Version 1.0
How to use this resource:
This document is loaded with resources and links to tools that will help you as you guide.
Why Guides/Spiritual Outfitting?
What is a guide?
You Have Authority to Guide
Overcoming Guiding Barriers
How does this all fit together in the growth journey?
Guiding Resources
Making the Connection
Crossroads’ mission is to connect seekers to a community of growing Christ followers who change the world. We’re doing that as a spiritual outfitter, so that anyone in our community has the opportunity to get connected to a deeper relationship with Jesus. We will inspire, equip & mobilize staff and volunteer leaders throughout Crossroads to more fully engage as GUIDES for others in our community.
We Guide so that people become more like Christ.
Our goal is to develop Christ-like leaders, personally and practically living out our mission to help more people come into relationship with Jesus and to mature as Christ-followers:
A guide is someone who can hear someone’s story and help them take a next step in their relationship
with God.
They do this by:
Knowing their People
Touch base monthly. Listen to how things are going. Be available for them as they need.
Pray for them regularly Weekly, intentionally pray for what they’ve shared with you, or ask God for insight on how to guide them well.
Knowing Jesus and Crossroads
You have experience walking with Jesus. You can’t take someone to a place you haven’t been. And
remember, you’re not alone. It takes a village.
You’re aware of available resources. Or you know where to find them.
Helping them take a Next Step
You don’t have to have the answer for everything. But these tools will help you know where to look.
And you’re on a team who can help.
Follow up. What makes this different than anything we’ve tried before is relationship. It’s not a one-and-done hand-off or connection. You’re going to walk with someone over time and get to see God change their life. Now that’s an adventure.
Whether it’s your first time guiding someone or you’ve got too many people in your life you don’t know where to start, keep these things in mind.
You were made to guide.
It’s the last thing Jesus told us to do, and we have the Holy Spirit guiding us. It might get rocky at
times, but you’re also growing in the process.
You have something to offer.
Just because someone might be more mature, in a different life stage, or has completely different
experiences than you, doesn’t mean you can’t still be a good guide. Even if you simply connect,
listen, and pray, you’ve guided. And you have a team and resources to support you.
You will also benefit.
Not only will you grow as you guide, but the people you’re guiding can also grow to be guides. As
guides multiply and invest in others, your guiding efforts will be multiplied.
Many of your existing relationships aren’t just guides. You’re investing in them more deeply, they’re coming around your house and family, you talk to them more than once a month. That’s great. And needed. Not all guiding relationships go deeper, and it’s not expected for them to. But where you have additional relationship to lead others, go for it.
More on ways to lead people well.These tools provided will help you lead in the different types of relationships.
If you don’t find what you need here, there are other resources available to help you Guide well.
As you find out who you’re guiding, use this template to make the connection. Customize as you need for each relationship.
Overview
Take Care of Yourself
Personal Practices for Growth
Your Resources + Tools Available
One mark of a guide is that they continue growing as a Christ follower. As you grow in leading, it forces you to grow in living and loving more like Jesus. And, you can only give as much as you receive. Avoid burnout, lead lightly, and continue to grow.
Whatever God wants to do in your ministry/group/volunteer team, he is first going to do in you.
A watchout for a pastor is that they tend to put others ahead of themselves. Loving? Yes. Humble? Yes. Unhealthy? Sometimes. We have to be honest about our time and energy limitations and set boundaries. Basically, we have to put on our spiritual oxygen mask before assisting others.
Taking care of ourselves, also means that we continue growing. Anything God want to do through us, he will first do in us. Here are some key behaviors of maturing Christ followers based on some of the 7 Hills.
Spiritual Disciplines
Seeking
Receiving
Following
Producing
Doing Life Together
Seeking
Receiving
Following
Producing
Biblical Truth
Seeking
Receiving
Following
Producing
Authenticity
Seeking
Receiving
Following
Producing
Growth / Generosity
Seeking
Receiving
Following
Producing
Reproduction
Seeking
Receiving
Following
Producing
Remember, the most important work is what God is doing in you. There are tons of resources available to help you keep growing, and take care of yourself.
Talk Appointments:
1 hour with a trained listener to help you process things. And if you want, they’ll pray for you.
Staff Coach:
We’re in this together. Leverage your staff coach (remember when you were hired and got a coach?).
