WHY "LA CROIX" CHURCH?
"But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." - Galatians 6:14When the Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Galatian churches, he wrote it to address one over-arching issue above all else, that mankind is saved by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone.
There were some in these churches “who were distorting the gospel of Christ for a different gospel; which is really not another,” and the Apostle who speaks of the “grace of Christ” was extremely alarmed at how quickly they were opting for something completely different. So in order to correct this dangerous doctrine of “self salvation” by works, Paul declared that we should boast only in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, a crucifixion of the sinless Son of God that covered the wrath of God that we deserve as sinners and covered our unrighteousness with the righteousness of Christ that we do not possess. Thus, salvation is ultimately of God from start to finish making us adopted sons and daughters of the Most High God and co-heirs with Jesus Christ the Son.
When the founders of La Croix Church were planning to plant a church in Baton Rouge, they recognized many of the same issues about our region. Residents in our culture consider Baton Rouge to be very spiritual, and that religiosity is precisely the reason the founders determined a new church was needed among the many already in existence. While thousands upon thousands own up to being religious, they also are very mistaken about the gospel of grace, and much like Paul, the founders felt called to not only know their own culture but to proclaim a cross centered gospel that was once preached in this great region.
The name of the church was chosen for various reasons but one that outweighs them all. “La Croix” in French means “the cross” while the word “Church” in the Greek means “assembly/gathering/called out ones.” What better name is there to call our congregation in an area influenced by French culture than “The Cross Gathering”? Even through our name we are attempting to declare to Baton Rouge that her only hope is to boast in the cross of Jesus Christ unto salvation for the glory of God.
THE VISION OF LA CROIX CHURCH
La Croix Church loves Jesus Christ and seeks the good of the city by offering hope and sharing community through the Gospel.
THE GREAT COMMANDMENT PURPOSE
La Croix Church exists to be a church that loves the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves through Jesus Christ our Lord.
THE GREAT COMMISSION MISSION
La Croix Church seeks to make disciples of all nations, baptizing disciples in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching disciples to observe all that Jesus commanded knowing that He is with us to the end of the age.
THE CORE VALUES OF LA CROIX CHURCH
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We are a Christ-Centered People
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We are a Church-Loving People
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We are a Co-Missional People
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We are a Church-Planting People
THE PHILOSOPHY OF MINISTRY AT LA CROIX CHURCH
The Vision, Mission, and Values of La Croix will be lived out and accomplished through Corporate Worship, Community Life, and Co-Missional Living as we grow together as a family theologically, relationally, and numerically.
