CrossPoint Community News 11/04/2022

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

       During our 33rd Annual Congregational Meeting on the 4th Sunday of October, in the midst of unintended automatic slide advancement, each ministry had a chance to share its 3-year vision. A vision is a picture of where we want to be, not a prescription of how we are going to get there. The Vision for CrossPoint Community which was shared at the meeting is as follows:

In 2025, CrossPoint Community will be a more diverse, inclusive, cohesive community. We will have stronger, Christ-focused marriages. We will have children worshipping with CrossPoint Community at least once a month. Increased (2x to 3x) participation in the prayer meeting. A more intentional discipleship structure. Members who understand and live based on the truth that ministry is done by them rather than for them.

       Increased diversity means that we want to be a ministry that is beginning to mirror the socio-economic reality of our neighbors in Chelmsford and surrounding communities. Increased inclusivity means that we want to continue to be welcoming and kind to all, while maintaining the standards of a Christ-exalting / Christian community. Increased cohesiveness in our community means that we will have more mutual understanding, a sense of togetherness, a willingness to meet others where they are at, and sacrificial care for others across age, culture, and language gaps.
       We also want to see stronger, Christ-focused marriages. I have been mulling over the idea of trying to put together a marriage retreat for the participants of CrossPoint Community. To my knowledge, there hasn’t been a marriage retreat in CrossPoint Community or the English Ministry in the past 15 years. But taking a weekend to strengthen the relationship between husband and wife can help to strengthen families and help to display God’s love to a world that is confused and hurting relationally.
       I also would like to see children worshipping with CrossPoint Community at least once a month. Presently, 6th graders join CrossPoint Community twice a month. But I would like to see kids ages 1st grade to 6th grace join worship with us, so that we learn to care for the kids in our church; so that we, along with the kids of our church, learn the joys and blessings of worshipping with people who are not like them; so that we learn that worship is not primarily intended for what we receive.
       We also want to see a more intentional discipleship structure. Discipleship is the process by which a person becomes more and more like Jesus Christ, through the support and encouragement of Christian community. Bible Studies and Sunday School are helpful, but we need to establish clear goals and objectives for our content so that we can equip people to live the lives that God calls us to live – missional, evangelistic, generous, sacrificial, service-oriented, etc…
       Finally, we are aiming at implanting the idea in our members and regular attendees that ministry is primarily done by them rather than for them. There are no spectators in the Christian life. We need to be all in following Christ. Yes, the church is a people among whom we can grow but it is also a people to whom we can give. God has given each Christian gifts and his Spirit so that we can bring about the advance of God’s kingdom. Do you see how your service fulfills (or your lack of service detracts) from that purpose?
       If you have questions about this vision or have comments, please let me know. I want to know what you are thinking and understand how God is leading you to know, love, and serve him.

       Please continue to pray for the nation of Ukraine. Here is a suggested list of prayers if you are at a loss for words in how to pray: https://send.org/story/hh_pray_for_ukraine. Thank you for kneeling on behalf of the people of Ukraine and Russia, and taking a stand (or a knee in prayer) against the forces of darkness in this present age.