In Acts 2:37-47, a distinct blueprint emerges illustrating what it means to “be the church.” These fundamental actions represent the core functions of a church. If these actions are absent, can such an entity be truly deemed a church?
Internal challenges arise when we deviate from these fundamental principles, either by overcomplicating matters or neglecting them altogether. Ultimately, the most effective church remains a straightforward one, devoted to fulfilling the uncomplicated blueprint laid out in Acts 2.
Missions
Evangelism
The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) is our mission. We are called to share the great news that Jesus gives new life, abundant life, and eternal life. Jesus died on a cross to pay the penalty of our sins, was buried, and on the third day, He rose again. His death, burial, and resurrection provides reconciliation between people and God. This Gospel, or good news, is what we are called to proclaim to a world in need of Christ. CrossView Community Church is intentional in sharing the Gospel with the community and the world both locally and globally. We do this by giving to local and international efforts to spread the gospel and actively going with these efforts.
Baptism
Baptism and missions are closely intertwined, forming an inseparable connection. Jesus unequivocally instructs us in Matthew 28:19 to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Baptism is not a standalone act but rather a natural progression after dedicating our lives to Jesus as our Lord and Savior. It symbolizes our commitment to Him and signifies the beginning of our journey in following Him, marking the initial step after surrendering our lives to Christ.
Worship
Worship is when we acknowledge the esteem, worth, and glory of God. He alone is worthy of our praise. He is the sole deserving recipient of our adoration. At CCC, we endeavor to exalt God through worship services incorporating diverse musical genres, prayer, and preaching firmly rooted in Scripture. Each service aims to embody the six essential principles of a thriving Church. These elements collectively contribute to our worship experience. Within the function of worship is the Lord’s supper, which we do in the remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice.
Fellowship
God prioritizes relationships, aiming to mend connections between people and Himself, as well as among individuals. Fellowship stands as a crucial aspect of the Church, focusing on harmony and unity. At CrossView Community Church, we are purposeful in fostering connections through Sunday gatherings and community groups. Additionally, we promote shared experiences, celebrating joys and supporting one another through challenges. Being a member of CrossView Community Church means being part of a genuine family. We firmly believe that the gospel of Jesus Christ can unite people, transcending differences in background, race, or nationality. Achieving this diverse unity remains a core aspiration at CCC.
Prayer
Prayer serves as our means of connecting with God. Its potency is evident, leaving a profound impact on both ourselves and those in our proximity (James 5:16). Prayer is seamlessly integrated into every aspect of our activities at CCC. We are dedicated to incorporating prayer as an integral thread woven into the fabric of our community of believers. We view radical prayer as a vital communication tool, akin to a wartime walkie-talkie, allowing us to converse with God, distinct from a cruise ship’s telephone used for mere room service requests.
Discipleship
Discipleship refers to the process of understanding and embodying the teachings of Christ in our lives. According to Jesus, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” Discipleship commences with our submission to Christ as our Lord and Savior. We seek forgiveness for our sins, a gift provided through His sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection. This marks the beginning of our journey in following Him. As we yield ourselves to His transformative power, we allow Him to mold us into better followers, shaping us according to His vision. Our focus then shifts to fulfilling the mission He has outlined for our lives, namely becoming “fishers of men.” We commit our lives to executing Christ’s commands. Within this comes our adherence to church discipline as we carry out restorative work of unifying relationships.
Ministry
Ministry is the word we use to describe serving others. We serve others both in the Church and in the world around us. There are many opportunities to meet the needs of others and serve God’s Kingdom at CCC. Jesus demonstrated how to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves. These fundamental principles, highlighted in Matthew 22:37-40, serve as the cornerstone of ministry at CCC.
CrossView Community Church 