The Story of CrossWay Community Church: Gospel-Centered Ministry in Milwaukee
Every family, company, country, and church has a story. CrossWay Community Church in Milwaukee is no exception. Our journey has been shaped by faithful believers, challenges, and the desire to make maturing followers of Jesus.
Our Beginning: The First Sunday Service in 2008
In February 2008, CrossWay held its first official Sunday morning service. The original planting team, mainly families from CrossWay Bristol, shared a vision to plant more gospel-preaching churches in Milwaukee. This marked the start of our unique story in the city.
Moving Through Milwaukee: Our Early Locations
Our early years were nomadic, with multiple meeting spaces:
Pulaski High School (2008–2016)
We rented space in classrooms, enduring hot summers without AC and cold winters during school breaks. Children’s rooms met in chemistry and biology labs—simple, yet full of life.
St. Joseph Elementary School (2016–2019)
We moved to St. Joseph Elementary for better space, but after renovations, our meeting space became a gym with poor acoustics.
Alverno College (current)
Our current location provides a theater space with excellent sound and clean classrooms for children, creating an environment that brings joy to long-time attendees.
Connecting with Other Churches: Accountability and Collaboration
In 2013, CrossWay helped launch the CrossWay Association, connecting six local churches in Illinois and Wisconsin for mutual support. Though the association dissolved in 2018, our desire for connection continues. In April 2023, we officially affiliated with the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA) and actively participate in the EFCA Forest Lakes District.
Our Mission and Theology
Despite challenges and location changes, our mission remains: making maturing followers of Jesus by the power of the gospel. Theologically, our elders are Reformed Baptist, though this is not required for membership. We preach expositionally, move between the Old and New Testaments, and emphasize family and fellowship in a gospel-centered community.
What Makes CrossWay Community Church Unique
We are ordinary people worshiping the extraordinary Savior. At CrossWay, we encourage taking gospel risks, serving beyond comfort zones, and embracing a humble, family-oriented atmosphere. Our ministry in Milwaukee focuses on living out the gospel in everyday life, creating a community of disciples who shine Christ’s glory in our city.
Written by: Dan Allen
We would love to have you join us at Crossway Community Church if you are looking for a place to worship in Milwaukee! You can visit our “Plan Your Visit” page to learn all about what to expect. We worship at 10 am on Sundays at Alverno College. Hope to see you there!