CrossWay Community Church

https://cwc.church Thu, 25 Jan 2024 06:12:20 +0000 Thu, 25 Jan 2024 06:12:20 +0000 hourly 1 3600 SnapPages.com May 2026 LiNK https://cwc.church/blog/2026/04/20/may-2026-link Mon, 20 Apr 2026 08:11:43 +0000 https://cwc.church/blog/2026/04/20/may-2026-link

May 2026 LiNK

LiNK: May 2026

Something Fun

Tyler Rangel loves to cook and bake bread.

Something to Consider

This is our last LiNK of the ministry year (JA added this content for May - everything below this is from April)

We're heading into the home stretch of the Gospel Community year. Now is a great time to consider how you can mark the end of the year together by making sure everyone knows the date of the final meeting. Then, consider doing something a little different like: a fun meal, a slideshow of memories, speaking encouragement to one another, an extended time of thanking God in prayer.

Something Ahead

RSVP for the Leader Landing, which is on May 8. The sooner you can do this the better!
Complete the Leader Survey by May 8.
Dan and Sarah Johnson, co-leaders of a Gospel Community in Racine, are heading out to be missionaries in Senegal soon. If you're Gospel Community would like to have them over to get to know what they're going to be doing, feel free to reach out to Dan (daniel.johnson0638@gmail.com).

A Random Picture

Tyler Rangel bakes!

]]> April 2026 LiNK https://cwc.church/blog/2026/04/17/april-2026-link Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:27:00 +0000 https://cwc.church/blog/2026/04/17/april-2026-link

April 2026 LiNK

LiNK: April 2026

Something Fun

Jenifer Fleming studied abroad in France! If you know French, test her skills next time you see her.

Something to Consider

We're heading into the home stretch of the Gospel Community year. Now is a great time to consider how you can mark the end of the year together by making sure everyone knows the date of the final meeting. Then, consider doing something a little different like: a fun meal, a slideshow of memories, speaking encouragement to one another, an extended time of thanking God in prayer.

Something Ahead

RSVP for the Leader Landing, which is on May 8. The sooner you can do this the better!
Complete the Leader Survey by May 8.
Dan and Sarah Johnson, co-leaders of a Gospel Community in Racine, are heading out to be missionaries in Senegal soon. If you're Gospel Community would like to have them over to get to know what they're going to be doing, feel free to reach out to Dan (daniel.johnson0638@gmail.com).

A Random Picture

Jenifer Fleming in Paris!

]]> March 2026 LiNK https://cwc.church/blog/2026/03/11/march-2026-link Wed, 11 Mar 2026 09:12:13 +0000 https://cwc.church/blog/2026/03/11/march-2026-link

March 2026 LiNK

LiNK: March 2026

Something Fun

Dave Andreson graduated from legendary The Second City Improv Group in Chicago. Check out the diploma to prove it.

Something to Consider

At the Fall Launch I mentioned five priorities we should pay attention to as Gospel Community Leaders if our loyalty is first to God then to everyone and everything else.

Those five priorities include:

Prioritize God's Word over Feelings and Circumstances
Prioritize Spiritual Needs over Other Needs
Prioritize God's Opinion over People's Opinions
Prioritize Prayer over other Leadership Responsibilities
Prioritize Holiness over Happiness

Prioritizing holiness captures the other four priorities and more. It's committing to wanting to please God more than wanting to please people. It's committing to do what is best in God's eyes and not in man's eyes. it's wanting to see others formed in God's image, not our own or someone else's.

For most, our natural bent is to make everyone happy. But as followers of Jesus, and as leaders, our first aim is to honor God. And when we do, the people in our Gospel Communities thrive.

Something Ahead

Our hope is to launch a few new Gospel Communities this Fall. If you know anyone that has potential to be a good leader, please text/email/call/send a homing pigeon and let me know.

April 24-25: Marriage Retreat Details and register at cwc.church/marriage.
Leader Landing RSVP (Childcare provided)

A Random Picture

Dave Andreson's Second City Training Certificate

]]> February 2026 LiNK https://cwc.church/blog/2026/01/07/february-2026-link Wed, 07 Jan 2026 14:59:55 +0000 https://cwc.church/blog/2026/01/07/february-2026-link

February 2026 LiNK

LiNK: February 2026

Something Fun

Leader Kace Crumble was trained to teach celestial navigation for the Coast Guard.

Something to Consider

Prioritize God's Word over Feelings and Circumstances
Prioritize Spiritual Needs over Other Needs
Prioritize God's Opinion over People's Opinions
Prioritize Prayer over other Leadership Responsibilities
Prioritize Holiness over Happiness

We can think of leadership as pulling all the details together to pull off a meeting. There’s a discussion to prep for, logistics to coordinate, meals to plan, houses to clean, texts to send. And we forget that something spiritual is going on that we have access to God for.

