We Are Evangelical, Presbyterian
We are members of the Evangelical Presybterian Church (EPC).
“Evangelical” comes from the Greek word for “gospel” or “good news.” This is a reference to the essentials of Christianity, one that transcends nations and geopolitics. We reject an understanding of the term as it relates to political positioning. To be evangelical is to believe that Jesus is God’s eternal Son and the only way of being made right with God. The Gospel is that Jesus became flesh and lived the righteous life we are to live but do not; died to atone for the sins of sinners; and rose from the dead to give new life to His people. We receive this good news through repentance of sin and faith in the finished work of Jesus. Such good news empowers us then to love God, to love our neighbors, and to share this good news with all people until His return.
“Presbyterian,” comes from the Greek word for “elder.” This name is used because Christ, the Head of the Church, has called elders to oversee, care, and govern the local church. The Presbyterian denomination has its roots in Scotland, where the teachers of the European Reformation, particularly John Calvin, had gained substantial influence in the 16th century. These early protestant churches in Scotland and England referred to themselves as Presbyterians.
We Love God
Through faithful worship and the study of the Scriptures, we seek to glorify God and to grow in our love for him. In worship God forms our desires. We, therefore, gather together weekly to pray, sing, confess our sin, hear His Word, and share in the Lord’s Table. By following this pattern on Sunday, we seek to shape our affections the other six days of the week.
We Love His Church
God has made us not only for relationship to Him, but also for relationship to one another. In Jesus, the church is bonded together as one, a reconstituted family (a community) called to a life lived together. At Crosswalk, we are passionate about living out this shared life, encouraging one another, serving and caring for those in need, and strengthening families.
We Love His World
As followers of Jesus, we are called to join in God’s mission in Knoxville and the world. God’s mission is to redeem and restore the world through the advancement of the Gospel. When people encounter Jesus, alive and ruling as king, they catch a glimpse of His coming eternal kingdom. Because this mission pervades the entire life of a believer, every Christian is to be an agent for the kingdom of God and is to carry that mission into every sphere of life. For this reason, we provide opportunities for people to build meaningful relationships in the community, serve those in need, and share the good news of Christ with a watching world.
