Week 1: The Kingdom of God
Big Idea: The Kingdom of God is here and now, and we are called to participate in it. This begins with salvation, followed by baptism, spiritual growth, and engaging in the mission of the church. Our ultimate purpose is to guide people to find and follow Jesus.
1. Entering the Kingdom: Salvation and Baptism
Key Scripture: Romans 10:9-10, Acts 2:38
Salvation Through Christ: We enter God's Kingdom by accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The Romans Road explains the path to salvation: Romans 3:23, all have sinned. Romans 6:23, sin leads to death, but God offers eternal life. Romans 5:8, Christ died for us while we were still sinners. Romans 10:9-10, we confess with our mouths and believe in our hearts to be saved. Romans 10:13, everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Baptism, Our Public Declaration: Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands us to baptize new believers. As Southern Baptists, we practice believer's baptism by immersion because it follows Christ's example (Matthew 3:16), symbolizes death to sin and new life in Christ (Romans 6:4), and is an outward testimony of an inward transformation.
Action Step: If you have not been baptized, take this step of obedience.
2. Discovering Your Purpose: Spiritual Gifts and Ministry
Key Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, Ephesians 2:10
Why Do We Exist as a Church? We are a movement of God's people fulfilling His mission, using Rick Warren's Five Purposes of the Church: Worship, Ministry, Evangelism, Fellowship, and Discipleship.
Understanding Spiritual Gifts: Every believer has been given a spiritual gift to serve God's Kingdom (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). Action Step: Take a free spiritual gifts assessment at gifts.thecrossings.cc.
What Ministries Can I Join? Outreach Ministries (serving the community), Discipleship Groups (helping people grow in their faith), Worship and Creative Arts (using music, media, and art for God's glory), Hospitality and Welcome Teams (creating a warm and inviting church environment).
3. Living as Kingdom Ambassadors
Key Scripture: Matthew 6:33, 2 Corinthians 5:20
We are ambassadors of the Kingdom, bringing hope, love, and justice to a broken world.
Action Step: Share Your Story. Go to our website and fill out the form to write your testimony at thecrossings.cc/my-faith-story.
Week 2: What We Believe and Discipleship
1. The Foundations of Our Faith
Key Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 11:6
As a Southern Baptist Church, we affirm the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 (bfm.sbc.net/bfm2000).
Core Doctrines: God, one true God, revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Mankind, created in God's image, but fallen due to sin. Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, who died for our sins and rose again. Salvation, a gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible, God's perfect, authoritative Word.
2. Following Jesus Daily
Key Scripture: Luke 9:23, John 8:31-32
Spiritual disciplines: prayer, studying Scripture, fasting, serving others.
Action Step: Choose a Bible reading plan and commit to daily prayer.
3. Helping Others Follow Jesus
Key Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20, Colossians 1:28
Discipleship is relational.
Homework: Share Your Faith Story at thecrossings.cc/my-faith-story.
Week 3: Transforming Our Community
1. Partnering for Kingdom Impact
Key Scripture: Jeremiah 29:7
We partner with: Blue Ridge Baptist Association (blueridgebaptist.org), Baptist Convention of Maryland and Delaware (bcmd.org), Southern Baptist Convention (sbc.net), GlocalNet (glocal.net).
2. Serving in Our Community and Beyond
Key Scripture: Micah 6:8
Ministries at The Crossings Church: Sunday Funday, Crossings Youth, Crossings Kids. Small groups for men, women, adults. Ministry in Local Schools.
3. Living Missionally Every Day
Key Scripture: Matthew 5:14-16
Be intentional in conversations, share your faith.
Action Step: Identify one way this week to serve.
Week 4: The Church, Our Spiritual Family
1. Why the Church Matters
Key Scripture: Acts 2:42, Ephesians 2:19-22
We are part of the Body of Christ. The church provides encouragement, equipping, and accountability.
2. How Can Members Serve?
Key Scripture: 1 Peter 4:10-11, Romans 12:4-8
Membership Commitments: 1) Protect the unity of the church, love, avoid gossip, follow leaders. 2) Share the responsibility of the church, pray, invite others, welcome visitors. 3) Serve in ministry, discover gifts, take the spiritual gifts assessment, develop a servant's heart. 4) Support the ministry, attend faithfully, live godly, give cheerfully.
