Becoming a member of Crosslinks is a key way to actively and personally partner with gospel ministries around the world, not just on our doorsteps.
The core group of Crosslinks members pray for, give towards and directly support and maintain Crosslinks’ gospel convictions.
Although your membership comes at no required financial commitment, it comes at great gain to the gospel and brings benefit and blessing to you, your church and the world.
Gospel partnership isn’t a new idea – it’s over 2,000 years old.
It’s how the Apostle Paul established his ministry, alongside gospel partners – individuals and churches – who prayerfully and financially supported his work, and sometimes went with him.
‘I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now…’ Philippians 1:3-5
We need gospel partnership more than ever
Our world has changed a lot since the first century, but the importance of gospel partnerships hasn’t. In fact, as churches in the UK and Ireland face an unprecedented shift in society and culture that disregards God’s authoritative word, the value of gospel partnerships has only increased.
We know that deciding to support Crosslinks in this way takes time and careful consideration. You may already support one of our mission partners, projects or study partners, and for this we are very grateful.
Membership was woven into the fabric of the Society to protect the gospel priorities of Crosslinks.
In 1922, it was the actions of a faithful generation of men and women whose commitment to the clear proclamation of the gospel and the call to repentance and faith in Jesus that delivered BCMS (now Crosslinks) into existence. Membership was woven into the fabric of the Society to protect the gospel priorities of Crosslinks from liberal drift. Today, we face a similar challenge and a similar call to faithfulness against the tide.
In many mainstream church denominations in the UK and Ireland (including the Church of England, where Crosslinks has its roots planted), issues of primary importance are dismissed or redefined according to society’s preference. The Bible is no longer regarded by some as God’s sufficient or authoritative word.
At such a time as this, we look to you – another generation of faithful men and women. We need your help through your membership to uphold the gospel in this country and the gospel overseas, where many men and women serve cross-culturally, planting, strengthening and leading churches.
What does membership involve?
Becoming a member of an organisation involves exclusive and tangible benefits. Joining a gym gives you access to running machines, weights and (hopefully) increased fitness. Becoming an Amazon Prime member gives you free next-day deliveries. But the tangible and exclusive benefits of becoming a member of a mission society are different. We may just need to change our perspective to see them.
There is much personal blessing and spiritual benefit to be found in becoming a member of Crosslinks – the encouragement of engaging with God’s global church, the joy of enabling gospel ministry in a cultural context you wouldn’t otherwise be able to serve in. But perhaps the blessing and benefit is felt most by those who are served by Crosslinks – and it’s worth being up front about that. Our mission partners are enabled to continue serving cross-culturally because you have committed to supporting Crosslinks through your membership.
Our members commit to praying for our work. As a member, you’ll receive regular news and information to equip you in your prayers for God’s mission overseas. You can subscribe to prayer letters from our mission partners and project partners via our website
The Great Commission looks different for different people. Some go overseas. Others send them while reaching out to local people. Some members have served as part of a short-term team or gone on to serve as long-term mission partners. Our members are invited to attend our events, online prayer meetings, annual general meeting and Summer Celebration. These are great opportunities to gather with mission partners and fellow supporters and hear about global mission in more depth.
We ask members to sign the Basis of the Society, our statement of belief,
to confirm their support for Crosslinks and the work we do. Members have the responsibility and privilege of electing our trustees and can stand for election to our board. Trustees are vital to Crosslinks as they make decisions which steer the Society. As we are a company limited by guarantee, as well as a registered charity, our members undertake to contribute to our assets in the event we are wound up (but don’t worry – your liability won’t ever exceed £1).
Get in touch to find out more.