Site Support Ministry Leader:
Part of their role is any coaching you might need. Guides included.
Site Support Spiritual Growth + Community Care:
This team has pretty much seen it all. And if they haven’t, they’ll help you navigate any situation.
Spiritual Growth Site Leader:
These folks have been guiding people for a while. They care about growth, including yours.
HR:
Need a coach or need help with anything in the workplace? This team of rock stars has your back.
Not sure what’s best for you? Talk to your manager, ministry leader or email guides@crossroads.net and we’ll help you.
Navigating Spiritual Growth
Wayfinder
Common Challenges Guides Face
A guide is someone who can listen to someone’s story and help them identify a next step that will help them look more like Jesus.
Key Behaviors of a Guide
Start by Listening Well
It's amazing what a simple “How are you?” can open the door for. And you’ll see more fruit in the conversation the better you listen. To listen well, you need 3 main components:
The best way to develop these skills is to participate in Listening Training. Or, freshen up on them with this video.
Sign up for Listening TrainingLearn from Their Story
Get to know the person you’re guiding. Let them get to know you.
Share stories with each other early. It’s best if you model if first, and then listen for theirs. Consider the time you have available. If you’re grabbing coffee, maybe it’s a 20-minute version. If you’re just chatting on the phone, try to share in five minutes. If it’s been a while since you’ve shared your story with someone, or you’ve never tried, grab coffee with a friend and role play. Each person takes a turn and gets feedback.
Elements of your story to share:
Now, listen to their story. As you’re listening, ask the Holy Spirit to point out parts of their story He wants to focus on. Listen with a discerning ear* to hear what God might be saying is the right next step for them.
If after listening to someone’s story, you’re still not sure what the right next step is for someone, leverage Wayfinder . This is a tool everyone should use annually as an invitation from God to hear where he wants you to grow.
What is Wayfinder?How to use Wayfinder
Leading someone through Wayfinder
We have tons of leader resources available for you to use. Seriously,
this stuff is gold
.
More helpful links
Guide for Leading Someone through Wayfinder
How we apply SRFP
Life is messy, and Guides are on the front lines of supporting some of the hardest things people experience. Here’s some tools for navigating these challenging topics. Your main job as a Guide, is just to listen and respond with warmth, respect and empathy. These scriptures are just here to support you.
Lifestage
Marriage
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?
- Ecclesiastes 4:9
Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
- Genesis 2:24
Links & more
Weddings
Singleness
I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided. And the unmarried or betrothed woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit. But the married woman is anxious about worldly things, how to please her husband. I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord.
- 1 Corinthians 7:32-35
And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness. And you shall know the Lord.
- Hosea 2:19-20
Parenting
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
- Proverbs 22:6
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
- Psalm 127:3-5
Links & more
Parent’s Resources
LGBTQ
This is such a unique topic and every situation is different. Talk to Scott Dill, John Grooms, or
hello@crossroads.net
to better understand how to serve you and the person you’re guiding
Lifestage
Grief
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
- Psalm 34:18
For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone.
- Lamentations 3:31-33
Links & more
Grief group
Racial Tension
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
- Genesis 1:27
Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us? Why then are we faithless to one another, profaning the covenant of our fathers?
- Malachi 2:10
Links & more
Undivided
Sexual Trauma
This produces deep wounds. You might need additional support walking through this with someone. Connect with the Community Care team for additional resourcing.
When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God.
- Isaiah 43:2-3
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
- John 16:33
Links & more
Recommended counselors
Childhood Sexual Trauma (not currently running)
Beauty for Ashes (not currently running)
Addiction
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
- 1 Corinthians 10:13
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
- Hebrews 4:15-16
Links & more
AA Resources
Suffering
My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.
- Psalm 119:50
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
- Romans 5:3-5
Links & more
Talk Apointment
Health/Healing
Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
- Isaiah 53:4-5
But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the LORD.
- Jeremiah 30:17
Job Tension
Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest. For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light.
- Matthew 11:28-30
But if any of you lack wisdom, you should pray to God, who will give it to you; because God gives generously and graciously to all.
- James 1:5
Growth
Groups / Community
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
- Hebrews 10:24-25
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
- Proverbs 27:17
Links & more
Groups
What if I don’t hear back from a group leader?
Email groups@crossroads.net with the Group you’re trying to join. We’ll help you connect.
What if the group I need isn’t in session?
