By DAVID TELLER
Staff Reporter
David Beseler couldn't find a church that is proactive and had an outreach emphasis to it, so he is establishing one that does.
He and his family have been to a number of churches, but didn't feel there was an exciting church that was impacting the community. So he founded Crossroads, a Christian, non-denominational church that is currently set up in Windsor Elementary.
For the last 18 years, Beseler has been a prison chaplin for Washington State Department of Corrections and is also a lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard where he is the battalion chaplin.
The churches he has attended had great pastors and Beseler said there was nothing wrong with them. He said there is a trend in churches. He said once they start to become large, their focus centers on managing rather than ministry. He said they almost become exclusionary.
“They worked harder at keeping the world out than impacting the world with the gospel,” Beseler said.
Beselser said staying small is more about ministry but also about seeing everyone in the church. He also said there are a lot of broken and struggling families that are hurting. For other people, they live isolated lives. The outreach could mean something as simple as shoveling snow for those unable to do it or having a couples' night out where families can drop the kids off and go see a movie. He said churches could do a lot more in these areas.
Outreach is not about getting people to do these things so they come to church, it's about the church doing these things regardless. Beseler said it is also about showing people how the gospel works.
“We believe we have the solution in Christ,” Beseler said. “Everybody needs to take responsibility for their walk with Christ.”
Beseler explains non-denominational to organized religion. He said in a religion, there is a structured order of services that involve symbolism. Beseler said churches become more artificial. He said non-denominational churches are real people worshiping God that enjoy singing and enjoy hearing God's word and enjoy fellowship and being together with others.
“There's no candles, there's no robes, there's no incense, there's no bells,” Beseler said.
Another point he makes is that big churches evangelicalism is more based on personal style than theology.
“There's not a tremendous amount of difference in the theology for most evangelical churches.” Beselsr said. “Realistically, theology is theology.”
He added that some people are going to want a pastor that is going to wear a sport coat and a tie. He said we're not like that. People see a need for approval but Beseler said he wants to avoid barriers and say, “Hey I'm a real person too.”
Another difference is music. Beseler said there are no hymn radio stations. People don't listen to hymns in their spare time. He said in music, the lyrics are what is important. He describes the music in his church as “blended evangelical.”
So far there has been about 50 to 60 people show interest in joining Crossroads. He is hoping for 100 soon. Beseler plans to launch youth group and continue with concerts, like the one on Sept. 13.
Services at Crossroads started Sunday Sept. 21, at Windsor Elementary at 10 a.m.
For the future of his new church, Beseler said it is in God's hands.
“We have plans, desires and goals, but ultimately it is whatever God does with it,” Beseler said.
David Teller can be reached at [email protected]
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