Tim Keller: “Looking back over your nearly 50 years in Christian ministry, what’s something you regret? What’s something you wish you had done differently?” And he didn’t hesitate. He said, “Oh, that’s easy. I wish I’d prayed more.”

As leaders, one of the best ways we can lead our groups is to simply pray for the members of our group and to protect time when you gather to pray together. Gospel Communities are a great place in our life together to give the body at large opportunity to pray. So cherish that time in your meetings and ensure it’s guarded.

Something Ahead

We've got three things coming up to be mindful of:

February 22 - Huddle in Rm 114. Share about and pray for Gospel Communities in between the services in Room 114.
May 8 - Leader Landing (Childcare Provided) Register here.
April 24-25: Marriage Retreat Details and register at cwc.church/marriage.

A Random Picture

Kace Crumble in the coast guard.

]]> January 2026 LiNK https://cwc.church/blog/2026/01/07/january-2026-link Wed, 07 Jan 2026 09:56:57 +0000 https://cwc.church/blog/2026/01/07/january-2026-link

January 2026 LiNK

LiNK: January 2026

Something Fun

Dan Johnson's favorite place on earth is Lake Solitude in the Grand Tetons & Randy Saller was a 2x NCAA qualifier in collegiate wrestling!

Something to Consider

Prioritize God's Word over Feelings and Circumstances
Prioritize Spiritual Needs over Other Needs
Prioritize God's Opinion over People's Opinions
Prioritize Prayer over other Leadership Responsibilities
Prioritize Holiness over Happiness

When we recognize that God’s purposes and agenda are way more important than our own, we have the ability to depend on the Lord, hold our plans loosely, and genuinely care for the people in front of us. It could look like:

Being candid with others by calling out sin
Offering genuine encouragement
Pivoting from plans to pay attention to the Spirit or a person’s needs that arise

And it gives us resilience as leaders not to be overly swayed by a sharp remark or a flaky member or people cancelling at the last minute, because, at the end of the day, you labor and pour out and lead to honor God.

Something Ahead

We've got three things coming up to be mindful of:

January 11: Leader Login after each service in Room 114. Drop in for a quick survey, donuts, and a gift.
January 18: Gospel Community Sunday. Wear some Gospel Community apparel.
April 24-25: Marriage Retreat Details and register at cwc.church/marriage.

A Random Picture

]]> December 2025 LiNK https://cwc.church/blog/2025/12/03/december-2025-link Wed, 03 Dec 2025 12:29:26 +0000 https://cwc.church/blog/2025/12/03/december-2025-link

December 2025 LiNK

LiNK: December 2025

Something Fun

Aileen Torola loves to kayak. So, if you're needing some insight on the kayaking world, now you know who to reach out to. You're welcome. :)

Something to Consider

Prioritize God's Word over Feelings and Circumstances
Prioritize Spiritual Needs over Other Needs
Prioritize God's Opinion over People's Opinions
Prioritize Prayer over other Leadership Responsibilities
Prioritize Holiness over Happiness

It's natural and easy to ensure Gospel Communities together are caring for the practical and physical needs of people in our group. And we should. Yet, we also need to be mindful that everyone's greatest need is spiritual. Our biggest problem is our sin and the best news in the world is that Jesus came to live, die, and rise again from the dead to solve our sin problem.

So, even as people have needs, ultimately they are connected to the spiritual level, where the gospel of Jesus Christ meets us perfectly. For example, if someone is going through a health struggle, it's good and right to pray for healing and help in practical ways. And, be mindful of what is happening for them spiritually. Are they discouraged? Do they feel like God is distant? As you care practically, also remind them of the good news that God will never leave them or forsake them. As you meet physical needs, pray that God would give them resilient faith in him. This is just one example of connecting more noticeable needs with a person's deeper spiritual need.

Something Ahead

The upcoming holidays are a perfect time to take a stretch of time off as a Gospel Community. At a minimum look to take two weeks off and up to four weeks. Use that time to rest and be prepared for the next season ahead.

The Annual Leader Login is on January 11th after each service. Plan on stopping in to Room 114 for donuts, coffee, a 5-minute survey, and a gift that's been in the works for a year!

Events Down the Road

April 24-25, Marriage Retreat
May 8, Leader Landing

A Random Picture

Aileen kayaking!