It might just be in between seasons. Other resources like Talk Appointments, counselors, different types of groups can help in the meantime. If you’re unsure, email groups@crossroads.net.
Direction and Purpose
And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.
- Isaiah 30:21
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.
- Matthew 7:7-8
Spiritual Apathy
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
- Ephesians 6:10-12
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
- Romans 12:9-13
Hearing from God
Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.
- Jeremiah 33:3
To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.
- John 10:3-4
Fear / Worry / Anxiety
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
- Philippians 4:6
Generosity / Money
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.
- Malachi 3:10
Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.
- Luke 6:37-38
Tithing
The tithe is established in the Old Testament
(
Gen 14:20,
Gen 28:20-22
,
Deut 26:1-2
,
2 Chron 31:4-5
),
and is reaffirmed by Jesus
(
Luke 11:42
).
Tithing means giving the first 10% of your gross income to your local church. Why gross income? Because the principle of the tithe is that the first and best 10% of your income goes to God. In ancient times that may have been in the form of crops or livestock. Today that comes in the form of money. Giving off of net means the government is getting your first, not God. Further, those who tithe understand that God blesses the tithe, and quite honestly, we’d rather see God bless our gross income instead of settling for him blessing our net.
Links & more
How To Talk Giving During a PandemicVisit www.crossroads.net/giving to review:
Groups
Healing Groups
Volunteer Opportunities
Immersive Experiences for Growth
Additional Training Opportunities
A huge challenge at Crossroads is that we have so many things available, it’s hard to know which is best for what person. This is your one-stop-shop. It’ll be updated every season. Hear someone’s story first and keep it relational. Reference this when you get stuck.
Home Groups
What is it?
A place to be known, grow, and live life to the full.
Who's it for?
Anyone is welcome.
Available
Season 1 (Jan-Mar)
Season 2 (Apr-June)
Season 3 (Sept-Nov)
How to Join?
Filter groups based on interest
Talk to your SGSL about available Groups and leaders
Weekend Follow-up Groups
What is it?
Unpack the weekend message with others in your community.
Who's it for?
Someone looking for an easy-entry group.
Alpha
What is it?
Talk through all of your big faith questions over a meal.
Who's it for?
Someone who is seeking, or just getting started in their faith.
Moms
What is it?
Connect with other Moms who are working towards keeping order and balance while juggling kids, careers, husbands, household obligations, and seeking God as the center of it all
Who's it for?
Moms (single and married)
Available
Season 1 (Jan-Mar)
Season 2 (Apr-June)
Season 3 (Sept-Nov)
How to Join?
Online Journey in the Fall.
Fathers
What is it?
Look at common struggles like how to manage a career amidst your family life, how to become the leader your family follows and respects, and how to build a rich spiritual legacy.
Who's it for?
Fathers (single and married)
Available
Season 1 (Jan-Mar)
Season 2 (Apr-June)
Season 3 (Sept-Nov)
How to Join?
Online Journey in the Fall.
Women's
What is it?
Women sharpen each other through prayer, studying God’s word and encouraging each other in their daily lives.
Who's it for?
Women
Available
Season 1 (Jan-Mar)
Season 2 (Apr-June)
Season 3 (Sept-Nov)
How to Join?
Online Journey in the Fall.
Men's
What is it?
A community of men of all ages as they sharpen each other through prayer, studying the Bible, and encouraging each other in their daily lives.
Who's it for?
Men
Available
Season 1 (Jan-Mar)
Season 2 (Apr-June)
Season 3 (Sept-Nov)
How to Join?
Online Journey in the Fall.
Young Adults
What is it?
Young Adults growing as Christ followers, and connecting in community.
Who's it for?
Anyone ages 21-35
Available
Season 1 (Jan-Mar)
Season 2 (Apr-June)
Season 3 (Sept-Nov)
How to Join?
Online Journey in the Fall.
Grief
What is it?
Navigate the pain and disorientation from a biblical perspective after experiencing the death of a loved one.
Who's it for?
Anyone who has experienced loss.
Available
Season 1 (Jan-Mar)
Season 2 (Apr-June)
Season 3 (Sept-Nov)
How to Join?
Starting Fall 2020 Get more info
Men's Healthy Sexuality
What is it?
Live a life free of pornography and other destructive behaviors.
Who's it for?
