The best way to describe the story of Crosspoint is through “defining moments.” Who knew at the time that God was leading a small group of passionate people through these defining moments to create a vision for an emerging church in Abilene? From the beginning we asked ourselves, “Does Abilene need another church?” We knew that people needed to be reached and discipled, but was it necessary for there to be a new work in order to make that happen?
As our talks continued we began to realize that while there were a lot of churches in the area, they were for the most part the same. From there we began to talk about the possibility of creating an emerging church – a church that embraced change and set out to be relevant for current and future generations. We had an idea but we needed to wait on a concept.
In January 2002, our Lead Pastor, Jerry Hendrix attended a Creative Church Conference at Fellowship Church in Grapevine, TX. With over twenty years experience in Student Ministry, Jerry wasn’t looking to start a new career—only refine his own ministry. But while at this conference the picture of an emerging church became clearer. For the first time Jerry saw a model for doing church that looked more like how he approached youth ministry. Then he knew then that leading a church like this would be something he could get excited about.
As the discussions about a new church continued, prayerful consideration was given to what this emerging church should look like in Abilene. We wanted to be purposeful not just create something that was relevant somewhere else. At this point we developed three primary icons that reflect the five Biblical purposes: open eyes, open heart and open hands. These icons would not only represent the purposes but the kind of ministries and staff that we would have.
In January 2003 we began to share our vision with a core group who we believed to have the same passions. Our first home Bible study was on January 19 and twenty-five people attended. From there word spread and each week new people came to hear the story, purposes, and vision
Since then Crosspoint has met 5 different locations. We are currently in the transition/growth/defining identity phase again as we are temporarily relocating to the Abilene Civic Center while we consider our future plans. Moving out of the infancy/toddler phase and perhaps into the start of our adolescence, Crosspoint continues to grow. What started as a place that only college students seemed to understand now has become a church for people of any age who are seeking conversation, community, and connection in their faith journeys. Every week is exciting as we continue to seek being an authentic representation of Christ’s church in Abilene, Texas today. The dream has become reality and God continues to create more defining moments. There is great joy in the journey. There is more to come!
