Pastors Edge

 

James Merritt has a burning compassion for those who have not yet come to know Christ as their Savior. His mission is to lead our people in maximizing their potential to reach others for the Kingdom of God. Several years ago, while still Pastor at First Baptist Church in Snellville, God spoke to him through a passage in Isaiah.

"Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch out the curtains

of your habitations; do not spare; lengthen your cords, and

strengthen your stake." Isaiah 54:2.

At that point, the vision began in his heart. How could we, as a church, reach not only the Snellville area, but also the cities and counties surrounding it? With the explosive growth in the northern part of metro Atlanta, why not expand our church and create two campuses?

When Dr. Merritt shared his vision with the church, the investigation process was launched. The search for a suitable area for expansion went on for nearly two years. Time after time, something that looked promising ended up as another closed door. The search took a turn as leadership began looking to expand the Snellville campus. When the feasibility of that plan proved to be unrealistic, our efforts again moved north in search of rental property to begin a second campus..

When the vision seemed unreachable and hope was almost gone, a phone call came from out of the blue. Some businessmen from the church wanted to meet with Dr. Merritt and show him a piece of property. Nestled between I-85 and Sugarloaf Parkway were 70 acres of prime real-estate with three buildings and a hefty price tag. It was the perfect location, but at an unrealistic price, was more than the church could afford. After much prayer and consideration, an offer was made on the property and negotiations began, but to no avail. An agreement could not be reached and, once again, the door closed.

After some time had passed, we learned that a Florida businessman was interested in the property and was involved in negotiations with the Boeing Corporation. But God had other plans for that property. Through the friendship of these businessmen and an amazing set of circumstances, the new church found itself again involved in the purchasing process. Doors began to open and God began to work in the hearts of these men. Negotiations were going smoothly when God's plan was fully revealed. The businessmen who originally showed Dr. Merritt the property purchased it themselves and presented it to Cross Pointe Church as a gift!

After much research and discussion, it was determined that it would be best to use the property at 1800 Satellite Boulevard to begin a brand new church, leaving First Baptist Snellville in its current location. While establishing Cross Pointe, God has continued to do an amazing work at First Baptist Snellville.

As a result, there are now two thriving, growing churches at opposite ends of Gwinnett County reaching more people for Jesus Christ than ever before.

Renovations began on the four story office building which would house the Preschool, Children's and Student Ministries, Adult Small Groups and administrative offices. After dealing with many closed doors, the doors of Cross Pointe were officially opened on Sunday, May 4, 2003, when over 500 people met for worship at Collins Hill High School. In July of 2003, they moved services to the new facilities at Peachtree Ridge High School, less than two miles from the new campus. As the congregation multiplied, a second worship service and small group hour were added. It soon became apparent that the church was quickly outgrowing our accommodations at Peachtree Ridge.

The plans to renovate the other buildings on the new campus were accelerated and soon the church was in the midst of an exciting transformation. What was once a warehouse became a 1500 seat worship facility with additional preschool space on the lower level. State of the art audio and video equipment, multi-media capabilities, theatrical lighting and moveable seating combine to make this a truly multi-functional space.

With the transformation complete, Cross Pointe Church celebrated their Grand Opening on Sunday, September 12, 2004! What a day it was!

As our journey continues, the church, the people of Cross Pointe, strive to fulfill the purpose God has set before them - to reach out to others with the message of hope and purpose that can only come through knowing Christ.

God's plan for our church - and for every church - is to reach out to others with the message of hope and purpose that can only come through knowing Christ.