]]> November 2025 LiNK https://cwc.church/blog/2025/11/05/november-2025-link Wed, 05 Nov 2025 15:35:07 +0000 https://cwc.church/blog/2025/11/05/november-2025-link

November 2025 LiNK

LiNK: November 2025

Something Fun

Either Aaron or Jerusha Kobriger know how to do Gollum's voice from Lord of the Rings. They'd love for you to ask them about it.

Something to Consider

Prioritize God's Word over Feelings and Circumstances
Prioritize Spiritual Needs over Other Needs
Prioritize God's Opinion over People's Opinions
Prioritize Prayer over other Leadership Responsibilities
Prioritize Holiness over Happiness

Be mindful of prioritizing God's word over feelings and circumstances especially in your discussion time. Encourage people as they contribute to root what they are sharing in God's word. It could look like simply asking someone after they're sharing what in God's word informed their thoughts.

Something Ahead

On November 9 at 10:00AM in Room 114, in between the services, we'll have our first Huddle of the year. Huddles are optional gatherings for Gospel Community Leaders to talk shop about leading. You're welcome to bring your questions, specific situations, etc. and get feedback from other leaders.

The annual Thanksgiving service is on November 21 at 6:00PM. It's a really special gathering for you and your entire Gospel Community to gather with the whole church to sing, pray, and have dessert together.

A Random Picture

Thanksgiving Service circa 2022.

]]> October 2025 LiNK https://cwc.church/blog/2025/10/08/october-2025-link Wed, 08 Oct 2025 12:22:44 +0000 https://cwc.church/blog/2025/10/08/october-2025-link

October 2025 LiNK

LiNK: October 2025

Something Fun

You all have done an incredible job welcoming new folks on Sunday morning and into your Gospel Communities. I've heard numerous stories of you stepping out of your comfort zones, connecting with new people, and connecting them to a Gospel Community. In the last month, over 30 new people have checked out a Gospel Community!

Something to Consider

As new folks check out your Gospel Community, give them room to get a feel. That might mean visiting for a few weeks before knowing if it's the best. If a different group would be better, feel free to suggest a group or reach out to us and we're able to help too.

Something Ahead

On November 9, in between the services, we'll have our first Huddle of the year. Huddles are optional gatherings for Gospel Community Leaders to talk shop about leading. You're welcome to bring your questions, specific situations, etc. and get feedback from other leaders.

A Random Picture

The Leader Launch was a blast!

]]> September 2025 LiNK https://cwc.church/blog/2025/09/03/september-2025-link Wed, 03 Sep 2025 13:52:03 +0000 https://cwc.church/blog/2025/09/03/september-2025-link

September 2025 LiNK

LiNK: September 2025

Something Fun

Terry Peterson, one of the leaders for the Men's Bible Study, has a 34 year-old African Grey Parrot named Grady. Check him out in the picture below.

Something to Consider

Most of you will have your first meeting of the Gospel Community year soon. To kick it off with strength, we've put together Start, an ideal one-meeting study for your first (or one of your first) meetings. You can download the study below. We'll have hard copies for you at the Launch.

Download the Start Study Guide

Something Ahead

An essential piece of connecting new and disconnected folks at CrossWay into the body is your Launch Plan. If you haven't completed it yet, please do so by Friday, September 5th.

Complete Launch Plan

The Leader Launch is Friday, September 5th at 6:00PM. If you have kids, drop them off in the education wing where they'll have dinner and hang out. We've got a food truck lined up for leaders. We'll get started with the program around 6:30PM.

Twice a season we take time on a Sunday morning to highlight Gospel Communities and invite people to check them out. Those Sundays this Fall are September 7 and 14. Plan on wearing your t-shirts and proactively look to connect with folks before and after the service.

A Random Picture

Darth Vader and Grady, Terry Peterson's parrot.

]]> August 2025 LiNK https://cwc.church/blog/2025/08/13/august-2025-link Wed, 13 Aug 2025 12:01:07 +0000 https://cwc.church/blog/2025/08/13/august-2025-link

August 2025 LiNK

LiNK: August 2025

Something Fun

There has been an unprecedented amount of people that have already expressed interest in learning more about Gospel Communities and potentially joining one this Fall. I'm hopefully that everyone who wants to be in a Gospel Community finds a spot to land.

Something to Consider

Co-leader
If you don't have a co-leader, be on the lookout for someone in your group that may be a good fit. From there, let me know and we'll include them in a process to explore what leadership is and if it's a good fit.

T-shirt Size
If you'd like an updated size for your Gospel Community t-shirt, please let me know by August 17. The t-shirt last year ran a bit on the smaller side.

Something Ahead

The Leader Launch is on Friday, September 5th at 6:00p. Childcare is provided and dinner for you and kiddos. To plan well, please RSVP and Complete the Launch Plan below.

