When I was heading to Crossroads church in Fairmont last Sunday, I didn't know what to expect. I knew that the church in Fairmont was pretty new (they also have one in Morgantown that has been around for a few years) so it would have a smaller congregation than what I was used to. While that sounded good to the introvert in me, I knew that came with its own set of problems. For example, if some members of the congregation didn't like me for some reason, that would make it hard to come back. However, I was intrigued and I had to check it out.
Upon stepping foot inside Crossroads, my friend Rachel (whose pastor at her home church in Charleston personally recommended this church) and I were welcomed by one of the pastors. He sat down with us, talked to us about our spiritual beliefs, our college careers, and our future goals, and got to know us personally. As I have never had a close and personal relationship with any of my pastors before, this initial interaction felt like an answered prayer. It made me feel like part of a spiritual community and not just part of a church. That, to me, is an important factor to consider. Going to church should, ideally, feel like coming home.
When church officially started, a husband and wife team came on stage to lead us in worship. I was inspired by their shared passion for music and I thought it was beautiful that they came together as a team to praise God in a meaningful way. It made me think more about what marriage is truly about for believers: honoring God as a couple. I knew that this couple wasn't trying to be showy by leading us in worship, but they served as a good example of a Godly couple using their gifts and passions for Christ.
Then came the sermon. I tend to listen to a first sermon closely to see if I agree with the message being taught. That's exactly what I did, and I wasn't disappointed. The pastor preached about Paul and Timothy, explaining their relationship both to God and each other and showing why 2nd Timothy (Paul's final letter) was so significant. Not only did the pastor have an undeniable passion for God, he spoke with a refreshing honesty about both the scriptures and the reasons why they were important. I was content with that, but when the pastor spoke about rekindling a passion for the Lord I felt convicted. It hit home to me, and the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart. After that I was sure God brought me to Crossroads for a reason.
My favorite part of church, though, was the worship segment at the end. The children, which were in the nursery during the sermon, were released back to their parents for the ending music. One of the little girls who was only two years old started dancing. She ran out and danced in the open space between the two rows of pews, spinning around and smiling brightly. As I watched her, I thought about how Jesus, in the New Testament, encouraged the little children to come to Him and said that people should have childlike faith. In that moment I prayed that God would make me as excited about Him as this little girl was excited about the music. I found myself swaying along with her before the song ended.
When church was officially over, the pastor personally introduced Rachel and I to three different people and talked more with us. I felt a sense of fellowship and belonging that I haven't felt in a long time, and I knew God brought me here to connect me with these people and bring me closer to Him. I also knew He was working in and through the members of this church. Community seems to be the heart of Crossroads, and loving people is one of its passions. I cannot wait to come back to church next Sunday.
If any of you are not a part of a church family and are looking for a new church in the Fairmont area, please come check out Crossroads. I promise you that it's worth it. God is at work here. Fairmont services start at 5 PM.
*I went back to this church yesterday, met a new (and completely awesome) pastor, and was welcomed into community all over again. He invited me to be a part of a community group that's starting up soon, and I'm thinking about going. This church is definitely right for me. I hope that any of you still looking for a church family will find it is the right choice for you, too.
