The foundational way culture is created at Crossroads Church.
what | A Core group is 2-4 men or women committed to holding each other accountable for Crossroads’ mission (Love Jesus, connect people, transform cities). Specifically, this means prayer, Bible reading, sharing struggles & victories, and confessing sin & repenting.
why | Groups of 2-4 are ideal for building transparency and trust, allowing flexibility of schedule, and encouraging forward-looking mission through multiplication. In addition, they bring a high level of freedom (meeting times, locations, topics) with a level of vital structure that is minimal.
practice | Core groups meet weekly at times and locations chosen by the participants. Groups are gender-specific men’s or women’s groups. Meetings vary in length (1.5 hours average). Each meeting includes prayer, discussion of a selected Bible reading, and accountability guided by open questions (see C-group card).
church context | Crossroads has three organized expressions of church community, each meeting specific needs to accomplish the same mission: Love Jesus, connect people, transform cities. Core groups compliment City groups (up to 15 people) and large worship gatherings.
Core group ethos
roots | Think of these groups as roots: organic, interconnected, growing and multiplying, reaching deep into the ground. In one sense, Core groups operate below the surface of Crossroads’ public image but they anchor it in relationship, bible and prayer—the raw ingredients of life with Jesus.
culture of invitation | Through prayer and deliberate invitation, groups grow up to 4-5 people. Then, at an appropriate time, they multiply. This fosters an open-handed approach to friendships and creates an interconnected root-system of relationships that strengthens and anchors the church body.
discipleship | Core groups are a great place for both new and mature Christians to pursue Jesus together. Men and women are encouraged and challenged to walk closely with Jesus while assuming responsibility for their own spiritual growth.
sustainability | Core groups are meant to be the most simple, autonomous, grassroots expression of following Jesus at Crossroads Church. Their formal structure consists of a simple concept, a C-group card, and quarterly support forums. They are light on their feet and versatile, with the potential for self-guided exponential growth.
challenges | Our assumption is that Core groups will have a learning curve but that the effort will be worth it. Here are some inevitable challenges: scheduling, consistent participation, multiplying, confessing sin vs. venting, public vs. private meeting space, transparency, travel, cliquishness, lack of progress, and, most obviously, our sinful tendencies that prefer not to be called out. If you need advice or help with Core groups, consult your City group leader.
Interested in starting or joining a core group? Contact Crossroads Church or…
Find someone else who is serious about following Jesus. Discuss the vision, print the core groups cards, and go!
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