RSVP for Launch

Complete Launch Plan

A Random Picture

This is Titus' dream come true. A small prize to the first person that can identify the book title that this picture relates to.

]]> June 2025 LiNK https://cwc.church/blog/2025/06/06/june-2025-link Fri, 06 Jun 2025 16:22:50 +0000 https://cwc.church/blog/2025/06/06/june-2025-link

June 2025 LiNK

LiNK: June 2025

Something Fun

I'm still glowing from our time together at the Leader Landing, particularly hearing you all praying for boldness. May God answer those prayers!

Something to Consider

If you haven't already had your last meeting, here are a few things to consider covering:

(1) A preview of what next Fall will look like, especially if there are some potential changes

(2) Honor members annual commitment. Thank them for being a part of the group this year and encourage each member to get a feel for what they'd like to do for next year. Many will likely keep going for another year. But also let folks know that there's room to consider and make a change if needed. Perhaps aim to hear back from them by mid July/early August.

If you have already had your last meeting, there may be some benefit in emailing/texting your members about the annual commitment notes mentioned above.

Something Ahead

June 8th will be the last Sunday for the normal Discussion Questions. After that, feel free to use the Swedish Method or COMA method. Details of both approaches can be found here.

And, Equipped: New/Prospective Leader training is on June 25. If you have interest in brushing up on the vision and some practicals of leading, feel free to let me know.

A Random Picture

The 2025 Leader Landing crew!

]]> May 2025 LiNK https://cwc.church/blog/2025/05/07/may-2025-link Wed, 07 May 2025 15:28:32 +0000 https://cwc.church/blog/2025/05/07/may-2025-link

May 2025 LiNK

LiNK: May 2025

Something Fun

My favorite podcast from 2024 is called "The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God" which chronicles the story of why new atheism grew old and secular thinkers are considering Christianity again. It helpful captures some macro trends and helpful captures how God moves in different ways.

Something to Consider

Rest Well (May/June-August)
Most groups will wind down in the next few weeks. If you're planning on taking a break, rest well this summer. Use some of your increased capacity to soak in God's word, communion with him through prayer, or just simply reading an edifying book. Our hope is that this annual rhythm of resting over the summer produces a deeper joy in the Lord and also allows you to serve in sustainable ways for years ahead.

Ending Well (May/June)
Most groups have their last meeting sometime in May or June. Be sure to mark the end of the year together. Some ideas include:

Discussing the question: "How has God used this group to help you this past year?"
Singing or Praying together
Slideshow of pictures from the year
A big, fun meal

Starting Well (September)
One of the key ways we're hoping to care for the growing number of people looking to join a Gospel Community or to start a new one is to get a rough idea of the plans of our current groups.

At the Leader Landing coming up, we'll ask you to complete this tentative Launch Plan for the fall. This is your best guess on where things are headed for your group. Feel free to take a look at it here and think about it over the next few weeks.

Tentative Launch Plan

Something Ahead

The Annual Leader Landing, our event to celebrate and close off the year together, will be on Friday evening, May 9th from 6:30-8:45p. Get ready for a fun, celebratory evening of good people, food, remembering what God has done, and looking forward to what is ahead.

A Random Picture

The 2024 Leader Landing crew!

]]> April 2025 LiNK https://cwc.church/blog/2025/04/02/april-2025-link Wed, 02 Apr 2025 10:55:17 +0000 https://cwc.church/blog/2025/04/02/april-2025-link

April 2025 LiNK

LiNK: April 2025

Something Fun

As we go through the book of Luke on Sunday mornings, I've really enjoyed Dale Ralph Davis' commentary as a companion. It's brief, insightful, and quite witty.

Something to Consider

Ending Well (May/June)
Now's a good time to think about how to end the Gospel Community year off well. Most groups have their last meeting sometime in May or June. Be sure to mark the end of the year together. Some ideas include:

Discussing the question: "How has God used this group to help you this past year?"
Singing or Praying together
Slideshow of pictures from the year
A big, fun meal

Tentative Launch Plan

Something Ahead

The Annual Leader Landing, our event to celebrate and close off the year together, will be on Friday evening, May 9th from 6:30-8:45p. Childcare is available. Please RSVP as soon as possible.

RSVP

A Random Picture

]]> March 2025 LiNK https://cwc.church/blog/2025/03/07/march-2025-link Fri, 07 Mar 2025 09:39:42 +0000 https://cwc.church/blog/2025/03/07/march-2025-link

March 2025 LiNK

LiNK: March 2025

Something Fun

I've just started the book Digital Liturgies: Rediscovering Christian Wisdom in an Online Age by Samuel James and have been really impressed. His argument is that technology like the internet and social media are habitats that we are trained in and change us. They effect our habits, our affections, even the way we think.

