What is Crossroads?
Crossroads (high school & middle school) are student ministries of Crossroads of East Tennessee with three main objectives for students:
- Students will learn to recognize good from evil.
- Students will learn why they believe in what they believe.
- Students will be empowered by God to share Jesus with other with students.
Why Crossroads?
In a county of approximately 300 churches, there are many students considered "least reached"-no understanding of Jesus and spiritual issues. There are skeptics and critics all around the hallways of Bradley County schools. There must be a concerted effort to reach out to these students through the efforts of other students. Crossroads is on the front lines to help students make with relationships with the skeptics and critics to discuss Jesus. Presently, there is a small band of students who are meeting with those who live with no hope for the future. It is exciting to hear what is going on in their pursuits.
Many students know the "lingo" of church: Savior, Sin, Spirit, Satan, Saint, and Salvation. However, many students do not know their meanings-church or unchurched students. Crossroads hopes to help in aiding and clarifying these terms. The fields really are white unto harvest and the laborers really are few.
Where are these ministries presently?
Currently these ministries are at Bradley Central High School and Lake Forest Middle School. In the future there are strong possibilities of expanding to Walker Valley High School and Ocoee Middle School.
What do you do at Crossroads?
So many students are skeptical and critical of Scripture and Christians who believe in its claims. Therefore, we do inductive Bible studies to show how a passage composed 2,000 years ago can apply to 21st century America. Through these Bible studies, the goal is to show purpose and meaning in student's lives: something every high school and middle school student longs for regardless of his or her circumstances. Plus, so many students have a believing conscience in Jesus but have reservations about how to discuss the options of eternal life with others. There may be various reasons: lack of confidence, rejection, fear, embarrassment, or it may not be a priority. Crossroads helps to create role-play opportunities to evangelize peers in a sample situation. Using a Gospel tract called The Four Spiritual Laws, students have a tool to help with discussing Jesus with friends.
Besides the Bible studies, Sports Chapels at BCHS and LFMS, Chapel visits at the Bradley County Juvenile Center, and various volunteer opportunities within the communities. Also, there is a monthly outreach at Clingan Ridge Baptist Church for Crossroads.
What are some topics discussed at the meetings?
Have you ever wondered "how, what, why, where" about the Bible? Crossroads is designed to help students in guiding their way to the Truth. Defending your faith (Apologetics), understanding Scripture (theology), knowing the contemporary world, (current social issuers) are just topics discussed in these meetings.
