The Crossing | Aurora, CO

• Jake Anderson
• May 24, 2011
• Series: Church Profiles
• Categories: Church Planting Articles, Latest News

Briefly describe your story of your call to plant a church

God began to move in our hearts as we lived on the East side of Denver while I was finishing up my time at another church. He began to stir in us unrest for the lost people around us and that call moved us from there to begin praying about planting. The call was confirmed by the guys with A29 who assessed us. I am so thankful for sensing God's call to plant because without that call it would be too easy to give up when times have been tough.

How did you build up your core? What advice would you give to guys in the core-stage?

We built up our core slowly through relationships. It took us longer than we wanted to get people to commit to be a part of the work.
The advice I would give guys in the core-stage is to quickly discern, by the power of the Holy Spirit, who will be a part of your core and who will not. Spend as much time as you can with potential leaders.

What were the biggest challenges you faced in planting your church (and/or currently facing)?

Funding and getting people to serve faithfully within the church.

How did you become involved with Acts 29? What have been the biggest benefits of being in the network?

We attended a Boot camp in Seattle because John Piper was speaking there (we used to be a part of Bethlehem). After attending the Boot camp we became more familiar with the network and were assessed a year later in Denver.
The biggest benefit of the network was the coaching from Brian Brown.

What advice do you have for men who are wrestling with the decision to plant? 

Make sure you're called to do it. If you are called, work hard and trust God like crazy!

What’s the most important thing you’d want to share with a new church planter?   

Make sure not to let your righteousness be tied to the success of your church plant.

How do you pastor your family?

I intentionally spend one day a week with my family where I can focus on them. I make sure to have a date night each week with my wife. I lead them in family devotions and prayer. Bottom line is that I try to make time for them to listen and care for them so that they know they are a priority.

Outside of the Bible, what is the most helpful book you have read for church planting?

"Planting New Churches" - Stetzer

Church Profile: The Crossing
Launch Date: September 2010
Location: Aurora, CO

Mission, Vision, Values of Church 

The Crossing church exists to bridge the gap and be the church in our city.

What are some examples of God's grace that you have seen in your life and/or the life of your church?

God's grace has permeated the entire process of church planting. He has given birth to a new church body by his grace. Shortly after we launched the church we found out that he had given life to us once again with a pregnancy that Docs told us we would never be able to have.

How can we pray for you?

Pray that God would open doors to the gospel with friends, neighbors and coworkers in Aurora.