Something to Consider

31 of our 40 Gospel Communities could use a co-leader. So, be on the lookout for one in your group. A good co-leader would be a guy who:

has a vibrant relationship with God
has a love for the spiritual progress of others

If anyone comes to mind that would be helpful to consider, look to connect with them about it. And, let me know too. The next Equipped class for prospective leaders is in June.

Something Ahead

A few changes are coming up for Fall which I'll tell you about in April.

If you're in Racine, we've got an event coming up for you!

Leader Landing: Friday, May 9, 6:30-8:45p (childcare provided)

A Random Picture

]]> February 2025 LiNK https://cwc.church/blog/2025/02/04/february-2025-link Tue, 04 Feb 2025 17:02:27 +0000 https://cwc.church/blog/2025/02/04/february-2025-link

February 2025 LiNK

LiNK: February 2025

Something Fun

We've had a surprising number of folks reach out to get connected into a Gospel Community in January. God is continuing to stir in people a desire for deeper fellowship at CrossWay.

Something to Consider

February is a good time to check-in on members who are on the fringe. Set up a conversation with them to see how they're doing and if there are ways to welcome them into the full experience and commitment of the Gospel Community. And, if circumstances have changed for them, perhaps it's a good time to change expectations or release them from their commitment.

Something Ahead

Huddles are optional, informal gatherings to talk shop about leading a Gospel Community with me. The next Huddle is on Sunday, February 16th at 9:45a in Room 114.

RSVP for Huddle

Leader Landing: Friday, May 9, 6:30-8:45p (childcare provided)

A Random Picture

Back in 2022, the Leader Landing was held in Racine with a mini excursion to Wind Point.

]]> January 2025 LiNK https://cwc.church/blog/2025/01/08/january-2025-link Wed, 08 Jan 2025 17:03:12 +0000 https://cwc.church/blog/2025/01/08/january-2025-link

January 2025 LiNK

LiNK: January 2025

Something Fun

Great seeing you at the Leader Login last Sunday!

I've got an extra copy of The Cross and Christian Ministry by D.A. Carson. First one to ask for it gets it!

Something to Consider

January is a time when people try new things and consider new habits. Look out for people, especially on Sunday morning, who are new and potentially disconnected. If you've got room in your Gospel Community, invite them to check it out. l

Something Ahead

This Sunday, January 12, is Gospel Community Sunday. Wear your Gospel Community t-shirt!

Meet with me in January (optional). If you'd like to connect about your Gospel Community or really anything, feel free to grab a slot of time here.

Leader Landing: Friday, May 9, 6:30-8:45p (childcare provided)

A Random Picture

One of our leaders, a man with many faces and looks. Pick your favorite. Mine's the dreads towards the bottom left.

]]> December 2024 LiNK https://cwc.church/blog/2024/12/04/december-2024-link Wed, 04 Dec 2024 11:17:27 +0000 https://cwc.church/blog/2024/12/04/december-2024-link

December 2024 LiNK

LiNK: December 2024

Something Fun

One of the best resources I've ever used to walk alongside considering the faith is called Christianity Explored. And, I've just found two extra copies that can have. First come, first serve!

Something to Consider

Take a break, for real! With Christmas and New Years around the corner, this is a perfect time to take two or even three week break from meeting as a Gospel Community. Rest, be refreshed, and get ready for the Spring semester ahead.

Something Ahead

(1) This Sunday is the first (optional) Huddle to December 8 at 9:45am in Room 114. A huddle is a spot to "talk shop" about leading a Gospel Community with me and some others.

RSVP for the Huddle

(2) Leader Login (mandatory) on January 5 after either service. This is a quick check-in on how leading is going and to get donuts and a super fun gift.

(3) Meet with me in January (optional). If you'd like to connect about your Gospel Community or really anything, feel free to grab a slot of time here.

Leader Landing: Friday, May 9, 6:30-8:45p (childcare provided)

A Random Picture

Found this gem of one of our Gospel Community Leaders...from a few decades back.

]]> November 2024 LiNK https://cwc.church/blog/2024/11/06/november-2024-link Wed, 06 Nov 2024 10:36:04 +0000 https://cwc.church/blog/2024/11/06/november-2024-link

November 2024 LiNK

LiNK: November 2024

Something Fun

If you've ever wanted a new Bible (or any book for that matter) to open easily and lay flat, well, there's a proper and quick way to get there. Check out how to break in a Bible here (by the way, I have no idea who the Youtuber is, so not an endorsement of her other than the method).

