CrossPoint Newsletter

Twentieth Edition 12/2/2024

It's a question many of us have asked, often without realizing how subtly it shifts the focus. When we add the words "for my life," we shift from seeing ourselves as part of God’s larger story to thinking we’re the main character. But let's be clear: everything in this world is about His story, not ours. Instead of asking, “What is God’s will for my life?” a better question would be, 

“What is God’s will, and how do I submit to it?”

God is holy and desires that people worship Him alone (Exodus 20:3). He is patient and loving, desiring that none should perish (2 Peter 3:9). He is on mission, and He calls us to be His witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

As the holy Creator, God loved the world so deeply that He gave His only Son, so that none would perish, but that all could have eternal life through Christ (John 3:16). He wants to reach both your neighbors and the nations with the gospel. As God’s people, the question is not whether we should be involved in His mission, but how.

Here are some bold, practical ways you can engage in God's mission, both locally and globally:

1. Pray.

Prayer is not a last resort; it is our first step of obedience. If reaching the world is God’s priority, that should be reflected in our prayer life. Download the “Unreached of the Day” app to pray for unreached people groups worldwide. Use it during your personal prayer time or at the dinner table with your family. Keep God’s global mission before you by listening to the Voice of the Martyr’s podcast. Educate yourself on global missions and pray for God’s kingdom to advance to the ends of the earth.

2. Give.

God’s people set the pace for the mission through generosity. At CrossPoint, we invest 11% of every dollar given into missions outside our church walls. Our Christmas Missions Offering is an opportunity to give for the rest of this month, with 100% of designated gifts going to local, national, and international missions. Giving isn’t just a way to fund ministry; it is active participation in God’s work.

3. Go.

God is calling us to go—whether it’s across the street to our neighbors or across the world to the nations. Start by engaging your neighbors. Be creative and show the love of Jesus through actions. Invite them to church. Share your story of how God changed your life and how He can change theirs. Talk to your Grow Group about ways to serve your local community. Ask your Location Pastor about missions opportunities both nationally and internationally.

Hebrews 11:6 declares, “Without faith, it is impossible to please God.” Faith is more than trusting in Jesus for salvation; it’s trusting Him with every part of your life—your finances, security, time, and energy—for His greater purpose. Yes, faith requires risk, but in God’s kingdom, we never lose when we give. We gain.

As missionary, Jim Elliot wisely said:

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”

God is inviting you to live on mission with Him. What step of faith is God calling you to take today?

Jason Waller

Lead Pastor

Great things are happening at CrossPoint Hutchinson! This year has been filled with many opportunities to take the message of the Gospel out. CrossPoint Hutch has had an incredible opportunity to see many people give their lives to Jesus and most recently, 20 baptisms on Baptism Weekend alone. We’ve continued to see God draw people to himself as our ministries grow.

For the last 5 years, we have had a partnership with Faris Elementary School. We have been helping kids at this underprivileged school buy shoes for Christmas. Each year our church donates close to 300 pairs of shoes to this school. We recognize that this is a financial strain on many families. Every year several kids switch out the shoes given from the year before to the new ones they receive from us. This year we were able to get this goal accomplished in one weekend! As a staff, we pray for generosity every week and it’s exciting to see how God is producing generous hearts in our church. Our desire is to care for the kids, parents, teachers, and staff and by doing so, point them to the love of Christ. We pray most importantly for opportunities to share Jesus with all of them. 

Something that continues to excite (and challenge us at the same time) is church attendance on the weekends. We are seeing the worship center fill up consistently and we continue praying for God to give us wisdom on how to navigate this opportunity for multiplication!

Our college ministry has seen significant growth both spiritually and numerically. College students are excited to serve the Lord by growing in His word and serving in the church. They have a presence and long to be given opportunities to continue growing spiritually.

The trained and committed deacons we have here at CrossPoint Hutch are such a blessing to our ministries. We have deacons who minister through baptism preparation, hospital visits, prayer and encouragement for staff (amongst other things), and a new group of deacons who have just finished their year-long training. Our new deacons are equipped to continue their ministry in exciting areas like youth, in the prisons, and in our production area. Seeing these passions set free to minister in these areas is not only a blessing to the individual ministries within our church, but a special boon to the staff here at Hutchinson as God’s work is done through God’s people.

