The Crossing Church

We this church! My husband and I have been married for 11years– we’ve been to a few churches in our lifetime. This is the first church our children have fallen in love with. The children’s pastors and small group leaders really invest a genuine interest in our kids– they don’t just talk about the love of Christ– they model it! The lead pastor preaches the whole gospel for real life application– without sugar coating or cherry picking scriptures. The church is doing things in the community– changing lives and impacting families. We feel so blessed to call The Crossing our home!

LOVE LOVE LOVE this place. Love Pastor Tim. Love the people who attend. Love the worship. Love the way this church impacts the community. Love the authenticity. Pretense is rejected here, as it should be in ALL churches. This is not a place where a holier-​than-​thou attitude is welcomed.
I’ve been a weekly attender for three years, as well as a volunteer, so I humbly feel that I have a more accurate understanding of what’s happening between the four walls of the sanctuary than some of the one-​time visitors using Unilocal as a platform to attempt to tear it down.
When Pastor Tim and his wife founded this church in 1984, they did so with a heart to reach the «unchurched». Tim literally went door to door all over Costa Mesa, asking the community he spoke with if they attended church. If they did, he thanked them for their time and went to the next home. If they didn’t, he had heartfelt conversations with anyone who wanted to share, asking them why they didn’t attend church. After months of many, many, many conversations, the trajectory of The Crossing was set. There are aspects of the service that are geared to making sure everyone feels comfortable. Yes, during offering collection there is one (GASP!!!) secular song. Just one. Before casting stones, perhaps it would behoove the critics to take a moment and ask «why do they do that?» There is a set reason and logic they have discussed openly in past services. This is done to create an association to church when hearing those songs outside of service.
That being said, people who have spent their entire life attending church (like my husband and I) can still glean a lot from the service. The teaching is absolutely Biblical, and absolutely applicable. Yes, the content is less intensely theological than some neighboring churches, but it’s heavily pragmatic and practical. You will not leave without feeling challenged to move beyond your comfort zone.
Lastly, I love how The Crossing tangibly wraps its arms around those in need within our community. Every Saturday, they facilitate a homeless ministry that serves, feeds, encourages and provides portable shower and laundry services for the homeless population. Weekly recovery programs are available and free of charge to those with many forms of addiction. The Crossing Community puts together huge bags of school supplies for teachers at low income schools in Orange County. They started a Spanish-​speaking service to reach the Hispanic population in the city. Volunteers lead computer classes to teach latino parents how to monitor their child’s school progress reports online. Volunteers meet weekly to read and tutor children in high-​risk neighborhoods. There is a ministry that meets to knit and crochet scarves for children in Africa and India. They send thousands over a year, and the children that receive them are ecstatic. For many of them it’s the only thing that is truly «theirs.» We run programs for teen moms to receive mentoring and counsel. There isn’t a day that goes by without some variety of outreach or ministry provided.
All in all, I’ve never seen a more authentic environment where people are challenged to grow and become better people. This place really is home.

