What is starting point?

NorthCross is more than a building, and it's even more than a group of people. NorthCross is a family, and Starting Point is our way to show people what our family is all about.


Whether you are new to faith or coming to us from another church, this is your next step to growing your faith and maybe even becoming part of the NorthCross family.


We offer at least three Starting Point groups throughout the year. Each one meets Tuesdays at 6:30-8:00pm and runs for ten weeks. You can participate in person or online.



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WHAT TO EXPECT?

Here's what we talk about each week at Starting Point:



PART ONE: YOUR STARTING POINT WITH GOD


Week 1: Something Happened

The foundation of Christianity is not a philosophy or worldview.  It is all about a person (Jesus) and an event (his resurrection).  We cover biblical and historical evidence for Jesus and what the resurrection means for your faith.


Week 2: Beginnings

Why would a good God allow bad things to happen? And how do we handle things like creation vs. evolution? This week we will take a close look at the first few chapters of the Bible to find answers to the biggest questions you might have about faith.


Week 3: God's Rescue Plan

How can Jesus' death about 2,000 years ago benefit us today? This week we will see what made Jesus' life and death unique, and we will also look at how to know if you have enough faith in him to be saved.


Week 4: Baptism

There are many labels that are attached to you throughout your life. This week we will see how baptism is a miraculous way that God washes away every label and replaces it with something new: "Child of God."


Week 5: The Lord's Supper

Jesus commanded his followers to participate in a meal that includes bread and wine. This week we will see what Jesus and his first followers taught about this meal, and why it is still significant for us today.



PART TWO: YOUR STARTING POINT WITH NORTHCROSS


Week 6: NorthCross Church

Starting in week 6, we will shift our focus as we start talking about our mission as a church and what it means to be a member of our church family.


Week 7: Growth

Spiritual growth is important - not because it makes you more worthy of heaven, but because it keeps you close to the One who is guiding you there. We’ll talk about how our weekly services are designed to help people of all backgrounds grow in their faith as well as the role that personal Bible reading plays in your personal growth.


Week 8: Community

A big part of our mission of leading people to Jesus is done by gathering people in small groups. Throughout the Bible there are numerous encouragements and commands that revolve around "one another." Community is at the core of Jesus' church, and at NorthCross we are intentional with the way we gather our members together in Groups.


Week 9: Impact (Generosity)

Generosity is a value that can change the way you see your place in the world. Every member of the Church shares in the joy and responsibility of making an impact. This week we will show you how Generosity plays a big part in our mission of leading people to Jesus.


Week 10: Impact (Volunteering)

Each member of our church family plays an important part in leading people to Jesus. As we wrap up our time in Starting Point, we will show you how God can use your gifts can help this church family lead even more people to Jesus.



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Frequently Asked questions


  • We do not currently provide on-site childcare at Starting Point. Please reach out to our Engagement Director, Laura Folger, if this is preventing you from participating.

  • Even if you are coming to us as a member of another church, Starting Point is your way to learn about the NorthCross family and become a part of it.

  • Starting Point participants have full access to our pastors who are happy to answer whatever questions you might have.

  • We understand that Tuesdays don't work for everyone! You can reach out to Pastor Matt to develop a personalized plan to guide you through this process. 

  • We typically offer three sessions of Starting Point each year: one in September, one in January, and one in the spring.

  • We understand that life happens! Each session is recorded and sent out that week so you can catch up on your own.

  • Those who participate online will be part of a Zoom group that can see what's happening in the room and engage in conversation with other online participants.

  • We view Starting Point as a way to grow in faith and understand what NorthCross is all about. There is no obligation to do anything once the session ends.

  • Just bring yourself! We will give you a binder of resources on the first night that you can bring with you each week. It would be helpful to bring a Bible for weeks 6-10.

  • Starting Point free of charge thanks to the generosity of those who support its mission of leading people to Jesus. All materials are provided as well as light refreshments.

What People are saying

about STarting Point

"I found the group to be an enjoyable and enriching experience. The material was relevant not just for those new to Christ, but also for anyone looking to deepen a long-standing faith. While it initially felt like a big commitment, it was absolutely worth it. I appreciated the flexibility to attend online when needed, as my husband and I often travel for work."

- Marta - 


"I would recommend Starting Point to any who has questions about NorthCross or wants to experience what NorthCross has to offer beyond weekend services. I’d encourage people to try it even before they feel ready or think they want to become a NorthCross member."

- Jesse - 


"The most impactful part of Starting Point was hearing from others about their journey of faith and relationship with God. Talking about your faith with people you don't know is a challenge, but the group discussions were the most beneficial part of Starting Point."

- Chris -


"Starting Point is truly as it’s named. We learned what it means to be a member and made new connections in the church. It gave us the opportunity to independently connect with the pastors to ask hard questions and begin our faith journey as a family. Since completing the program we have baptized our three children, joined a group, volunteered, and made faith a part of our family's everyday life."

- Brenna -


"At first, we weren’t sure if Starting Point was necessary—it felt like a big commitment. But Pastor Ben reassured us: ‘Don’t worry, just do what you can.’ So we signed up, and God blessed it. We grew in faith, heard timeless truths in fresh ways, and connected with others through small group discussions. The weeks flew by, and we ended up looking forward to each session."

- Beth -



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