Joe Emens

Monday at Adrian Steel an employee asked me during a company wide meeting if it was true I was staying with the company. That brought up some pretty interesting conversation - the most interesting comment came from a guy in the front row who turned around and said, “Why - was he going somewhere?”

I’m still laughing - comments like this keep me humble - they also intrigue me. We have tried in multiple ways to communicate throughout this past year on what was going on in my life, my commitment to God, to Crossroads, the impact on the company - then to have someone discover it for the first time was - wow! How many times do we really grasp what people really hear or understand from us?

How do I respond?  It’s pretty obvious that I am going to have to get to know this guy a little better, you know, we speak when we see each other, but I just don’t know him all that well.  He’s one of those guys that laughs a lot when he talks, his gray hair sticking out of his multi colored do-rag speaks out loud and it kind of seems he’s got a lot better things in life than worrying about me!  He’s one of those people you need around when things get a little too serious - Ha!

Last week at Crossroads was really different - there were flowers all over the stage - flowers hanging down on chains, stacks of flowers - yep - it was Mother’s Day!  Worship was great!

Sometimes we take days like this for granted. I couldn’t help noticing though, how many people were there with their moms. You could just tell who they were. Most of the people that came in were really proud and were kind of taking care of their moms (it was raining out there). I also saw one mom who looked like she was having a pretty rough day (she has a couple of young kids and I can just imagine getting them all there…)

Let me say here that there were also a lot of people helping out. Our volunteers at Crossroads are just amazing. I think it’s special days like this that really demonstrate their dedication. From getting things ready on stage - to the music - to setting up Sunday morning - to putting all those programs together - getting the kids areas ready - to have things ready for the kids to do for their moms - watching the babies - Kid Fusion for our families - tearing things down and packing it away - parking cars in the rain - greeting people - serving coffee and cookies and other things - turning the lights up and down - making sure we had the words during worship - and so much more - our volunteers hit it out of here every week!

A really special touch were the volunteers taking photos. I saw a lot of proud kids with their moms! Check it out here.

There were 1125 in attendance at our Mothers’ Day experiences on Sunday, 16 people that said they had never been there before and 4 people that began their relationship with God for eternity!

Hey, next Sunday - True Crossroads Stories - 10/20!  Don’t miss it - invite and bring a friend - 8:30, 10:00 & 11:30am.

Have a great week!

Joe E.

Have you ever felt really young?  Last week I was really excited about talking with our students on Wednesday night.  Pastor Milan has been doing a series on being “Un-Dumb” and asked guest speakers to come and share their stories.  I shared how God had taught me the importance of reading His word and trusting Him.  I was kind of nervous about speaking with the Jr. High group - I’ve always like the Sr. High age group just a little better - well, I used to.

The Jr. High group was OK.  They were very respectful and there was a small break between the groups.  Just before the Sr. High was to start I had a student very respectfully ask me about my age.  I decided to play along and asked how old he thought I was.  Again, very respectfully, he guessed 63.  Pray for me - this punk may not live to age 20!  LOL  Nothing like humble pie… I love students!

If you were serving on Sunday I hope you realize the impact you have on the people coming to Crossroads.  There were 1139 people with 9 first time attenders and 5 people that asked Jesus to be their Savior.  It’s amazing how God works through our people!

This Wednesday night we have a special event called Debt Busters.  I’ve heard a lot of people are signed up.  Pastor Doug along with a few volunteers are giving advice and offering next steps in handling personal finances.

Pastor Scott is finishing up this coming Sunday with our series “Back in Black” - don’t miss it!

Invite your friends and co-workers.  8:30, 10:00 and 11:30am Sunday.  See you there?

Joe E.

This past Sunday I shared with our people that I’m transitioning back to Adrian Steel from Crossroads.  Man, I was praying a lot before going out on stage - praying that God would let me communicate with clarity.  I’m so, so thankful for the strong support of our church and those God has put around me, also for the people at Adrian Steel that are willing to put up with me for a while longer.  God has really blessed me there.

While I won’t be serving in the position of Executive Pastor - one thing for sure - I’m extremely passionate about the God given vision our leadership and people at Crossroads are all out for - connecting with people that are far from God and sharing Him for eternity.  That’s the ultimate - and I’m going to be a part - in a way that uses all my abilities, all my gifts, all that God has given me in the best way possible!

