Frequently Asked Questions

Important Information About the Crossing

Is The Crossing A Part Of A Denomination?

We’re glad to be associated with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church because we think there is real value in being connected to a larger body of Christians. In fact, we think it is the biblical model established in the New Testament (see, for example, Acts 15). Being a part of a denomination provides The Crossing with accountability, encouragement, and opportunities to minister together with like-minded churches.

Having said that, we realize some people may have a negative perception of denominations in general. They associate denominations with pettiness and division. Unfortunately, there is plenty of evidence to support that claim. That’s why both the EPC and The Crossing seek to hold firmly to biblical essentials while showing respect to those who have different views on less important matters. In this way, we hope to avoid unnecessary controversies.

Likewise, there are those who are suspicious of Presbyterians in particular. They associate the name with a willingness to compromise biblical truth and the necessity of trusting in Christ for salvation. We want to make clear, however, that neither the EPC nor The Crossing is willing to follow that path. If you’re interested in knowing more about what we believe, please take a moment to view our doctrinal essentials.

What Should I Wear If I Attend The Crossing?

When Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4, he proclaimed that true worshippers of the Father are to worship him “in spirit and in truth.” What he did not do is add a specific dress code. Along with many other biblical passages, that episode points to the fact that genuine worship is fundamentally a matter of the heart, not of outward appearances.

Most people who attend The Crossing dress in a fairly casual manner, and we invite you to feel the freedom to do the same.

Why Isn't There Always A Cross In The Auditorium?

We understand that many people—particularly those who have grown up in the church—find it odd that the worship auditorium doesn’t contain a permanent cross. Certainly, the cross can be a powerful representation of the most momentous events in human history: the amazing life, atoning death, and miraculous resurrection of Jesus Christ. As a result, it can be a significant aid in worshipping the one to which it points.

But while a cross can have a very positive role in a church community, it can also carry some notable drawbacks. There are those who walk through our doors who, for various reasons, have not had positive experiences with churches or Christianity in general. For them, the cross doesn’t represent the gracious work of God in Christ. Instead, it can represent anything from unwarranted judgmentalism to empty religion. For these people—as ironic and regrettable as it may be—a cross can be a barrier to knowing and following Christ.

Added to this dynamic is the fact that the Bible nowhere mandates the use of a cross in a place of worship. In fact, the first communities of Christians often met in their own houses, meaning they probably lacked many of the elements we identify with church buildings today…including crosses.

So to be clear, we’re not opposed to church communities and individual Christians employing the cross as an aid in following Christ. Nor are we in any way ashamed of the fact that it represents the suffering and death that was necessary to pay for our sin. We’re simply trying to create an environment where the distinctiveness owes less to certain physical elements and more to the worship and service of those who demonstrate, however imperfectly, the fruit of genuine biblical faith.

What Is The Crossing’s View Of Baptism?

The Crossing practices what we call “covenant baptism.” This means we believe Scripture teaches that baptism is a sign that points less to our own declaration of faith and more to God’s promises to his people in the gospel. While we recognize that the sacrament of baptism is an important means of grace instituted by Jesus himself, we don’t believe that it saves a person. Only Jesus can do that.

The Bible seems to clearly teach that there will be people in heaven who haven’t been baptized and, sadly, people in hell who have.

Baptism is a controversial topic that has unfortunately divided Christians for centuries. Because we don’t want those same divisions to affect The Crossing, there is plenty of room in this church for those who have a different view on this particular subject. For more information about the church’s beliefs on this important issue, please consider attending our Discovery Class.

How Often Do You Celebrate The Sacrament Of Communion?

The celebration of communion is an integral part of the life and worship of The Crossing. We typically celebrate communion once or twice a month, on what might be termed an “irregular” schedule; i.e., we don’t designate a particular Sunday or Sundays on which we regularly observe the sacrament.

We follow this practice mainly for two reasons. First, while the Bible certainly commands the church to include the Lord’s Supper as a regular aspect of its life and worship, it does not appear to mandate a specific frequency of observance. For that reason, churches should feel free to celebrate communion weekly, monthly, or on any number of other schedules.

Secondly, different frequencies and/or schedules of observance have their own advantages and disadvantages. The particular manner in which we celebrate communion is intended to help lessen the possibility of the sacrament becoming merely a routine part of worship—something that those who attend the church do almost as an afterthought. Though the Lord’s Supper is never out of place in a Christian worship service, a more irregular schedule allows us to practice its observance when the themes of the sermon, music, readings, etc., will help those worshipping grasp its significance in particularly vivid ways.

How Does The Crossing Ensure Financial Integrity?

We believe that the church should adhere to the highest standards of financial integrity. That’s why we have established several internal financial controls to promote accountability among our staff. In addition, we have an external audit performed by the accounting firm of Miller, Bales and Cunningham P.C. at the end of each fiscal year.