The Ministry
Our purpose at Cross to Life, is to minister to hurting Christians and seekers through a greater understanding of the “Cross for the believer”. We help individuals discover and appropriate the indwelling Christ as their only true source of sufficiency.
Cross to Life is a local, non-profit, non-denominational ministry in Minnesota, dedicated to proclaiming Christ as Life through personal discipleship, teaching and training. Biblically-based and Christ-centered, we implement a discipleship approach using specific materials for our distinctive methodology and message. Christ mandated the church to make disciples, so our approach is to work alongside the local church in a supportive role. This short-term discipling helps those who are struggling with insurmountable pressures to experience new victory and freedom in Christ, so that they may fruitfully minister within their local churches.
Disciplers at Cross to Life also minister at Grace Church in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, where they are effectively sharing the message of the Cross of Christ.
Cross to Life is governed, supported and advised by a local Board of Directors.
The Message
Cross to Life is Christ-centered, cross oriented and grace motivated. It is unique from other ministries in that we do not offer psychotherapy or give circumstantial advice; we share the message of the Cross and our resulting union with Christ. This union is a central issue to be understood and realized in the life of the believer, particularly in relationship to the power of sin.
When the bankruptcy of our own best efforts is revealed by the Holy Spirit, we can exchange confidence in our own ability to live the Christian life and place trust in Christ alone. Victory and freedom flow from exchanging the “self life” for the wondrous Life of the indwelling Christ.
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
The Materials
Cross to Life Discipleship Ministries utilizes twelve weeks of foundational discipleship materials that are unique to our local ministry. We have found this approach to be effective in renewing the mind (Rom 12:1-2), which must precede any real change in individual lives.
Dr. John Woodward provides direct training and teaching for the disciplers of Cross to Life through his conferences, books, and online materials. Dr. Woodward joined Grace Fellowship International in 2001, and is currently the director, Grace Notes editor, and pastoral counselor at their offices in Tennessee. He also serves with our local Board of Directors.
See Training & Resources for more information on materials.
The Method
Cross to Life disciples women from all denominations who may be experiencing spiritual, emotional or physical challenges. Our method is distinct from other ministries due to its short term, strategic and structured approach.
Cross to Life uses a discipleship approach where the Holy Spirit is the Agent of change. It is the Holy Spirit who renews the mind which can lead to a radical transformation in the life of the believer.
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2
He must also reveal our “unique version of the flesh”. Apart from this revelation, we will not see it!
During a typical 12 week process, each session addresses a specific Biblical Truth. Our ultimate authority is the Word of God and our materials serve to support and illustrate this Truth in a personal way. Homework and reading is assigned to reinforce the material covered each week.
The short term nature of this approach ensures that the confidence and trust of those being discipled remains in Christ alone and supports the church to fulfill its mandate of making disciples.
What to Expect
At Cross to Life, expect a safe and confidential environment, filled with hope and acceptance.
Upon completion of the initial intake process, anticipate meeting weekly with a lead discipler and prayer partner for about 12 weeks. Each session will last approximately 90 minutes. Homework and reading will be assigned relating to the material covered each session. A firm commitment is appreciated to complete all assigned homework and for prompt and regular attendance.