Our Sunday services begin at 10:30 am with worship led by a contemporary praise band followed by the solid, relevant teaching of God’s Word.
Dress how you feel comfortable! Your suit and tie or nicest dress is as welcome as your blue jeans. We want to provide an atmosphere that allows you to be true to yourself and your style as we celebrate the God who loves variety.
Nursery is available during this service. Midway through the service, older children are dismissed for classes appropriate to their age and level of understanding.
We also have Sunday School for all ages at 9:15 am before the worship service. Wednesday evenings begin at 6:30 pm with something for everyone: children, teenagers, and adults.
Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ by doing the Great Commission and the Great Commandment.
The Great Commission
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20
The Great Commandment
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Matthew 22:37
Our vision is to help people reach their full potential in Christ’s kingdom by creating an environment that moves them towards maturity.
It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13
About God
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. (Genesis 1:1, 26, 27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
About Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of kings, and Lord of lords. (Matthew 1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14,15; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13)
About the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily. (2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16, 17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18)
About the Bible
The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error. (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105,160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5)
About Human Beings
People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin”. This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life. (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1, 2)
About Salvation
Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1)
About Eternal Security
Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot “lose” it. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security. (John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25, 10:10, 14; 1 Peter 1:3-5)
About Eternity
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and hell are real places of eternal existence. (John 3:16; John 14:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; 1 Cor. 2:7-9)
In early 1962, Cannons Baptist Mission began holding services in the Cannons Elementary School gym. This mission came out of Drayton Baptist Church. Rev. Heyward Comer, pastor of Drayton Baptist Church also served as the mission’s pastor.
In the early fall of 1963, Cannons Mission was organized and became the Cannons Baptist Church. Rev. Cecil Seagle was called to be the first pastor of the church.
With the help of Drayton Baptist Church, a church building was constructed at 2990 Cannons Campground Road. The people of Cannons Baptist continued to meet at that same location for the next 40 years.
A number of pastors served the church between the years of 1963 and 1996. Pastor David Swofford was called to pastor the church in December of 1996 and served for 15 years until December 2011.
In 2003, plans were underway to build a new sanctuary when the church was approached by Restoration Church about the possibility of purchasing their property at 130 Conway Black Road. After much prayer and consideration, the church felt the Lord leading them to change their plans and make the purchase.
In June of 2004, Cannons Baptist Church became Crossroads Baptist Church and began meeting at the Conway Black Road location. This move was a very exciting time in the life of our church. As we began to utilize the talent within our church, we moved toward contemporary worship.
In November of 2008, Michael Evans came on staff as Student Minister. His heart for young people and missions has impacted our teenagers as he encourages them to go outside the walls of the church to serve others and share Christ.
We welcomed two new staff members in 2011: Jason Coffey as Worship Leader and Lena White as Children’s Minister. As we continue to seek God, our desire is to give him the glory above all! The best is yet to come!
Meet Rich Lancaster
Rev. Richard Lancaster started as our interim pastor in January 2012. He and his wife, Lisa, have been married for over 22 years and the Lord has blessed them with four children: Katie, Luke, Hannah and Emmie. Although they have had the privilege of living and serving in a few different locations, their heart and passion is for Upstate South Carolina, and this is where they call “home”.
After attending Gaffney High School, Rich went on to get his undergraduate degree in International Affairs – Political Science from the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado. He had the privilege of serving our great country for six years as a Communications-Electronics Maintenance Officer in the U.S. Air Force. After heeding God’s call on his life to serve Him in a more full-time manner, he attended and later graduated from seminary at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C. He has been serving in ministry now for over 15 years. His wife, Lisa, is a graduate of Clemson University and currently teaches fifth grade.
About Crossroads, Rich says:
Our Lord Jesus is certainly at work here at Crossroads, and I can’t wait to learn how He has equipped and prepared each of you to carry out His divine purpose for this His church.
Meet Michael Evans
Michael Evans, originally from Wellford, SC, is our minister to students. He has been married to Jennifer for over 8 years. They have three sons named Grant, Zach, and Wes. Michael has served in children’s and youth ministry for a combined 14 years, and came on staff at Crossroads full-time in November 2008.