We have had an exciting year in Hutchinson filled with God working in a myriad of ways. Looking forward, we are excited for how God is going to continue to work as we embrace the fresh mission of CrossPoint and rally behind the many people who will be living on mission as we all Love God, Grow Up, Serve All, and Live Sent!

Pray with us:

1. Pray for families as they make their holiday plans to be intentional in the spiritual development and priorities.
2. Pray for our partnership with Fairs Elementary. That God would continue to open doors for us to minister to the students, their parents, and the staff. That they might come to faith in Christ. 

Porfirio Ramirez

Location Pastor

‘Tis the Season!

We’ve officially entered one of the most beloved times of the year–Christmas! For many of us, this season is filled with cherished traditions, meaningful experiences, and unique opportunities to connect with others.

One of my personal favorite traditions is our family’s “Gift-Giving Guide.” It’s a shared note on our smartphones where we each add ideas to help us pick the perfect gifts for one another. It’s a fun way to ensure our gifts are meaningful and thoughtful.

But what about giving gifts outside our immediate circle? More importantly, what about giving gifts that go beyond the season and have a lasting impact?

Over the past eight weeks, we’ve been exploring what it means to live as Everyday Missionaries. As we step into this Christmas season, I want to challenge each of us to put that teaching into action. One of the greatest gifts we can give–one that surpasses anything wrapped under the tree–is an invitation to meet Jesus.

It sounds simple, but consider this: so many people around us are not enjoying the holidays this year. Their lives may be weighed down by grief, pain, or a sense of hopelessness. They’re searching for meaning, comfort, and hope. Your invitation to attend a church service this Christmas could be the lifeline they’re longing for, a gift that could change not only their season, but their life, family, and eternity.

Why Your Invitation Matters

Research shows that personal invitations make a significant difference. A 2016 Lifeway Research study found that 35% of unchurched individuals would likely attend a worship service if they were invited. Think about that, over one-third of people outside the church are willing to say “yes” to an invitation.

What if that person is your friend? Your family member? Your coworker? Your neighbor?

You won’t know until you extend the invitation. And while inviting someone to church might feel intimidating, it doesn’t have to be. It can be one of the most natural and exciting things you do this season. Here’s how you can live out your role as an Everyday Missionary and make this Christmas unforgettable for someone you care about:

Step-by-Step Encouragement for Everyday Missionaries

1. As a Surrendered Worshiper:

Think about what makes weekend services meaningful to you. Is it the message, the music, the sense of community? Now, consider who in your life might benefit from sitting beside you during the next service. Make a list and ask yourself, “Who should be here with me?” Never attend a service without that question in mind.

2. As a Maturing Follower:

Turn that list into a prayer list as a personal prayer discipline. Offer those names to God and pray for opportunities to share your desire for them not just to attend church, but to come with you. A simple invitation, paired with a kind gesture—like offering to take them out for lunch afterward—can make all the difference. (Sometimes a little incentive doesn’t hurt!)

3. As a Compassionate Servant:

Look for ways to serve those you want to invite. Whether it’s babysitting their kids so they can have a date night, helping with a project around their house, or simply offering a listening ear, small acts of kindness can open the door to a heartfelt invitation. These gestures show that you genuinely care, making your invitation even more powerful.

4. As a Kingdom Multiplier:

Don’t underestimate the power of your own story. Sharing how Jesus has impacted your life can create a deeper connection and inspire others to seek that same hope and joy. An invitation to church is a great starting point, but it may also open the door to ongoing conversations, prayer, and opportunities to walk alongside someone in their faith.

The Greatest Gift

As you check off your Christmas shopping list this year, think beyond the wrapped presents and consider the eternal gift of an invitation. Someone in your life might be waiting for it right now. This could be the Christmas that changes everything for them.

Let’s make this season about more than giving gifts—we have the opportunity to give the ultimate gift: an introduction to the Savior. Who will you invite?

This could be the best Christmas yet—for you and for someone you care about.

Andy Addis

Lead Pastor