over my head, it has become inspirational to me. The Word is where I find direction and the greatest source of relief and comfort. The Word of God is how I came to know the grace of God (Ephesians 1:4-7), the assurance of my salvation through Jesus (Ephesians 1:13-14, 1 Peter 1:3-5), the purpose of my life (Deuteronomy 6:13, Matthew 28:18-20, Romans 12:1-2), and how to live (Matthew 6:33, Ephesians 5:1-2). When the world and all its stuff left me empty, I found satisfaction in Jesus (Philippians 4:19). I found the strength to resist temptation and stand firm in the Word (Ephesians 6:10-18, 1 Corinthians 10:13).
God has been with me from the beginning and will be with me until the end. He has blessed me beyond anything I could have imagined. I now know my purpose and direction. God is amazing, and I hope that you have seen how much He has changed my life.
Juanita M. George:
My first visit to Crossroads was in May 2009, I felt so welcomed. My hostess was a member of the Singles’ Ministry and she took me to the welcome center and throughout the Church. She also invited me to her Life Group class and gave me a listing for all Life Groups. I visited again the very next Wednesday evening, the following Sunday, and I attended a Bible study class. When I noticed that Crossroads is an institution that teaches true biblical principals, and that Pastor Cameron outlines his sermon directly from scripture, I was overjoyed. I had been without a church home for over seven years and now I have finally found where I belong!
I joined Crossroads and took the Connecting@Crossroads classes, listened to my “Count Me In” tapes, studied the “ABC’s of Financial Freedom,” joined Upfront Ministry and Helping Hands Ministry, and I volunteer when I am available to lend a helping hand. Membership at Crossroads has not only changed my life but it has actually saved my life. I now have a revived attitude, spiritual walk, and a sense of purpose and fulfillment. I am joyful when sharing with others about the experiences and lessons that I am re-learning at Crossroads! I thank God every day in daily devotion, and I am passionately studying the Word again.
Kathy Barnes:
There are many things I love about Crossroads. I can’t think of any one story to tell. We came from a small church and after our first few weeks we found out we are still in a small fellowship; at least it feels that way. We have always felt loved and connected, Michelle and the outreach at the church are amazing. The greatest stories come from my oldest being baptized and my youngest accepting Christ and being baptized, that alone is worth being here. The children’s ministry works tirelessly for those kids. I don’t know if people who are not involved in children’s ministry realize what goes into it, but Pam and Steve and their team are truly anointed by God to carry out the mission of Crossroads to the kids of the church. Those who know my family know we always sit at the front. When we first came to the church I asked my daughter where she would sit if she didn’t want to miss anything, her answer was “the front, by the drummer.” We don’t miss much. The blessing is the steady stream of decisions that come down week in and week out evidencing that God is always moving. I can’t help but sit at the front, I don’t want to miss it! Being involved in decision counseling I get a double portion of the blessing. I am ever being touched by the hearts of people sincerely seeking the Lord and being changed by Him. I could go on and on about Phyllis Montoya, Brian Carter, and others who are sold out for the Lord. I am so humbled to teach here, thankful that God would use someone like me. What an awesome fellowship of believers
Jodi Compton:
I have been attending Crossroads Christian Church since June 1998. The first Sunday I attended was on Father's Day and Pastor was sharing the plans to build the castle on our old property in Arlington. What a blessing to see all God has done at Crossroads since that time!
I have been blessed to attend many women's retreats, girlfriends’ groups, and other social activities over the years. Our church offers many opportunities for families to be involved. It is truly a blessing to sit under the teaching of a pastor who preaches from the Word of God every Sunday.
I would have to say my greatest blessing from this church is the abililty to facilitate in the Divorce Care program. I get to see first hand how Jesus meets the needs of those who are hurting. Each session my heart is broken when I hear the stories of those who come for help. At the end of 13 weeks it is phenomenal to see how lives are transformed by the healing power of Jesus. I am thankful that our church provides this program to our community and am proud to say I am a member of Crossroads Christian Church.
