WHO WE ARE
The CREW. We exist to glorify God (1 Cor 10:31) above all else. We do this through endeavoring to grow a deeper love for God and for people (Matt 22:36-40). As a part of the CREW, students will feel accepted just as they are, while simultaneously being challenged to grow ever stronger as committed followers of Jesus Christ. The teaching is Bible-centered, ranging from chapter-by-chapter expository preaching to theme-based messages on issues especially pertinent to students today.
Worship is lead by our student band, where our musically gifted youth are able to exercise their God-given abilities (Rom 12:6) through singing and instruments (Ps 150). Any youth who demonstrate godly character & musical abilities are welcome to join in leading worship. All of the songs we sing are contemporary in style, while being simultaneously hand-selected for their theological grounding in the word of God (Ps 29:2).
Our name is an acronym to remind us of the importance of 4 key areas of Christian life:
Firstly, we identify with CHRIST above all else. Before we are anything else, we are Christians, redeemed, bought by the blood of Jesus, and purposed by him to do great things (Eph 2:10). Before we are teens, we are Christians. Before we are our ethnicity, we are Christians. Before we are Americans, we are Christians. Christ always comes first.
Secondly, we believe in living READY – ready for the return of Christ (Matt 24:44), ready to share truth from the scriptures (2 Tim 4:2) and ready to give a defense for the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3:15).
Thirdly, we stand EQUIPPED to counter the lies of culture (2 Tim 3:17), weather life’s trials (Jam 1:2), and share the truth of the gospel to the lost world (Matt 28:19). This comes through digging deep into Biblical teaching and filling ourselves with the godly wisdom (Rom 12:2).
Fourthly and finally, we walk WILLING, echoing the words of Isaiah the Prophet: “Here I am Lord, send me.” (Isa 6:8). We believe God does not call us because of our ability, but simply because of our availability, despite our many weaknesses and failures, for when we are weak, He is shown to be strong (2 Cor 12:9-11).
WHERE WE MEET
The CREW meets above the Gym, at Lantana Road Baptist Church. The address is: 3270 Lantana Rd, Crossville TN, 38572. We have a lounge & game room for hanging our before and after we meet, and a meeting hall for services & small groups.
We meet Wednesdays at 6:00pm – 7:00pm for our main service, and then again Sunday mornings at 8:45am – 9:45am for small groups.
MEET OUR LEADERS
Caleb & Sarah Johnson are jacks-of-all trades, from teaching, to leading small groups, to running games, to destroying people in pool, Caleb & Sarah are definitely ones you want to get to know. As new parents, Caleb & Sarah bring a wonderful perspective to the youth ministry.
Jacob & Tiffany Hayes lead our worship team in practice and actively pour into our students through relationships and teaching. They are also ones to do whatever is needed of them, you’ll find no hard task is below their servant-hearted approach to ministry. Tiffany & Jacob are both wise beyond their years!
Ray & Tiffany Brewer take care of all of our Sunday School teaching & are the functional parents for the CREW. Having been in the Crew for longer than most of our leaders, Ray and Tiffany bring in a wisdom that causes students and other leaders alike to look up to them with deep respect. If you have questions about anything related to life, they are the ones to ask.
John Smith runs the tech & security side of the ministry, in addition to taking critical roles on student trips as the go-to “keep everyone safe” guy. John excels in leading from the background, equipping others to be the face of the ministry, while he makes sure they’re best equipped to do just that.
YEARLY EVENTS
The CREW goes on quite a few trips throughout the year, including a mission trip, summer camp, winter retreat, and more! In the summer we also have what is basically youth group on steroids; VBS, our way. From intense games, to hyper-competitive team competitions, you won’t want to miss CREW’s VBS!