What We Believe

We open our lives to God through focused, ongoing attention to the Bible. This takes place in worship gatherings, small groups, classes and conversations. Through the Bible, the Holy Spirit leads us to discover our identity and mission. By reading the Bible, both individually and in worship together, we seek to understand God’s heart and allow this to bear fruit in our lives. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 

We understand that through God’s grace Jesus Christ invites all people to know and experience a life of joy with Him. We practice this relationship both personally and in community as we yield our lives to Jesus. We recognize that we are all works in progress, in need of God’s grace and mercy. We desire to be known by the attribute that is often used to describe Jesus–”compassionate.” “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 

We delight in being a gathering of God’s people of all ages who are appreciated for the unique way that God has fashioned them. Crosstown is a place where children, youth, young adults, and adults follow Jesus together as we learn from one another. At the same time, Crosstown offers ministry options that fit the unique needs of children, youth, and adults. “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:27 

Empowered by the compassion of Jesus, we extend grace, mercy, and hospitality to everyone. Crosstown is a place where people seek to express Jesus’ generosity in loving words and practical action. One way we do this is by encouraging active participation in study groups or service groups in which we develop deeper, more meaningful relationships with people. “Jesus said, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

Knowing God’s compassion and mercy in our own lives, we participate in God’s mission of healing love. This takes place in a multitude of ways. We live in partnership as we share our building with Verbo en Accion (Word in Action) a Spanish-speaking congregation. Crosstown has local friendships in which we seek to be a blessing to our community. These relationships include: Lake Nokomis Public Schools, Nokomis East Neighborhood Association, and TreeHouse.
On a global level, Crosstown is engaged in support of Jesus’ mission in the Dominican Republic, France, Greece, Japan, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, and South Sudan as well as the local, national, and international ministries of the Evangelical Covenant Church. “Jesus said, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” John 20:21

Worship is a lifestyle of treasuring God in which we extend Jesus’ Kingdom into every area of our lives. Sunday worship at Crosstown is focused on God–Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As God’s people, we naturally respond in awe and thankfulness for all that God has done, is doing, and will do. We express wonder at God’s majesty through both contemporary and traditional forms. “Shout for joy to the Lord; all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs… Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100