These distinctives are intended to give simple explanations of various Issues that are important to the direction and functioning of Crossroads Christian Church. Although some aspects may be controversial, the leadership must make decisions in these areas in order to properly guide and direct the church. We seek to be open and forthright with the positions held in these areas. One does not need to embrace all of these views to be part of Crossroads, as they are not essential to our salvation. Other opinions on these issues should not stand in the way of our fellowship. Understanding our positions on these distinctives can be helpful in seeing our church fulfill its purpose and mission. At this time, after prayerful searching of the Scriptures, we (the elders) understand these issues as outlined in the following principles:
Crossroads Christian Church functions under the leadership of a plurality of qualified elders (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9). In the New Testament, the terms "elder", "overseer", and "pastor" all refer to the same role, which has the responsibility of teaching, leadering, directing, and protecting the congregation (Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 4:1-3, Hebrews 13:17). While specific responsibilities may differ, each member of the eldership has equal authority.
Other church members should use their gifts to serve the body as well (Romans 12:4-8, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11). Those who serve in specific ministries throughout the church will be trained to build up the body (Ephesians 4:11-12). While the congregation is often involved in the decision-making process, the elders have the ultimate responsibility for the direction and policies of the church.
Crossroads Christian Church is a community of believers called to worship God "in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24) to bring Him glory and honor (Isaiah 43:7, Ephesians 1:12). In our corporate worship, the body of Christ gathers together for the purpose of glorifying God through teaching, communion, prayer, edification, fellowship, and the singing of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Acts 2:42, Colossians 3:16, Hebrews 10:25). Our desire is to faithfully proclaim the truths of God's Word and respond joyfully with reverence and awe (Hebrews 12:28-29, Psalms 111:1). We begin to understand God's worth through insight into His character and deeds as revealed through His Word.
We understand that unbelievers will be present during times of corporate worship. We welcome unbelievers who come so they can observe the uniqueness of genuine Christian worship, understanding that only believers can truly worship God (1 Corinthians 2:14). Our desire is for the unbeliever to hear the gospel and to respond in faith. We are committed to reaching out to unbelievers by building relationships with them and clearly proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ (Colossians 4:2-5).
We believe that men and women are equal before God in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28). We also recognize that the Bible outlines differing roles for both men and women, in the family as well as in the church. The husband is to be the spiritual leader of the wife (Ephesians 5:23). He is to respect his wife (1 Peter 3:7) and to love his wife as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her (Ephesians. 5:25). The wife is to submit to her husband's leadership (Ephesians 5:22, 33), as the church submits to the Lordship of Christ (Ephesians 5:24).
The Bible describes several specific roles for both men and women (see Titus 2:2-8, 1 Timothy 2:8-14). In addition to these roles, how else can women minister in the church? (A minister [diakonos] is a servant.) Ministry is serving others in the power of the Holy Spirit for the glory of God. Ministry in the New Testament was determined more by spiritual gifts than by gender.
Can women minister in the church? Certainly. Can women lead ministries in the church? We believe they can, yet the ultimate responsibility for all ministries falls on the eldership. Under that authority, we believe that women can minister with men, and that women can minister to men.
Are there any limitations to women ministering in the church? Yes. We find no support in the New Testament for women serving as overseers (pastors/elders) in the church. There are examples, however, of women ministers or servants (Phoebe in Romans16:1). Just as in the home, God has given the ultimate responsibility in the church to the male leadership of pastors/elders (Acts 20:28). In this light, our practice is that the primary teaching of our adults in biblical doctrine (from the Pulpit, Adult Sunday School or through Growth Groups primarily} is through male leadership.
Scripture teaches that the Holy Spirit imparts spiritual gifts to all believers for building up the church. Many of these gifts are listed in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4:11; Romans 12). We believe spiritual gifts are valid for today and encourage their use for the edification of the body. They should always be exercised within Biblical guidelines, decently, and in order.
As we look at the book of Acts, we see many miraculous spiritual gifts used by the apostles and other believers. Regardless of our own experience, Scripture shows that God can and will move in marvelous ways through spiritual gifts if He so desires.