Michael has received his BA in Christian Studies and is pursuing a Masters of Divinity in Christian Education with a specialty in Youth Ministry. His favorite part in ministry at Crossroads is building relationships with our students. In his spare time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, golfing and playing softball. His favorite Christian artists are Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin, Toby Mac and Stellar Kart.
Michael’s favorite scripture is Philippians 4:13 which says, “I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!” When asked why he loves Crossroads he replied,
I love that we have such a loving and supportive church family and parents who look for opportunities to volunteer and help One80 Student Ministry to grow!
Meet Lena White
Lena and her family have been a part of the Crossroads family since spring of 2010. She and her husband, Jeff, celebrate their 19th wedding anniversary on April 4, 2011. They have 4 daughters: Jordan, Hannah, Emily and Elizabeth. Lena left a career in banking to become a stay-at-home mom when Jordan was born. Three years later, they were blessed with another daughter, Hannah. The next two years went by quickly as they prepared to adopt internationally, and Jeff traveled to Vietnam to bring six-month-old Emily home. Five years later, they added their final daughter, Elizabeth, to the family when she was three days old. The three younger children are in school and Jordan is taking high school classes online.
Lena loves to watch old black and white movies from the 1940′s. Her favorite movie from that era is the mystery “Gaslight”. Mystery is her favorite style of book; especially Christian suspense and mystery.
Lena’s first experience in children’s ministry was at the age of 15 at Camp Marietta as a L.I.T.(leader in training) when she first shared the gospel with one of her campers. She later served there as a counselor at age 18. Serving at Camp Marietta gave her an opportunity to give back to the facility where she received salvation herself at age nine.
Lena has 19 years experience in teaching kindergarten to sixth grades. She has served as the Children’s Department Director at both Lake Bowen Baptist Church and Piedmont Community Church, and began serving as children’s minister here at Crossroads in February 2011. She says, “becoming Children’s Minister at Crossroads is an honor as I lead our church in passing on the torch of faith to the next generation.”
Lena is passionate about Vacation Bible School, and in her own words says, “I absolutely love VBS. It is above Christmas for my favorite time of year.”
Lena’s favorite Bible character is Joseph because of his extreme faithfulness and perseverance through difficult situations. She loves how at the end of his story, Joseph gives glory to God by telling his brothers what they had meant for evil, God had meant for good. Her favorite scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all of your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Meet Jason Coffey
Jason Coffey is our worship leader. Originally from Piedmont SC, Jason has called Gaffney home since 1987. He and his wife, Amy, will celebrate their 10-year wedding anniversary in September 2011, and have four children. Jason served in youth ministry for 5 years and with the band Acts of God for 10 years. He began playing in the Crossroads band in 2007 and came on staff as interim worship leader in March 2011. He began as Worship leader in May 2011.
Some of Jason’s favorite bands are Third Day, Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin and Lifehouse. His favorite TV show is Smallville. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family.
His favorite scripture is 1 Timothy 4:12: “Let no man despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in faith, in spirit and in purity.” Regarding his favorite verse, he says:
“I believe in the importance of Christian youth setting themselves apart from the world. They are the future leaders and need to be taught by adults through the same methods.”
Jason enjoys learning new material with our awesome band and loves the opportunity to bring God’s people to his throne through Worship.
Meet Beverly Jennings
Beverly Jennings has been our church secretary for 14 years. She has been married to Bill Jennings for nearly 40 years who, in her words, is “a real gem of a man”. She and Bill have two grown children, Josh and Katie. She loves spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She also enjoys paper crafts and reading anything by Beth Moore or Max Lucado.
Beverly’s favorite scripture is Philippians 4:13. When asked about her favorite Bible story, she replied, “I love the story of Gideon. Joshua and Caleb are my favorite Bible characters, but I must add Elijah as well. They were all such great men of God.”
About serving at Crossroads, she says,
“Crossroads is very dear to my heart. It is filled with the most friendly, generous, and godly people that I know and love.”
Her favorite part of her job is: “working for/with such a godly pastor and being able to chat with precious friends from time to time.” She wants everyone to know that “I love Jesus with all my heart and am so grateful that he provided a way for my salvation.”