Crossroads, Thatcher: Discipleship, evangelism go hand in hand

Crossroads Baptist Church in Thatcher has been growing to meet the spiritual needs of their leaders and congregation while reaching their community. Church members are being trained to dig deep into the Bible and boldly share what they have learned.

“I think the focus should be on discipleship and evangelism together,” said Pastor Dustin Willey. “They go hand in hand. If we train and disciple individuals, they are given the tools and confidence to share the gospel. That’s what we’re doing at Crossroads.”

Discipleship and evangelism

Three years ago, the church began small discipleship groups of three to five men or women each. Weekly, for one year, they read the same Bible verses, pray, share insights and encourage each other to hear how God speaks. They invite people to church and share the gospel.

At the end of each year, the goal is to reproduce the process, with each participant creating a new group.

“We’ve seen growth in individuals as well as a healthier church environment,” Willey said.

He encourages the groups to ask questions, even about Sunday morning preaching, and will take phone calls from discipleship groups while they are meeting.

Since Willey became pastor about 14 years ago, attendance has increased from 25 senior adults to more than 150 attendees, the majority being families with children.

Dustin Willey has been pastor of Crossroads Baptist Church for 14 years. In that time, attendance has increased from 25 senior adults to more than 150 attendees, the majority being families with children.

Questions and intentionality

Willey stresses intentionality.

“There is always a gospel message in the sermon,” he said. “I want them to ask, ‘What do we do with what we have been given this morning, and how does this work for my life? Who are we? How do we see each other and the world?’ Scripture is not just a story. It’s supposed to be life changing.”

The church began by asking, “How do we improve discipleship and equip people for evangelism?” In some cases, that meant changing methods that no longer bore fruit. By pruning, they experienced new growth.

Crossroads has developed a safe place for people to come and ask questions so that they can grow in their faith. The church offers study Bibles to adults, teens and children, some of whom have never had a Bible of their own.

God at work

Crossroads has used Replicate: How to Create a Culture of Disciple-Making Right Where You Are, a book by Robby Gallaty and Chris Swain, as a guide for this ministry with phenomenal results, Willey said. But, he stresses, “There are no textbooks — only the Bible.”

Crossroads is the only evangelical church in Thatcher, a town of about 6,000, many of whom are Latter Day Saints (LDS). There is a Mormon temple in town. Willey believes God has called him and the church to minister to them. As a result, more LDS individuals and families are visiting the church looking for the truth.

“The gospel doesn’t change, but how we present it does,” Willey said. “We don’t embrace their doctrine. We embrace the people and God changes them. God’s working in their lives as well as ours. We learn patience and compassion for those who are lost. We are here to help people find Christ. That’s my goal and purpose. That’s what we do.”

Irene A. Harkleroad, a freelance writer living in Carefree, is a member of Black Mountain Baptist Church, Cave Creek.