(Why we exist)
To Advance the Kingdom of God from house to house, city to city and nation to nation.
Matt 24:14 - And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations.(NIV)
Acts 28:30-31 - For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.(NIV)
Believe Big
Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. NIV
Belong Strong
1 Corinthians 12:27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. NIV
Build a Legacy
2 Timothy 2:2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. NIV
II Timothy 3:16-17; II Peter 1:21; Matthew 3:8
Ephesians 4:4-6; II Corinthians 5:21; Acts 4:12
John 3:6-7; Acts 1:8; Romans 12:6a; I Corinthians 13:1-3
Genesis 1:27; Genesis 9:6; Genesis 2:23-24; Malachi 2:14
I Timothy 2:1; Luke 11:1; James 5:16; Romans 10:13
Acts 1:11; II Timothy 4:1; Revelation 21:1 & 4
We practice knowing God the Father through the example of his Son Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This means we search the Word of God, to find the will of God, to hear the voice of God. (John 17:25-26, Psalm 119:11, Matthew 12:50, John 10:14-16)
We practice worship that breathes! Our goal in worship is to grow in our relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit which includes biblical expressions of worship. (John 4:23-24)
Expressions in worship:
Singing – Psalm 47:6; Psalm 105:2; Eph 5:19; Heb 2:12
Shouting – Psalm 100:1; Isaiah 12:6; John 12:13: Rev 19:1
Clapping – Psalm 47:1; Isaiah 55:12; II Kings 11:12
Raising – Nehemiah 8:6; Psalm 141:2; I Tim 2:8
Standing – I Chron. 23:30; II Chron. 20:9; Neh. 5:9; Luke 21:28
Dancing – II Sam 16:6; Psalm 149:3; Jer. 31:4; Luke 10:21
We practice believer’s baptism whereby a conscious choice is made to receive Christ and therefore enters water baptism as a public covenant with Christ. We participate in communion as a church body at least once a month. (Acts 2:38; I Corinthians 11:23-26)
We practice that each member of God’s family is considered a minister, with spiritual gifts, a God-given motivation, to contribute to the building of God’s Kingdom. This is accomplished through the Holy Spirits empowering. (1 Peter 4:8‑11)
We practice a commitment to small groups. This provides a setting for relationship building, spiritual gifts exercised, primary pastoral care, incorporating new people, discipleship making. (Philippians 2:1‑4)
We practice that each believer lives out their values in the home and workplace. We expect our witness to be both lived and spoken to attract others towards following Jesus. (Matthew 5:13-16)
We practice biblical government whereby the elders oversee equipping of the Body, and invite other five-fold (Ephesians 4:11) gifting to administer God’s grace. As leaders we empower others through servant leadership. (Ephesians 4:11‑13, 2 Corinthians 10:18)
We practice mentoring and releasing the next generation to fulfill the call of God upon their life. We place emphasis on both biblical knowledge and Godly character. We also make available the opportunity for them to serve in age-appropriate settings with guidance. (Ephesians 6:1-4; I Timothy 4:12)
We practice a biblical mindset of generosity in finances by the giving of first fruit, tithes, offerings, and extravagant gifts. Financial integrity is expected in personal, business, and kingdom enterprises. (Matthew 6:33, 2 Corinthians 8:7‑8, Romans 14:12)
We practice joining with other like-minded churches, ministries, and organizations that are advancing the Kingdom of God locally, nationally, and internationally. We cooperate and share available resources to promote mission trips, church planting, and engaging unreached people groups. (Judges 20:11, Ezra 3:1, Deuteronomy 32:30)
Crossroads Community Church is a partner church of D.O.V.E. International (DOVE) based out of Lititz, Pa. DOVE is a family of churches, currently in 21 countries and 6 continents around the world, who are committed to building the Kingdom of God through common values that link us together.
Spiritual Oversight from DOVE is first and foremost about relationship! DOVE defines giving oversight to a congregation as "looking out for another’s best interests while providing spiritual protection in prayer and offering insights into the local leadership when invited.” Spiritual Oversight is not control of the local leadership or the vision, but rather coming alongside the local church and supporting what God has placed in the heart of the primary vision carrier.
Specifically, DOVE provides pastoral care to the senior leader and then to the eldership of the local church. They help to solve problems and walk through difficult situations as the church matures. They strive to protect the vision of the senior leader and support the purpose for why the church exists. They provide an “outside court of appeals” for people within the church when the local leadership is unable to resolve differences.
When a church or ministry becomes a partner with DOVE this means accountability! The local leadership is asking spiritual overseers to speak into their lives from the foundation of relationship, shared values, and stated vision. While DOVE overseers concentrate most of their focus on the senior leader, they maintain a relationship with the local board of elders. They are also present within the congregation several times each year to provide encouragement and share stories of what God is doing in the DOVE family throughout the world. The overall goal of a DOVE overseer is to see the local church become a success in what the Lord has called them to accomplish!
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT D.O.V.E. AT WWW.DCFI.ORG