Something to Consider

Prayer is a vital part of Gospel Communities but prayer requests can often gravitate towards immediate, practical needs. While those are good things to pray about, they are different than what the majority of prayers in the Bible look like.

This short, five-minute article by David Powlison unpacks how we can approach considering and then sharing prayer requests that get to the heart and are biblically-shaped.

Something Ahead

We're rescheduling our first (optional) Huddle to December 8 at 9:45am so that we can all be a part of celebrating Bill Nye's retirement this Sunday morning.

RSVP for the Huddle

As you make plans for the upcoming ministry year, look to get the following dates on your calendar. The following are required for all leaders:

Leader Login: Sunday, January 5, 9:45-10:30a
Leader Landing: Friday, May 9, 6:30-8:45p (childcare provided)

A Random Picture

Snagged this photo this morning on the way into the church building. It will take some seriously good eyesight (and maybe a hunter's intuition) to see why this photo is included.

]]> October 2024 https://cwc.church/blog/2024/10/02/october-2024 Wed, 02 Oct 2024 11:03:54 +0000 https://cwc.church/blog/2024/10/02/october-2024

October 2024

LiNK: October 2024

Something Fun

You all added 30 new people to Gospel Communities in the last two weeks! Way to go weaving people in!

Something to Consider

Keep looking out for people that are new. On Sundays especially, look to connect with someone you don't know.

Something Ahead

The first Huddle, an optional, brief gathering to talk shop about being a leader, is on November 10 @ 9:45a in Room 114.

RSVP for the Huddle

As you make plans for the upcoming ministry year, look to get the following dates on your calendar. The following are required for all leaders:

Leader Login: Sunday, January 5, 9:45-10:30a
Leader Landing: Friday, May 9, 6:30-8:45p (childcare provided)

A Random Picture

Nothing like home made pizza to make the Men's Bible Study (now known as Men of the Word) gathering extra special. The guys continue to meet on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8pm.

]]> September 2024 https://cwc.church/blog/2024/09/05/september-2024 Thu, 05 Sep 2024 10:15:36 +0000 https://cwc.church/blog/2024/09/05/september-2024

September 2024

LiNK: September 2024

Something Fun

September is go time! It's the start of lots of life: school, sports, and, often a time when people visit a church service for the first time and jump into Gospel Communities.

Something to Consider

Take advantage of this season by meeting someone new on Sunday morning or in the normal activity of life. Ask them things like:

(1) Their names
(2)Where they're from
(3) If there's any way you could pray for them.

If it seems right, invite them to your Gospel Community.

Something Ahead

(1) The Leader Launch is tomorrow! See you all at 6:30p.

(2) Complete your Launch Plan by September 6. Make sure the plan works for you before inviting others into it.

(3) Gospel Community Sundays are this week and next. Wear your new Gospel Community t-shirts on Sundays September 8 and 15.

Complete Launch Plan

As you make plans for the upcoming ministry year, look to get the following dates on your calendar. The following are required for all leaders:

Leader Launch: Friday, September 6, 6:30-8:30p
Leader Login: Sunday, January 5, 9:45-10:30a
Leader Landing: Friday, May 9, 6:30-8:45p (childcare provided)

A Random Picture

First day of school for lots of kiddos, including these ones at Kenosha Christian Academy.

]]> August 2024 https://cwc.church/blog/2024/08/06/august-2024 Tue, 06 Aug 2024 13:27:51 +0000 https://cwc.church/blog/2024/08/06/august-2024

August 2024

LiNK: August 2024

Something Fun

You've got to watch the video for this one!

Something to Consider

Now is the time to do two things:

Schedule your first Gospel Community meeting of the year. Most groups aim for late August or early September.
Complete your Launch Plan by September 6. Make sure the plan works for you before inviting others into it.

Complete Launch Plan

Something Ahead

Every year we launch the Gospel Community year by gathering all the leaders together. This is an essential gathering for all leaders. The Leader Launch is on September 6th. Please RSVP by August 28th.

RSVP for Leader Launch

As you make plans for the upcoming ministry year, look to get the following dates on your calendar. The following are required for all leaders:

Leader Launch: Friday, September 6, 6:30-8:30p
Leader Login: Sunday, January 5, 9:45-10:30a
Leader Landing: Friday, May 9, 6:30-8:45p (childcare provided)

A Random Picture

Any guesses on where this is?

]]> Ten Encouragements Related to Politics https://cwc.church/blog/2024/07/25/ten-encouragements-related-to-politics Thu, 25 Jul 2024 12:46:04 +0000 https://cwc.church/blog/2024/07/25/ten-encouragements-related-to-politics

Dear CrossWay family,

This past Sunday, July 21, I gave ten brief encouragements about how to honor God with our engagement in politics. As promised, I’m including them below for our continued consideration.