Contex:
Situation: My immediate and extended family were on vacation, and we were looking for a Saturday evening service. We attended the 5:30 PM service on 8.1.15. The speaker was high school pastor, Ben Applebee.
Demographics: Our immediate and extended family: Age ranges: 8, 10, 12, 15, 18, parents ranging from 40’s to 50’s, grandparents in the 70’s.
–Grandfather is a retired pastor who has been part of presbyterian and methodist churches.
–I’m on the board of deacons of a nondenominational church
–My wife was also on the board of deacons and taught children’s Sunday school.
–My brother-​in-​law and his wife are active in a different church.
— My wife and I are right of center. My wife is more conservative than me.
–My brother-​in-​law and his wife are left of center and his wife is quite liberal.
–The grandfather/​retire pastor is quite left leaning politically.
— We try not to talk politics too much because we disagree and argue. We did agree on below.
Impression:
Pros:
–Very nice physical plant. They have enormous amount of funding to be able to afford their buildings. It appears they even have their own multi-​level parking garage with elevator and glass elevator shaft so you can see the inner workings (yes lots of money). A couple of nice fountains adorn the campus. Multiple rooms for elementary to high school kids.
–People are very friendly.
— Very organized. They had many tables with umbrella stands with people stationed at each table doing meet and greets and passing out flyers/​cards. They had a prayer canopy area and a dessert canopy area. They had greeters at the door to their sanctuary of the service. The service area was more like a multi-​purpose room, but that is fine.
–Very active. They have multiple groups for the youth, and they have multiple mission groups from Mexico to Vietnam to Uganda.
–Very upbeat attitude with many smiles. Very warm atmosphere.
–Very talented musicians and contemporary rock group consisting of the youth and maybe those in their 20’s.
–Great multi-​media resources and capabilities. Ran without technical difficulties as they transitioned from the announcements, music, videos, and photos.
Cons:
–Worship music: It was very loud to the point that although it was bearable it was at a decibel level that is unhealthy for hearing over a long term. Hearing this weekly for years will cause eventual hard of hearing situation. (I’m a physician). The main problem is the content of the music. It’s secular music. Yes. You read correctly. It’s secular, and it’s pop.
My 15 y/​o daughter turned to me in the middle of the first song and said, «They’re playing pop!?!» She knew the tunes. I don’t know the pop music, but the band posts the lyrics. fThat was quite alarming because the lyrics were just so secular. I don’t recall the exact lyrics, but the songs messages were in general you are strong. No one can stop you. You are unbreakable (That message of being unbreakable dropped my jaw open because that is quite polar opposite of what the Bible says.), and you are a champion etc. You get the picture. It was’t just one song. They played about 2 or 3 pop songs that were secular.
Finally they did play some Christian music, but the arrangement of the songs gave the impression that the Christian song or two was thrown in at the end of the lineup to make sure that the service was somehow related to Christianity and not a pop performance.
The performers of the band are quite talented. I enjoyed them from a worldly view. I would enjoy them at a bar or at a concert for non-​Christians.
The pastor was absent because he was on a road trip. He sent a video of himself dressed in a Harley Davidson outfit. He was in some remote area in Wyoming I believe. A few of my friends have motorcycles. Some are quite enthusiasts about them. I can say that the Harley Davidson outfit gives the impression of a mid-​life crisis or of an older person wanting to feel young and free. He reinforced the theme of the series that that church was doing which was «You’re not a nobody!»
Ben Applebee was the speaker at the Saturday evening service. He was very upbeat. He’s a father of a toddler. His message was a good one in that one doesn’t have to be some famous big named person to be spreading the Word. He referenced to Shiphrah and Puah, midwives who went against the Pharoah’s command to kill the babies. Ben is a good speaker, but he was not a powerful speaker for all age groups. He is good for high schoolers. That seems to be where his gift is.
After the sermon the contemporary band played again, and from what I recalled they played another pop song followed by a Christian piece.
The problem is that the message of Mr. Applebee was quite dwarfed by the entire church’s production and overall atmosphere. It is not a true Christian service. The message and impression of entire place was anti-​Christian according to scripture. My entire clan actually could agree on this.

I visited this church in June 2015. I was there before the band started playing. Observation: no opening prayer. They played 3 – 4 contemporary songs I am very familiar with. They concluded, some announcements were made, and then the offering was taken. During the offering, a hard rock secular song about rebellion was played and there was no prayer. Tim Celek began his teaching. No prayer, not before, not when he finally offered one or two verses to back up his teaching… and when he was done, he said, «Let me pray for us and then you are dismissed». The teaching was light and consisted mostly of detailed instances of when one might act rebellious, like when entering a parking lot with attendants motioning you to go park to the right when you want to park to the left. After the first example or two, I got it. I really did. But the examples continued and wasted a lot of time which could have been spent unpacking scripture. The lack of prayer during the service disturbed me, and I certainly did not attend church that morning to be exposed to rebellious rock music straight from Satan. I will never go back, and my sister and her young daughters now attend Harvest. If you want real teaching from God’s Word, I cannot recommend the Crossing. At best, it may qualify as Christianity 101, but due to the secular rock and failure to pray during the service, Veggie Tales might be a better option until you are ready for some real scriptural meat.

I just started coming here a few months ago & love this church! Very comfortable & casual! The pastor is amazing and makes sense in ways that everyone can relate to! It’s like a good book or tv show that you can’t wait till next week to be apart of it…
The nursery is also very clean and the ladies take great care of my baby!

If you are looking to not only grow your faith but become a disciple of Jesus, DO NOT attend this church. I visited on July 12, 2015 and will never go back. Being new to the area I have been looking for a new church. When you come from an expository, line by line church that reads scripture and preaches the gospel, you know when you’re in the wrong place. The pastor teaches topical only, and is seeker friendly only looking to make people feel good about themselves, like a Joel olsteen. I had a interesting vibe when the worship band started playing Aretha Franklin’s Respect. Please pastor celek, preach the gospel, and make disciples, don’t worry about numbers

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING CHURCH! I have tried out many churches and no where has felt as much like home as The Crossing has. I love that everyone is welcome and all of the staff are wonderful.
Great place to grow your faith and relationship with our father, Jesus

This Church Rocks! Come enjoy some amazing worship, with people who love God and their church Family! The Coffee’s good too: D!

I love this place! All are welcome at this nonjudgmental, Bible practicing church which just celebrated it’s 26^th anniversary.

Poor Albert… maybe he should have gone it and checked it out. I started attending this church in 1995. God has done amazing things in this church through Tim, the staff and the volunteers. I have never shyed away from inviting anyone to this place — after all, this place is built on all the reasons people don’t like going to church. Everyone is welcome here — no need to worry about how you’re dressed, your economic or marital status — there’s always a seat for you here.

