Crosspoint Institute investing in the next generation of ministry leaders

When Crosspoint Church launched the Crosspoint Institute earlier this year, the vision was clear: intentionally identify, develop and equip people who sense God calling them into vocational ministry.

“Through mentoring, education, hands-on service and opportunities to lead, the Crosspoint Institute isn't simply preparing participants for ministry someday,” said Pastor Wesley Peden, who leads the institute. “It is giving them opportunities to serve, grow and make an impact right now — while helping prepare a new generation of leaders to faithfully serve wherever God calls them next.”

Now, more than halfway through its inaugural year, that vision is becoming reality as the Institute’s first resident and summer intern have been gaining valuable hands-on ministry experience while serving the Crosspoint family and others.

Summer of serving and growing
This summer, Piper Sullivan became the first student to experience the internship side of the Crosspoint Institute.

A junior at Gulfport High School, Piper has had the opportunity to move beyond simply observing ministry and become actively involved in the day-to-day work of serving people, supporting the Children and Youth ministry programs and learning alongside Crosspoint staff and leaders.

“This internship taught me so much including how the Lord uses every person in the church in their own way and helped me be more appreciative for the way the Lord works in ways we don’t see,” Piper said, adding if you’re working with Children’s Ministry Director Emily Cain you will be singing and dancing your way through each day.

While Piper served as an intern, she saw some of the behind the scenes of summer activities she also got to do, including being Camp Create volunteer and going to Youth Fuge Camp in North Carolina.

For Piper, the experience has also been an opportunity to grow personally and spiritually while exploring how God may use her gifts in the future. “I’ve gained leadership skills that have made me more confident in living my life on a mission for the Lord no matter where that may be.”


Opportunities to learn and lead 
John Burris, Crosspoint Institute’s first Ministry Resident, says the lessons he’s learned in the first of now a two-year residency have already allowed him to take on an increasingly active role throughout the church and in the community.

John has had opportunities to preach and teach, while also providing significant support to several areas of ministry, including Mighty Oaks, Young Adults and Crosspoint Youth. Each opportunity has allowed him to gain practical experience while being mentored by Crosspoint pastors and ministry leaders.

The residency was designed to provide exactly that kind of experience — allowing participants to serve within the life of the church, develop ministry and leadership skills, and better understand the responsibilities that come with vocational ministry.

One of the greatest lessons he’s learned during his residency is how  a church staff should be family. “The discipleship that goes on between staff members is one of the most important things. No matter what I’m studying or learning, I’ve got the guys and women of our church staff who pour out their knowledge and wisdom with me. It’s always been grounded in encouragement and love, and even a good dose of humor,” adding he’s been well stocked with Pastor Israel’s dad jokes.

During the residency, John also celebrated an important personal milestone - completing his bachelor's degree in Ministry and Leadership from Grace Christian University. “The residency helped me finish my course work strong. When I had questions about my school work, I’ve had access to knowledge through thoughtful discussion with our pastors, as well as resources from their personal libraries.”

John says that all of the guidance he’s received so far during the residency has given him the confidence and boldness to step outside the walls of the church in new ways, such as starting a podcast with fellow Crosspointer Jeff Touchstone and leading the Harrison Central High School football discipleship ministry, where he works with the Fellow Christian Athletes and does devotionals with the team before games.

Investing today for ministry tomorrow
Pastor Wesley says this is the exact purpose of the Crosspoint Institute - intentionally investing in people God is calling into ministry and helping equip them with the character, skills and experience needed to faithfully serve the Church - even if that takes them outside Crosspoint’s walls.

“Crosspoint has always been a missional church focused on making disciples by leading people into a growing relationship with Christ,” Pastor Wesley said. “That growth includes developing leaders willing to take on roles wherever God calls them.”

The Institute will be providing others opportunities to grow with a second residency and a future partnership to do course work locally through the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Applications for Crosspoint’s second resident will open later this fall. Anyone possibly feeling lead to ministry or with questions about the Institute programs can reach out to the Pastor Wesley at wesley@mycrosspoint.org.