Warmly,

Pastor Brett
--
Before we get to the sermon, I want to take a few minutes to give a little guidance and encouragement to us about how to engage Christianly in politics. If you’ve been at CrossWay for any length of time at all, you know that our life together is centered on God, and his good news about Jesus, and the Bible, which bears witness to it—our center is not politics.

And yet, part of our following Jesus is loving our neighbors, and one of the ways we do that is by engaging in the civic life of our community and country. It’s not what God cares most about, but he does care that the way we engage is shaped by his Word and aimed at pleasing him. It seems like this stretch of the summer in which the major parties are having their conventions is a natural opportunity to give a little guidance about how to engage well. I was planning to do this last Sunday but then decided to wait a week in light of last weekend’s events.

I have ten quick encouragements.

Be vigilant about where you place your trust and hope. Psalm 146:3 says, “Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.” There is a tendency in American politics to put our trust in princes. To look to one candidate or party as the solution to all our problems, to say in our hearts, if the election goes this way, we’re saved, and if it goes that way, we’re doomed. That is not where Christians put our trust or hope. Our trust and hope are in God, who will continue to reign in absolute power and goodness regardless of who is elected. It’s good to recognize that elections have consequences, but we don’t need in the least to be afraid. God will keep all of his promises to us no matter what happens in November.
Maintain a biblical proportionality about politics and the election. The election is important. But it is not most important. It is not more important than loving God. It is not more important than being godly. We are called to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). The kingdom of God does not come through elections. It comes through the people of God living in submission to their King and helping others enter his kingdom through trusting the gospel. Let’s make sure we keep first things first, even in an election year.
Be diligent to know and speak truth. All kinds of truth claims will be made this year. They will be made in debates, in reporting and opinion pieces, on the radio and on social media. Let’s make sure that we imitate our God, who cares about truth and always speaks truth. Let’s seek sources of truth that are demonstrably reliable, not just ones that agree with what we already think. And let’s make sure that what we say and what we write is true—not exaggerated, not misleadingly selective, not demonizing or dealing with straw men, but true.
Consider carefully how you will vote. Our vote is one of the key forms of influence we have over the direction of our country. And while I’m not going to tell you how to vote, nor can I touch on every factor to weigh, I want to name a few. Human government was established by God to do justice, to praise and promote what is good and to prevent and punish what is evil. So weigh which party’s platform better reflects God’s justice regarding the treatment of human beings, not least preborn human beings. Weigh which candidate, and I mean all the candidates, not just the two you first think of, best reflects God’s character, his goodness and trustworthiness. Weigh which policies are most conducive to religious freedom, so we can lead what Paul calls “a peaceful and quiet life” (1 Timothy 2:2). Be sure your conscience is well formed by God's Word, and do not violate it, even if that means for some offices you do not vote.
Prize and guard the unity of the church. I don’t need to say much about this, because Paul has said so much in Ephesians. We can disagree about politics, and we can seek to persuade about politics, but let’s not divide over secondary matters. Let’s be sure our relating to one another is marked by what the apostle James calls (James 3:17) “the wisdom from above,” which “is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits…”
Have right expectations for following Jesus in a fallen world. The New Testament tells us to expect opposition and persecution. It calls us exiles and sojourners. We can experience an unnecessary distress when we expect America to be what only the kingdom of God is. If we are a small minority, if we are misunderstood, if we are misrepresented and slandered, let’s respond as Christians, continuing to trust God and do good.
Remember your true adversary. “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood” (Ephesians 6:12). Let’s be more concerned about the danger to our godliness and unity from the devil than we are about danger from political movements.
Be mindful of how your engagement is forming you. What effect is your engagement in politics having in your life? Do you find yourself becoming more patient, more hopeful, more involved with your neighbors? Or do you find yourself becoming more angry, more anxious, more isolated from people and immersed in the news? Is there some adjustment you need to make—maybe a break from the news—in order to guard your heart and your holiness?
Let your fears and disappointments become an opportunity to draw near to God. We all to varying degrees have the experience of looking at our country and recognizing that it falls short of what it could be if it reflected the values of God’s kingdom. And that could make us angry or fearful or despondent, or it could give us opportunity to turn to God and lament what needs to be lamented and ask for what needs to be asked for. Let’s continually turn to God. And finally:
Pray. Pray that God will guard your heart from wrong hopes and desires. Pray that God will guard our church from division. Pray for the good of our country and its leaders. Pray, “thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Pray, and then trust our prayer-hearing, sovereign-over-all, utterly trustworthy God.