This acknowledged, many churches are experiencing false prophecies, fake healings and a use of tongues that are not in line with what the Bible describes. Therefore, we are careful that the use of any and all spiritual gifts is within the Biblical manner described in the New Testament. For example, when the church is gathered, the gift of tongues should only be practiced with an interpreter present and should never be used in a disruptive manner (1 Corinthians 14:27-28). Any prophetic words are to be viewed in light of God's Word, with the Bible as our final authority. Healings are by faith through the sovereign hand of God. Scripture states that those who are sick should call for the elders to pray for them (James 5:14-15). We do not overlook medical treatment as a means God may choose to restore someone's health or see it as a lack of faith to go to a doctor.
Peter stated, "As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ'' (1 Peter 4:10). Scripture teaches us to seek gifts that build up the church (1 Corinthians 12:31) and bring the most benefit to others with love being our aim (1 Corinthians 14:1).
Malachi 2:16a states that God "hates divorce". There is no doubt scripture teaches that marriage between a man and a woman is a lifelong commitment (Romans 7:1-3). To break the covenant of marriage for any reason grieves God. God, through the marriage vows and commitments, joins two to become one flesh. Scripture teaches that what God has joined together, no man should separate (Matthew 19:6). God does allow divorce due to the hardness of men's hearts (Matthew 19:9) but only in two circumstances:
Only if a spouse is unfaithful (commits adultery) or there is abandonment due to the rejection of the gospel and Jesus Christ as Savior can divorce be permitted. If someone divorces outside of these circumstances, it is unbiblical and unacceptable to God. If an individual remarries after an unbiblical divorce, scripture states that this is adultery (Matthew 5:32).
Believers who pursue divorce on unbiblical grounds are subject to church discipline because they openly reject the Word of God. Anyone who obtains an unbiblical divorce and remarries is guilty of adultery since God did not permit the original divorce (Matthew 5:32; Mark 10:11-12). This person is subject to church discipline as outlined in Matthew 18:15-17. Church discipline is used in love with the objective of restoring the marriage and alerting the- individual (or couple) to the dangers of disobedience and the consequences of sin.· If the person rejects the churches admonitions to obey God's Word, the final step of discipline is to remove them from the body and to consider them as an "unbeliever" (Matthew 18:17). This, at Crossroads, means that if they are members, they would be removed from membership and asked to step down from any church sanctioned ministry. Crossroads Christian Church would continue to welcome them to attend services and meetings, just as we do all seekers, hoping that their hearts would change and repentance take place.
We do not recommend a spouse remaining in an abusive situation. If abusive actions are taking place in a marriage, physical and possibly legal separation would be biblical alternatives to consider as counseling takes place to resolve issues and re-establish trust for a healthy and safe home and marriage relationship.
The leadership at Crossroads Christian Church (CCC) claims to be neither Calvinistic nor Arminian (a brief description of each perspective follows this distinctive), but Christians only, understanding that God's Word is the final authority. We try to avoid arguments over issues that are not plainly presented in the Bible. Divisive issues that stem from these two perspectives are not to be taught in a manner where only one viewpoint is appreciated or supported. Each perspective must be presented impartially to evaluate these issues without prejudice. Although we are grateful for the teaching of past and present theologians, we desire to be "Bereans" and theologians ourselves, testing everything by the only God-breathed inspired writing, the Holy Bible.
These two major perspectives, Calvinism and Arminianism have been formed attempting to reconcile God's sovereignty and the free will of man as they relate to salvation. There are many variations and differences within each viewpoint which we will not attempt to itemize in this distinctive. We acknowledge that there are respected theologians on both sides of the issue. There are also extreme or "hyper" views on each side that are clearly outside the boundaries of sound biblical interpretation.
It seems that the sovereignty of God and human responsibility are like two parallel lines that do not seem to intersect within our finite minds. Scripture states there are "mysteries" that we will never completely understand with human intellect (Job 11:7). Our feeble minds may never fully grasp how God's sovereignty and man's freedom to accept or reject His saving grace can both be true. It is not easy to maintain the unity of the Spirit on these matters. God's ways are beyond our comprehension (Romans 11:33), and the Bible warns us not to rely on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). Scripture teaches us to be loving and kind toward all, seeking the unity of believers (Philippians 2:1-8). We do not identify ourselves with either perspective, but stand united in the following:
In difficult doctrinal matters, may we have gracious attitudes and humble hearts desiring most of all to please God who has called us to serve Him in the body of Christ.