I love doing what God has shaped me for.  I’m so glad that God created me the way I am.  (Sorry, if you’re not like me - someone that just loves people - I think you’re missing out on a huge blessing - and yes, I know - God created each of us and we’re all different and I’m thankful.)

Sunday was great - we heard from Dave Ramsey as we started a new series.  I really wish I had heard this advise years ago - just think how much more I could have grown over the years with the message we heard.  Come back this week - bring your friends and enemies - 8:30, 10:00 and 11:30am.  Scott is continuing with “Back in Black” - don’t miss it!

Last week we had 1169 at our weekend experiences, 23 first time guests and 10 people that indicated they prayed to receive God’s gift of forgiveness and eternity with Jesus.  If you’re a volunteer or lead a group or serve in some capacity here at Crossroads - you’ve played a part in showing God’s love to these people!  Because of that, 109 people so far this year, are able to call heaven their home for eternity!  Wow!

Please pray with me this week - pray specifically for our team on staff - pray for encouragement, for health, for endurance - pray that God would equip us and give us just the right amount of resources to honor Him!  Pray for our volunteers, our leaders, as we all continue to do our best in fulfilling the vision God has called us to!

Our God is so Great!

Joe E.

Last week we had a family celebration - my second Dad went to heaven for eternity! I thank God that He’s given me two fathers so far. (My father passed away in 1988.) Arnold was a quiet guy - had never been married when he met my mother, and I was amazed at how much love he showed my mom. When they got married he got all us kids, and our kids, and all that came with it.

Best of all, he knew Jesus and lived his life impacting people in a way that showed God’s love. He reached out to people - many far from God. 1 John 4:12 says this, “No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love has been brought to full expression through us.” I wonder how many times people see things in my life that turns them away rather than expresses how much God loves them?

Mom asked if I would officiate at Dad’s service. How could I refuse? It was neat being able to honor Arnold and give God glory through a service that celebrated a man God worked through. The best part was explaining to our family, neighbors and friends how they could have a personal relationship with God, just like Arnold, for eternity. I thank God for the gift of a second dad - I thank God even more knowing that someday I’ll get to see both my dad’s for eternity!

I want to live the kind of life that allows others to see God and that I get to be with all my friends for eternity in heaven! I know there are many times I fail miserably- that’s why I need God’s help- constantly.

Hey, back to Crossroads - what a weekend! Scott wrapped up his D Harmony series with Conflict Revolution. Hope you didn’t miss out - check out the podcast if you weren’t there on Sunday. Thanks to everyone that served on one of our teams. There were 1174 people at our morning experiences with 14 first time guests and 6 people who indicated they had started a personal relationship with God! Celebration!!!

Come on Sunday - invite someone. Scott teased us just a little at the end of last week. I kind of know what’s coming - here’s a hint - AC/DC. Yep! It’s going to be crazy! Don’t come if you’re perfect. Don’t come alone! Sunday - 8:30, 10:00 and 11:30am. See you all there - can’t wait to meet your friends!

Joe E.

I found myself sitting by a person that kept elbowing me constantly during Scott’s message last Sunday. (It all started when Scott mentioned that he didn’t know anything about marriage just because Debbie was back in town - go figure - Scott’s fault…) I’m sure that you’ve guessed by now that Faythe was at my side! Hate to say it - she’s right - communication is one of my weak points.

As much as I love Faythe - it would probably be a well-kept secret if it depended on my fleeting communication skills. Good thing is, she understands and loves me anyway and keeps working on me! I love her!

Hey, if you’re wondering about the numbers - there were 1,030 people in attendance - even with all the people that were out for spring break. 16 people said it was their first time at Crossroads and 7 people indicated they had asked God to change their lives forever. Thanks to everyone that was serving on Sunday. Each of you had a part in what God is doing. You make Crossroads the place it is by showing His love to those who attend.

This week - conflict. Hope Faythe has pity on me - not that we ever have conflict - yeah - right. Sunday at 8:30, 10:00 and 11:30am. Come and invite. Bring someone you love enough to share God with. (If you’ve missed the last week or two check out the podcast or grab a CD this Sunday.) Remember Kid Crossing at 8:30 and 11:30 and KidFusion at 10!

Joe E.

Do you ever wonder what normal is?  I mean we all have this sense of what we think normal is - then something comes up and repeats over and over and before we know it “normal” changes.  Now before you think I’m going too far off the deep end consider a couple thoughts.