I started attending the Crossing because of my good friend Fred Detken whose son Patrick was a pastor there prior to moving to another church in Las Vegas. Having recently lost my wife to cancer and being a cancer survivor myself, I wanted to bring religion back into my life.
Having grown up in the Bible Belt area of the South, I was expected to attend church every Sunday and developed an attitude that attendance was more important than what one actually learned during the experience. I also became cynical toward perceived hypocrisy and simply drifted away from religion for many years.
At the Crossing, one receives a biblically based message, no one pressuring you to attend, absolutely no hypocrisy, and a pretty good Christian rock concert at the beginning of the service. The emphasis is on the bible and love for one’s fellow man, regardless of economic status or personal background. The Crossing is simply a great non-​denominational church and ideal for one seeking information straight from the bible. Love this place.

EVERYBODYS WELCOME… this church is awesome, doesnt matter who you are, where you come from, newly sober, or not, this church is great because it has all kinds of people here. it is a place you feel accepted. you can come as you are, causual dress, cool music, great pastor, lots of different things to do, ive met great friends there. i cant say enough nice things about this church…
ive ran into people from different stages of my life, wild days, partying days, guys i have surfed with, neighbors, bikers… all at THE CROSSING CHURCH!
ITS A GREAT PLACE debi

First of all, they have a phenomenal community and a pastor who preaches to teach and build up PRACTICAL life application of the Bible. The culture of the church is supportive and open to people who haven’t been to church before and it’s definitely non-​judgemental. I’ve gone through various stages of my spiritual walk/​beliefs, but the leadership always makes themselves available to guide/​teach/​mentor. They have so many unique resources. The only downside is that the younger post graduate crowd doesn’t quite have its niche in the events there. I learned, however, they already have short-​term plans to begin developing that. I’ve been going there 7 years and sometimes feel I’m the youngest guy there. In spite of that, I feel like I have many friends.

I absolutely love this church! The worship team is awesome, every single one of them. Love how they have a Saturday night service at 5:30. And the main thing about this church is this… it’s a church for ALL PEOPLE! come as you are. They accept you as Christ does. Their childrens ministry is great for the kiddos. All around great place to be:)

I was invited by a friend to attend on a Sunday. With no background of attending church and being a drinker, my thoughts were I should not go. Well my Husband & I decided to see what The church was all about. From day 1 there was a warm welcome feeling when you enter the grounds. The Pastors and the Awesome staff take great pride in helping people who are new to the church setting & also in recovery. I am happy to say that on December 5^th, 2013 I will have 4 years sober. For that I am truly grateful. We are still attending every Sunday & I also serve anywhere I am needed. My Teens also attend on a regular basis. Thank You to The Crossing for helping me in a rough time in my life. I love this church. My Church, The Crossing.
Holly B

Great church, outstanding message, amazing music. My husband and I were searching for a church and after visiting many and leaving disappointed, I turned to Unilocal and found The Crossing. We immediately felt like we had found a home there. It’s refreshing to attend the services, we have learned so much, and feel the messages are related directly to everyday life. The music is amazing! Enough words can’t describe The Crossing, where «all is welcome». As one person stated, «it’s like attending a great church at the House of Blues.» It’s a great church for everyone!

Most amazing Church I’ve ever been to. I feel at home when I’m there. Everyone there is really kind and genuine. I love it. I volunteer also, every Sat night because I enjoy it and I like to give back. I adore my Church and I’m so happy it’s there. Love the music too. And the vibe!

This is such a terrific church. The lead pastor Tim’s messages are fantastic. I was raised in a Catholic family where we attended church every Sunday, but I must tell you that I have got way more out of The Crossing in the past 2 years than I have the whole time going to church in my past. When my wife and I moved to Costa Mesa we wanted to join a church that made us feel welcome and a place that we looked forward to going to. The Crossing does just that. We now call The Crossing our home Church and would highly suggest it to anyone.

I love this church! I recently moved, but still have a very special place in my heart for the Crossing and the friends I have made there. My best experiences came from stepping out of my comfort zone, beyond just sitting in a seat, and getting involved by serving. I chose to serve in the children’s ministry, and eventually followed a group of girls as they graduated to junior high. I have never experienced more genuine friendships and fulfilling experience.
Mrs. Kelsey Kappoff is the current junior high pastor, and she is earth-​shattering in her love and devotion to the junior high students who walk into the Crossing Student Ministries (CSM for short). **If you are a junior high student, or know a junior high student, encourage them to attend on Tuesday evenings!** It’s an even better than Sundays because they split up into small groups, where students are free to be real.

Great chuch with great people and strong & fun leadership. I have moved around lot and have been in many churches. Not many are like this one, with a passion for people. What is so cool about the messages is that things from the Bible are shown to have relevance and meaning today, in our day and age.
There is an area to display the current them or series of messages that is being discussed. One theme a while back was «Sex, Dating and Mating.» While one reviewer seemed quite displeased about it, at least this church is talking about it, and from a biblical perspective. Perhaps more churches should discuss it.
Anyway– great place to go, learn, meet people, have fun. and maybe even get involved.