Mike Tirone:
After living on the east coast my entire life, the Lord brought me out of my comfort zone to the Metroplex in the summer of July 2006 to work for KCBI. I had to come out for a few months before my family. My wife and kids stayed stayed back in NJ with the house we needed to sell, while I stayed in a small hotel room near KCBI in Arlington on North Collins St. I didn't know a soul and was lonely but I really wanted to find a church before my family came out in September 2006. Each Sunday would pass as I would visit numerous churches. Something was always missing. One warm July Sunday morning (we never had heat like this in NJ) I drove down 360 South and saw the cross from every angle. Matt Cameron was preaching on Acts 4, and I just felt the love from the church body throughout the building. After attending service I smiled when I saw the signs near every exit, You are now entering the MISSION FIELD. Even though I didn't know anyone, and my family was still halfway across the country I felt like I was home @ Crossroads. It was like the song the Crossroads worship team sings so well... GOD IS HERE. It was a neat experience to visit so many churches in a short period of time but Crossroads had something many others didn't have. What is that you might ask? A body of beleivers growing and maturing in their walk with Christ— I love that the majority of folks who attend Crossroads walk in with a bible in hand... I love that! My wife Christina and my children Avery and Zachary joined my Texas adventure and moved out in Sept 2006. We found a great house in Mansfield just a few miles from the church. We have been so blessed to have found a church that doesn't just talk the talk, but it also walks the walk. After getting to know the Pastor the past few years it is clear to me why Crossroads has been so blessed— REMAIN IN ME, I WILL REMAIN IN YOU, AND YOU WILL BEAR FRUIT.
Norma Crabb:
In the summer of 2004 I went into the hospital for my second routine back surgery. I say routine because they were just putting some more hardware in my back to stabilize my spine again. With in a short while after returning home after the surgery I lost complete control of my legs I could no longer feel them when trying to get out of bed yet the pain was uncontrolled. After 2 trips to the Emergency room I was admitted.
They discovered the hardware had broke and was on the spinal cord the Doctor did a second 8 hour procedure. I then through the Grace of God was able to regain the agility to walk unassisted and have some what normal life. Of course he always finds a way to test our faith. In November 2007 he but the obstacle of a broken knee cap in front of me it has now been about 5 months and he has made it possible with only 1/2 a kneecap for me to once again not only but I have started to bowl again. I know that it is through his Grace alone that my life gets put back together each time.
Corey "Danielle" Zeigler:
My testimony is a difficult one; I have had epilepsy since I was two and have been in and out of hospitals since the same time. I did go to a private Christian school for the first, second, and third grades. I did not go to church when I was a child but I was constantly asking my parents if we could go. I guess I knew even at that age something was missing. I started going on and off with my friends from the age of 12 on. All I knew is when I was in church I was very happy and when I could not go I felt almost like I was letting someone down. Now I know I was letting God down. When I turned 18 I started going to a Baptist church with a friend on a regular basis and loved it. I got saved at that church and I will not miss church unless I am so sick that I can not move. That does happen sometimes with my seizures. Now I go to Crossroads and I teach kindergarten and I love it. This is a good church and it is a good place to worship God. I almost never miss church; I am committed to God and crossroads I will be here for a long time. I think knowing God has helped me deal with my seizures and has kept me from always asking why do I have seizures. There are times I feel like it is a punishment and then there are times I feel like it is a way to have a good testimony so others can see what God has allowed me to do in my life so others can do the same. In high school people kept telling me that I would not graduate and even if I did there was no way I would get into any kind of college. Now I have two associate degrees and I am attending UTA for my bachelors in education. the doctors told me I could not have children but once again God helped me prove them wrong because I now have a seven yr. old little boy named James Zeigler. God has done a lot in my life and I thank him everyday.
Jim Hampton:
I came to Crossroads via a business opportunity. In sales for a lawncare company I "knocked" on the Crossroads door one day. I was met by Steve Ivy, the Facilities Mgr. Before I could even begin to ask him about the lawncare he asked me if I had a church home, which I did. However, I was never connected to God at my former church. In addition, my son was approaching an age where I wanted him to be more involved with a good church home. Well, upon Steve's invitation we attended Crossroads that next weekend. I was blown away that such a big church could make us feel so at home. I am now a Youth Coach, involved with Men's group and closer to God than I have ever been. I've learned so much of what leading a true Chrisitan life is about but realize that my walk with God will be an ongoing thing not just an hour on Sunday morning. I also know that my Sales call that day was God's plan to bring me, my son, and new wife to a place where we can know Him better. Crossroads Christian Church is that place!