Mission of the Cross
Outreach
At Mission of the Cross Lutheran Church, outreach is not treated as a program separate from the life of the Church. It flows from the Gospel itself. Christ has loved us, redeemed us, and made us His own. Therefore, we desire to make His love known in both word and deed within our congregation, our community, and beyond. This language reflects the mission of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, which states that, in grateful response to God’s grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacraments, the Synod exists
Christ at the Center
All Christian outreach begins with Christ. The Church does not bring a vague message of goodwill or a merely social concern for the community. She brings the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ, crucified and risen for sinners. For that reason, our outreach is rooted first in the preaching of repentance and the forgiveness of sins. We want our neighbors in Crosslake, Cross Lake, and the surrounding Brainerd Lakes area to know that there is mercy for sinners, peace for troubled consciences, and life everlasting in Christ. That witness remains central to everything the Church does
Word and Deed
The LCMS consistently speaks of the Church’s life in terms of witness, mercy, and life together. In that same spirit, Mission of the Cross seeks to care not only about what is said, but also about how Christ’s love is shown. Christian mercy does not replace the Gospel, nor does the Gospel make works of mercy unnecessary. Rather, mercy accompanies witness. As the LCMS explains, the Church’s mercy work goes hand in hand with proclaiming Christ, both at home and abroad. This means that faithful outreach includes inviting others to hear God’s Word, welcoming them into the life of the congregation, and serving neighbors with compassion when needs arise.
Reaching Our Community
In a place like Crosslake, outreach often begins very simply: welcoming visitors, inviting families, speaking with neighbors, helping those in need, and making it easy for people to find a faithful Lutheran church. Some who come through our doors are searching for a church home. Others may be visiting the area, walking through hardship, or returning to church after many years away. Outreach means meeting people where they are, receiving them with kindness, and directing them to Christ and His gifts. We desire to be a congregation where the love of Christ is plainly confessed, clearly preached, and genuinely shown.
Life Together in Christ
Outreach also grows from the congregation’s own life together. As the LCMS notes, witness and mercy belong to the Church’s shared life under Christ. A congregation strengthened by Word and Sacrament is also a congregation prepared to serve. As we gather for Divine Service, Bible study, prayer, and fellowship, the Lord forms us into a people who are ready to love and serve our neighbors in His name.
Come and Join Us
If you are looking for a Lutheran church in Crosslake, MN, or the Brainerd Lakes area, we invite you to visit Mission of the Cross Lutheran Church. Outreach is, in part, this simple invitation: come and hear God’s Word, receive Christ’s gifts, and be strengthened in His grace. We pray that the Lord would use this congregation to make His love known in our community, and that through this witness many would be brought to faith and sustained in the mercy of Christ.