When you’re watching a show on TV or a movie - do you see anything as “normal” that might have shocked you five years ago?  Most of us complain about the price of gas - but it’s “normal” to pay almost 50% more for water in a bottle.  Did your last car need a few more “normal” options than that first car you feel in love with?  Does your child’s  vocabulary have a few “normal” phrases that are different than what you used as a kid?  You get my point.

Last week at Crossroads there were 1,177 people in attendance - pretty normal.  There were 10 people that said it was their first time there - pretty normal.  There were 4 people that let us know that they had committed their lives to God for eternity…

Are four lives changed for eternity normal - hell no it’s not - it’s God at work - it’s amazing!  I hope we never take God’s power and His love for us as normal.

I’m ashamed at how  I sometimes get so comfortable that I forget the mystery of God and how the power of His relationship with me is so far beyond my ability to even discover.  I’m so thankful that I know God on a personal level and can serve Him - for the change He’s made in my life and for the chance to watch Him work through all of us at Crossroads.

I hope you always see something not quite normal in my life.  My God is so great - I am so glad my relationship with Him is not “normal” -  it’s amazing!

Now - invite!  This Sunday at Crossroads Scott is continuing with D Harmony.  Sunday at 8:30, 10:00 or 11:30am.  (Last week was not normal cause Debbie was out of town and couldn’t let him have it… if you were there - you heard a lot of laughing - you know what he probably got and deserved when she found out :-)  Check out the podcast or stop by this Sunday at the What’s Happening Center for a CD.) If you know someone that could use some help in their marriage relationship or might be headed into a marriage and you think they’re not “normal” or even if you think there’s something that could possibly change the “normal” in your marriage come and - invite!

Remember Kid Crossing (8:30 and 11:30) and Kid Fusion (10:00) for the children.  Kids are loving it and families are raising the “normal” in their relationships because of it!

See you all on Sunday?

Joe E.

Easter at Crossroads - at staff meeting last week Pastor Scott reminded us that God is in control - of the weather (snow, snow, more snow and some sun) - and that God knew what guests were going to come and He would work if we asked.  All I can say is wow - you’re not going to believe all that God did this week!

First, Passion and Prayer on Wednesday.  If you were there you know - if not - let me just say that Jesus paid a terrible price for my sin (and yours).  It was amazing to be able to pray to God as a body and ask Him to use our weekend.

The egg hunt on Friday in the snow was crazy!  Talk about memories… I don’t know how many people mentioned to me at work on Friday that they were only coming because of the snow.  (God knew.)  One guy asked today if we wanted 2 garbage sacks full of plastic eggs back - he said his (3) kids had already made a good dent on their 4 gallons of candy and he was a little bitter knowing their dentist is going to love Crossroads.

Some of my friends came from work for our Easter experiences.  I hope that you had the same fun - seeing your friends there, knowing they would have a great time - because God was at work.

And there were a ton of volunteers working too - I want to say a special thanks to everyone that helped out - in whatever way.  Those that set up, cleaned up, our Alpha & Omega team, the traffic, usher and greeter team, the Amplify team, our Kid Crossing team, the people that took time to hold the little babies and play with the little kids (there were some awfully stinky diapers - whew) our Cafe team, how about our worship team and Pastor Scott-what a message!  Then those people that put all those doors everywhere, our Safety team, the replay media people, and the people that put the programs together, the finance team, and those people behind the what’s happening center and everyone that tore down so we disappeared at the end of the day.  And just in case I forget someone - sorry - (God knows).

Was it worth it all?  1,800 people attended one of our four Easter experiences.  54 people indicated they were there for the first time and 46 - yes 46 responded to Scott’s question about what would they do with Jesus.  God was at work all around us.  That’s 46 people that will spend eternity with God and will never be separated from His love - ever - celebrate!

For everyone that volunteered - thanks.  For everyone that prayed - what a response from God!  For everyone that invited someone - way to show God’s love!

Another friend called me today and said he hadn’t come to our Easter experience - but he and his wife went to dinner with another couple who had and they invited them to our D Harmony series starting next week.  Please, please invite.  I know from experience that this weekend is going to be just as great as we just had.  Crossroads is like that!  Don’t forget, Sunday is back to 3 identical services - 8:30, 10:00 and 11:30am.  Connect with a friend and invite them.  Pray that God will use D Harmony to help all of us in our marriage relationships!

