Thoughts on Crosswalk?
For context Crosswalk is a progressive, contemporary sda church chain with locations across the u.s. & abroad, originating in california.
I don’t consider myself adventist but I do attend Crosswalk semi-regularly as sometimes I find it nice to be in adventist environment (its hard to wean of a lifetime of only knowing SDA, don’t judge). And weirdly it can be a bit healing?! Huge focus on acceptance and community above all, zero mention of Ellen ever. To be honest, the location I attend feels like a bunch of ex-adventists attending a non-denominational church. Some church members are openly gay, and I’ve grabbed drinks with a church friend. Sermons cover things like social justice, and call out christian nationalism and the harmful aspects of adventism - like legalism and doomsday obsession.
When I hear a particularly good sermon though, I always wonder if they are preaching the same message at the location in the south (probably not or there’d be a riot). I went to a location in the South when I still believed, and it definitely felt different than the one I visit now.
Regardless, I can’t escape that I don’t actually believe the evangelical christian doctrine, so it only does so much for me. But at the very least, it’s a safe place to talk to real people who get sda weirdness.
I almost feel angry sometimes, like - if this was the version of adventism I grew up in, then maybe I’d still be here - I wouldn’t have to give up my community and disappoint my family. Are you kidding - a cool, hip community with no lifestyle restrictions, and I get a free craft latte at church? Count me in! (genuine jk)
Anyways, I’m curious what people think of them? It’s strange, because they’re so far from traditional adventism and almost seem to hide the connection, with all their aesthetic branding and slogans, that you’d almost never know.