Cross Purposes
Resources for Pastors
Churchwide Preaching/Group Focus
As a seasoned pastor, I understand the challenge of preaching for life change. Pastors try to connect the Bible to real life, and they invite people to respond to the message. Yet many people need more time and space to process the message by engaging in conversations with others.
A churchwide focus multiplies ways for people to engage with God’s word. Preaching powerfully presents the truth of the cross, and group interaction helps people make it real.
Cross Purposes offers flexibility as well as structure. The sermon prompts are not readymade sermons; they supplement the book to support the gifts and calling of the local pastor. The book offers options for group conversations, and group leaders can choose the questions that are most relevant to their group.
- Profound biblical perspectives in simple language
- Engaging conversation questions
- Relevant connections between the cross and life today: shame, addiction, alienation, suffering, and the problem of evil
Ideal for a small group or a churchwide sermon/life group focus.
Details . . .
Adaptable for the Local Church
Jump-Start Life Groups
People who are hesitant to join a life group may be willing to join a six-week group for Lent.
Cross Purposes is more than a Lenten study; it introduces elements of a healthy life group. The biblical concepts focus on the relevance of the cross to real life, and engaging questions stimulate meaningful conversations.
After a positive group experience, people will be more receptive to joining a life group. A new group might begin after Easter!
Revitalize Existing Groups
Sometimes groups or classes get stuck in tired or unhealthy patterns, and pastors struggle to find ways to help them. A churchwide focus on the meaning of the cross for today brings the pastor and groups together around the core of the gospel and its impact in the world.
Cross Purposes offers fresh perspectives for both preaching and group interaction. The pastor preaches on the meaning of the cross and its impact in today’s world, while groups have meaningful conversations about how the cross impacts their lives.
FAQ for Pastors
The book is priced to be affordable, not for profit. The quality of the book compares favorably with books at twice the price.
You can, but to avoid plagiarism I suggest that you honestly tell your congregation you found a great source for sermon ideas and questions. On printed question sheets, you should add, “Adapted from Cross Purposes, c. Victor Folkert, 2024.”
Yes. Fair use legally allows limited quotations for educational use. It does not allow you to republish or sell any portion of the book, and it does not allow you to claim or imply that you are the source for key ideas in the book.
I have it in ePub, but I do not have a distribution channel. I would consider sending it to you if you are also purchasing quantities of the book in other formats.