June 16th came and went recently, but I realized that on that night three years ago, was the first-ever CrossRoads gathering.  It was much different than what we do today–there were bright lights, worship music, and a different speaker each week–but what was really neat was that Young Adults were reaching and leading each other with a passion I had never seen before.

What’s really cool about this date is the fact that it’s tied to our ministry verse — “Stop at the CrossRoads and Look.  Ask for the ancient paths.  Ask where the good way is, and walk in it; and you shall find rest for your souls.”  The team wanted a bible verse that had to do with the word “CrossRoads” and found it–in Jeremiah 6:16.  At the time, the leadership didn’t realize they had planned the first CrossRoads to be held on 6/16…Whoa.  That’s why our website is crossroads616.com.  The image above is from the first gathering.

This is not a post to look back and feel proud of what God has accomplished through the ministry–instead, I recognize it as an anniversary of my commitment to seriously serve the Church and grow closer to God.  Before this ministry, I was a casual church attender that really never read the Bible or paid attention to much of anything.  But I met a group of people that really loved God and wanted to befriend me, not just to know me as an acquaintance.  I developed some true friendships with Christians–something I never really had before.  And they got me involved by giving me opportunities to serve.

I think milestones like this are a great opportunity to examine how effective we have been in fulfilling God’s charge for this ministry–to reach and lead young adults to become authentic followers of Christ.  How would you rate the effectiveness of this ministry?  What has worked?  Where can we improve?  What role can you play?