]]> May 2024 https://cwc.church/blog/2024/05/21/may-2024 Tue, 21 May 2024 15:33:26 +0000 https://cwc.church/blog/2024/05/21/may-2024

May 2024

LiNK: May 2024

Something Fun

For the first time ever, more people got connected to Gospel Communities organically through you and members of your Gospel Community than a formal Sunday invitation! This is an encouraging indicator of broad ownership and the the members of the body engaging in the work of ministry.

Something to Consider

Right around now, most Gospel Communities close down the Spring semester of meetings and transition to a different rhythm for the summer. I encourage all Gospel Community leaders to find ways to rest over the summer. One key way you can rest is by delegating responsibilities for your Gospel Community related gatherings to someone else in the group.

Also, if you haven't yet had your last meeting for the Spring, I encourage you to mark the end of the ministry year in one way or another. Ideas include:

- Sharing a meal together
- Praying together and thanking God for what he did this past year
- Making a slideshow of pictures that captured the last year together
- Speaking words of encouragement to one another for what God did through one another

Something Ahead

We'll take a break from the regular Discussion Questions for the summer. If your group is still meeting, check out the Swedish Method for discussion below.

Swedish Method Discussion

As you make plans for the upcoming ministry year, look to get the following dates on your calendar. The following are required for all leaders:

Leader Launch: Friday, September 6, 6:30-8:30p
Leader Login: Sunday, January 5, 9:45-10:30a
Leader Landing: Friday, May 9, 6:30-8:45p (childcare provided)

A Random Picture

Found this gem, circa 2006, of one of our leaders, Gary Lewis!

]]> March 2024 https://cwc.church/blog/2024/03/29/january-2024-part-2-link-copy Fri, 29 Mar 2024 14:16:10 +0000 https://cwc.church/blog/2024/03/29/january-2024-part-2-link-copy

March 2024

LiNK: March 2024

Something Fun

God used one of our Gospel Communities to weave in a spouse who was on the fringe. She had never attended a meeting, but after visiting for the first time, she left amazed at the way everyone warmly welcomed her.

Something to Consider

We're just past the halfway point of the Spring season. This is a good time to do a few things:

Rest: Take a week or two off if possible.

Finish Well: press into relationships and the other things God is doing in your Gospel Community before closing down for the summer.

Something Ahead

The Spring Landing (formerly known as the Spring Retreat) is on April 27th from 8:45-12:30 at Christ the King Church. Be sure to RSVP as soon as possible.

A Random Picture

Look closely and see if you can guess the city in view.

]]> January 2024-Part 2 LiNK https://cwc.church/blog/2024/01/25/january-2024-part-2-link Thu, 25 Jan 2024 06:12:20 +0000 https://cwc.church/blog/2024/01/25/january-2024-part-2-link

January 2024 - Part 2: The LiNK

LiNK: January 2024-Part 2

Something Fun

Over 540 people are involved in a Gospel Community! And, nearly 95% of them are core, meaning they are connected, involved and contributing. This is a sign of God's kindness and also a testimony of your investment with members of your group. Well done!

Something to Consider

For members that are on the fringe, meaning disconnected in one way or another, right now is an really great time to connect with them on three levels:

(1) Care: check in and see how they are doing. There may be a range of reasons why they haven't been able to commit to your Gospel Communities, many of which might require one form of care or another.

(2) Refresh: Depending on why they have been unable to fully commit to the group, this conversation may be a good chance to refresh them on what members of the group committed to in the fall. Usually this involves meeting in some regular rhythm.

(3) Invite or Release: Again, depending on the situation, invite the person to recommit to the group for the Spring semester. If they're not able to for one reason or another, warmly release them from the group while also leaving room for them to reconnect at a different time if their situation changes. The goal is always to have an open door but also honoring what they are able to commit to in the season.

All of this is a way to meaningfully care for people who are having a hard time committing to your group. And, it also has the effect of helping others in your group too.

Something Ahead

This Sunday (the 28th!) is Gospel Community Sunday. Wear your t-shirt!

This Sunday is also Brett Wendle's Installation service. If you normally come to second service, be sure to come around 9:45a to be a part of the donut reception that's happening only between the services.

Your Sphere should be scheduling and meeting roughly over the next month and a half.

A Random Picture

There are so many pictures from Celebrate and Anticipate, CrossWay's 25th Anniversary, that I'd love to share. You can find the slideshow pictures here and pictures others uploaded here.

The picture below begins to capture one of the unique themes of the weekend: the vibrant energy and joy of people connecting with one another. On Friday night of the 25th celebrations, in the middle of a blizzard, hundreds of people poured into the lobby and were pumped to connect, to catch up, and to celebrate. The atmosphere was something I had never experienced before.

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