See you all next week!

Joe E.

God asks all of us do something simple - connect with people and share His love!
As Crossroaders - connect and invite - show God’s love!
This week we’re planning some great experiences for Crossroaders and our guests.

(P&p) Passion and Prayer - tonight (Wed.) - the movie, Passion of the Christ with an intense time of prayer to follow.  I think we forget the price Jesus paid on the cross - we tend to get caught up in a bunch of religious goo that tends to make us feel all good - we forget that Christ suffered in our place.  There are a few tickets left - remember that this is an R-rated movie - use common sense.  Doors open at 6:15 - movie starts promptly at 6:30.

(eeh)  Easter Egg Hunt - Friday night - lots of kids - lots of eggs/candy - nighttime - what a way to share some fun with those in the community all around us.  I hope we never lose that fun God created  and has put around us!  Registration starts at 7pm - the egghunt starts at 8.

(Drs) Doors - discover the power and ability to open and close all the right doors in life.  Saturday and Sunday are our Easter experiences at Crossroads - Saturday at 4 & 5:30 pm and Sunday at 9:30 and 11 am.  Please note the time differences from our normal services.

A note from last week - 1128 in attendance - 4 decision for Christ - 13 first time attenders.

Our God is amazing!

Joe E.

Someone just told me that my blog is old. Well not old, dated. This someone is my boss. And she’s a mean boss that keeps me in line all the time - direct with her instructions - and oh - she laughs at me all the time - I have it bad. OK - not really, I’m glad I get to work with Wendy - the day goes much faster that way!

If you missed last week at Crossroads it might just mean that your clock didn’t jump ahead on its own. I tried really hard not to laugh as I watched a few people coming in to our Sunday experiences at 12:15. I felt that God was going to punish me if they caught the XP amused at their unorganized life situation. And since my wife always refers to me as “The Late Joe Emens” I actually can say I feel their pain.

There were 1059 people at Crossroads experiences on Sunday! 4 of those were there for the first time and 1 person accepted God’s gift of eternal life (32 people this year so far - our God is so great!)

Pastor Scott is starting a new series this Sunday - Doors. Invite a friend. Bring a friend. 8:30, 10:00, 11:30 on Sunday! Sunday is also our egg-stuffing at 3:00 - always a ton of fun - a great time to connect with others Crossroaders and have a great time serving together. (Bring some candy - if there’s too much - I’ll eat some!)

Signing off so I can be ready when my boss comes back around.

Quiet- here she comes

Joe E.

I am so excited about this Sunday coming up at Crossroads! It’s True Crossroads Stories. 8:30, 10:00, 11:30. Now if you’re like me - there’s nothing better than hearing people tell their own story. It’s one thing for me to tell you about a friend or share something that I’ve overheard, but when a person tells their own story it’s real and it means something special - something special that no one else can tell with the same passion.

Back to last Sunday - it was IIIIIIICCCCCCCYYYYYY. You know, I’m glad we didn’t cancel on Sunday (a lot of people asked why we didn’t) - 911 people came - 7 people that had never been there before. Scott shared part 2 of 20/20 vision - if you couldn’t be there make sure to listen to the podcast or pick up a CD at our Replay Media table.

There were a lot of people that worked like crazy to make sure our experiences on Sunday were complete. There were some set-up people that couldn’t get through - some were late because of the roads - you wouldn’t have known it when people came in for the 8:30 experience. The rooms were ready, the programs were ready, the cafe was ready, the band was ready, everyone was ready for our kids. All I can say is - way to go volunteers - what a team - wow!

I hope we never lose sight of what God has in store for us at Crossroads. I found a verse in Hebrews this morning that says - “Our great desire is that you will keep right on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent.” Hebrews 6:11-12a

Hey, pray this week for our pastors and church staff team - with vision there is always the question of strategy. This is a critical time at Crossroads. We know there are changes that need to be made. We are seeking God’s guidance. As we pray - please support us with your prayers. When we work, we work, but when we pray - God works!

We’re praying for you - our people. Our people who attend, our people who volunteer, our people who are Crossroads. We’re in prayer for the people that you’re inviting - your friends that don’t yet experience God’s love on a personal level. We have so much to share!

Come on Sunday for True Crossroads Stories. 8:30, 10:00, 11:30. Invite and bring a friend - share what God has given you!

Our God is so great!

Joe E.