3. Our Mission: Guiding People to Find and Follow Jesus
Key Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20
The KDSC model emphasizes four key areas: Kingdom, Discipleship, Society, and Church. We seek first God's Kingdom, grow as disciples of Christ, impact society with love and justice, and build a strong church community where faith flourishes.
Action Step: Make a fresh commitment to be all in for your church family and God's mission.
Week 5: Wrap-Up and Q&A
Big Idea: Being a member of The Crossings Community Church means understanding what we believe, how we live out our faith, and how we hold each other accountable in love. This final session is an open conversation between Justin and Phil, reviewing the key teachings from the series and answering any lingering questions about membership, service, church discipline, and more.
1. Reviewing the Journey (Phil)
Recap of the Trailblazers Series: Week 1, The Kingdom of God, understanding why the church exists and our role in it. Week 2, Discipleship, What We Believe, core beliefs of our faith and how they shape our lives. Week 3, Society, Transforming Our Community, living missionally and making an impact. Week 4, Church, Our Spiritual Family, how we function as a church and where you fit in.
Key Takeaways from Each Week (Justin): Understanding God's Kingdom, salvation, baptism, and spiritual gifts. Learning about our doctrinal beliefs and Southern Baptist heritage. Engaging in community transformation and missions. Finding our place in serving, giving, and church membership.
2. Conversation with Justin and Phil, Q&A Session
Phil asks if anyone in the congregation has questions. If so, answer. If not, move ahead.
A. Salvation and Baptism (Justin ask, Phil answer): What are the essential steps to becoming a Christian? Why is baptism important, and what does it signify in our church?
B. Church Doctrine and Beliefs (Phil ask, Justin answer): Can you elaborate on our church's core beliefs about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and salvation? How does our affiliation with the Southern Baptist Convention influence our teachings and practices?
C. Church Practices and Ordinances (Justin ask, Phil answer): What is the significance of the Lord's Supper, and how often do we observe it? How does our church approach topics like tithing and financial stewardship?
D. Membership Expectations and Responsibilities (Phil ask, Justin answer): What are the expectations for members regarding attendance, service, and participation in church activities? Are there specific areas where new members are encouraged to serve or get involved?
E. Spiritual Growth and Discipleship (Justin ask, Phil answer): What resources or programs does the church offer to help members grow in their faith? How can I discover and utilize my spiritual gifts within the church community?
F. Community Engagement and Missions (Phil ask, Justin answer): In what ways does the church engage with the local community and broader missions? How can members participate in outreach and mission opportunities?
G. Church Governance and Structure (Justin ask, Phil answer): How is the church structured, and who makes decisions regarding its direction and activities? What is the process for addressing concerns or providing input as a member?
H. Partnerships and Affiliations (Phil ask, Justin answer): What roles do our partnerships with organizations like GlocalNet and the Blue Ridge Baptist Association play in our church's mission? How do these affiliations benefit our congregation and community outreach efforts?
I. Church Discipline and Accountability (Justin ask, Phil answer): What does the Bible say about church discipline? (Matthew 18:15-17, 1 Corinthians 5:12-13) How does The Crossings handle issues of accountability and correction? What role does grace and restoration play in church discipline? How should members respond when they see a brother or sister struggling spiritually? How do we balance love, truth, and discipline within the church family? What is the role of church leadership in maintaining biblical accountability?
3. Next Steps and Commitment
Becoming an Active Member (Justin): Official Membership, what it means to be a committed part of The Crossings Community Church. Baptism, if you haven't been baptized, take the next step. Serving, find a ministry that aligns with your gifts and passions. Small Groups, join a group for discipleship and community.
Making It Personal (Phil): Have a commitment card or form for attendees to fill out, outlining their next steps. Options could include: I am committing to membership at The Crossings. I am interested in baptism. I am looking for ways to serve. I would like to join a small group.
4. Closing Charge and Prayer
Encouragement from Scripture (Justin): Philippians 1:6, He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion. Hebrews 10:24-25, encouragement to continue in community and faithfulness.
Prayer of Commitment (Phil): Pray over everyone's decisions and next steps. Ask for God's guidance as they move forward in their journey with Him.
Final Thought: This series was just the beginning. Trailblazers is designed to help you start strong in faith and community, but your journey continues as you grow, serve, and live out your calling in Christ. We are excited to walk alongside you.