Men looking for freedom from sexual addictions.
Real Marriage
What is it?
Whether your marriage is thriving or just surviving, learn skills to resolve conflict, speak each other’s “love language,” improve intimacy and build momentum as a couple.
Who's it for?
Anyone looking to grow their marriage.
Available
Season 1 (Jan-Mar)
Season 2 (Apr-June)
Season 3 (Sept-Nov)
How to Join?
Starting Fall 2020 Get more info
AA
What is it?
Live a life free from alcohol addiction.
Who's it for?
Anyone suffering from addiction to alcohol.
Available
Season 1 (Jan-Mar)
Season 2 (Apr-June)
Season 3 (Sept-Nov)
How to Join?
First Impressions
What is it?
First Impressions create welcoming, loving environments that help people experience God. From greeting people at the door and hanging out coffee, FI Team does it.
Who's it for?
Anyone who loves creating a welcoming environment.
Kids' Club
What is it?
A fun-learning environment for kids (birth-5th grade).
Who's it for?
Anyone who enjoys kids.
Student Ministy
What is it?
Not your typical youth group. Students connect weekly to explore God and have fun.
Who's it for?
Anyone who loves hanging out with middle school and high schoolers.
Experience Team
What is it?
Create immersive environments at all sites for weekend services. Lights, cameras, LED walls, lyrics, thundering sound, etc.
Who's it for?
Anyone who likes a fast paced, professional quality production.
ReachOut
What is it?
Make an impact at home or abroad through serving local organizations or taking a trip.
Who's it for?
Anyone who wants to make a difference.
Spiritual Growth
What is it?
Baptize people. Serve communion.
Who's it for?
Anyone who wants to support others’ pivotal moments in spiritual growth.
Community Care
What is it?
Pray with people, listen well, help with weddings and funerals.
Who's it for?
Anyone who wants to help others through some of the biggest moments of their life.
Grief
What is it?
Navigate the pain and disorientation from a biblical perspective after experiencing the death of a loved one.
Who's it for?
Anyone who has experienced loss.
Available
Season 1 (Jan-Mar)
Season 2 (Apr-June)
Season 3 (Sept-Nov)
How to Join?
Starting Fall 2020 Get more info
Men's Healthy Sexuality
What is it?
Live a life free of pornography and other destructive behaviors.
Who's it for?
Men looking for freedom from sexual addictions.
Real Marriage
What is it?
Whether your marriage is thriving or just surviving, learn skills to resolve conflict, speak each other’s “love language,” improve intimacy and build momentum as a couple.
Who's it for?
Anyone looking to grow their marriage.
Available
Season 1 (Jan-Mar)
Season 2 (Apr-June)
Season 3 (Sept-Nov)
How to Join?
Starting Fall 2020 Get more info
AA
What is it?
Live a life free from alcohol addiction.
Who's it for?
Anyone suffering from addiction to alcohol.
Available
Season 1 (Jan-Mar)
Season 2 (Apr-June)
Season 3 (Sept-Nov)
How to Join?
GO Trips
What is it?
A life-changing adventure where you get to make a difference.
Who's it for?
Most trips are for adults, some trips are available for family.
Camps
What is it?
Get off the grid, make life-long friendships, and connect with God like you never have before.
Who's it for?
Men, Women, Couples, College Students
Worship Training
What is it?
Worship training is a weekly training to grow your musical gifts.
Who's it for?
Musicians and singers who want to grow.
Listening Training
What is it?
Learn skills to listen the way God does.
Who's it for?
Anyone can come. Best for leaders and Community Care Volunteers.
Ministry Training (101 + 201)
What is it?
Get a crash course in hands-on ministry.
Who's it for?
Leaders in the following space; Camps Prayer Teams
How to Join?
Sign up for the mailing listHuddle
What is it?
Be discipled and learn how to disciple others.
Who's it for?
People in the following space, looking for skills to lead others.
Critical Skills
What is it?
Get basic skills of a maturing Christ follower and find freedom and healing.
Who's it for?
People in the receiving space, looking for skills to mature as a follower.
Jump School
What is it?
Train in more skills of a Christ follower
Who's it for?
People in the following space, looking for opportunities to go deeper.
Available
Season 1 (Jan-Mar)
Season 2 (Apr-June)
Season 3 (Sept-Nov)
How to Join?
Get on the mailing list