The Locker Room

In this conversation, we sit down with Coach Mike Swider, former head coach of the Wheaton College Thunder football team, to discuss the powerful intersection of building a winning football culture and glorifying Jesus in the process. Coach Swider is a respected figure in college football, having spent over two decades as the head coach at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. Serving from 1997 to 2021, he’s known not only for his success on the field but also for his unwavering commitment to character, faith, and leadership that extends beyond the game.

During his 35 years at Wheaton College, including 24 years as head coach, Swider amassed 209 career wins, maintaining an impressive win percentage of over 80%. But what truly set his coaching apart was his dedication to building a program rooted in integrity, humility, accountability, and servant leadership. These values were at the core of the Wheaton football culture, which was as much about spiritual growth as it was about athletic achievement.

Swider’s vision extended beyond winning games—his goal was to develop young men who would grow into leaders with the ability to positively impact their communities and the world. His legacy is a testament to the lasting influence of a Christ-centered program that shaped both the character and careers of countless student-athletes.

We sit down with Tina Watschke as we dive into the rich narrative of Genesis 37, where we encounter the story of Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, whose coat of many colors becomes a symbol of both love and jealousy. We explore the dynamics of sibling rivalry, the first seeds of conflict between Joseph and his brothers, and the dreams that set the stage for a dramatic turn in his life. What can we learn from Joseph’s journey, and how does his story speak to themes of faith, betrayal, and God’s providence? Join us as we unpack some of the layers to the story and its implication for our lives.

Preacher: Rod VanSolkema

Passage: Genesis 37

Sermon Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠

Questions for The Locker Room?

email: [email protected]

We sit down to talk with Hany Salah who is a pastor in Iraq, and partner of Crossroads through Impact Middle East to discuss what God is doing amidst the tumult and war in the region.

Joining God on His mission to redeem, reconcile, and restore all creation, Impact Middle East empowers national leaders to holistically proclaim the grace and truth of Jesus in word and deed and embody the hope of the gospel through creative strategies that best fit their contexts. I.M.E. plants reproducing communities of faith in the Middle East that live in winsome contrast to the world and bear witness to the Kingdom of God.

We sit down to preview this week's "Crossroads U" Elective with Dr. Andrew Abernethy (Professor of Old Testament, Wheaton College).

Sign Up ⁠HERE⁠

In this 3 week elective, we will explore how to read the Bible better. Drawing from his experience training students to study the Bible, Andrew Abernethy provides a holistic method that helps readers listen carefully to what God was saying to the original audience and what God is saying to us today.

He will guide learners using interpreting biblical genres, factoring in historical backgrounds, reading each passage in context, tracing the redemptive storyline of Scripture, and more to encounter God and be shaped by the Word as we savor its richness.

This class will run October 6th, 13th, and 20th at 8:45 am in the Upper Room.

We sit down to discuss the theme of idolatry as depicted in Genesis 35. As Jacob and his family journey to Bethel, they confront the remnants of their past, including the foreign gods that have infiltrated their lives. We’ll examine the significance of Jacob’s call to his household to put away these idols and what this act symbolizes in terms of spiritual renewal and commitment to God.

Preacher: Rod VanSolkema

Passage: Genesis 35-36

Sermon Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠

Questions for The Locker Room?

email: [email protected]

Today we sit down and chat about the topic of being a disciple with Jeff Vanderstelt. Crossroads Bible Church celebrated its 20th-anniversary last year, and we continue to be dedicated to our mission of being a church of disciples who make disciples. As we reaffirm our commitment to this vision, we are excited to partner with Jeff Vanderstelt. While there’s no substitute for the hard work of disciple-making, we find joy in knowing we are secure in our relationship with Jesus.

Jeff has a rich background as a pastor and is currently the leader of Saturate, where he dedicates his time to training disciples of Jesus to multiply their faith and equipping the Church for gospel-centered, missional living. Jeff lives in Tacoma, Washington, with his wife Jayne and their three children: Haylee, Caleb, and Maggie.

Preacher: Jeff Vanderstelt

Passage: 1 Peter 2:4-12

Sermon Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠

Questions for The Locker Room?

email: [email protected]

We sit down to explore Genesis 34 and the Dinah debacle. What happens when we or someone we love has been sinned against grievously? What should we do and how do we respond? We dive into the differences between justice and vengeance and how our feelings aren't always the greatest barometer for measuring our righteousness.

Preacher: Tryg Veker

Passage: Genesis 34

Sermon Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠

Questions for The Locker Room?

email: [email protected]

We sit down with Brian Medaglia (Community Life Pastor) and Jen Schmid (Community Groups Associate Director) to chat about Jacob's fateful night wrestling with God, and how our pain often meets God's purposes. What does this wrestling match signify about Jacob's journey and his relationship with God? How does this story reflect broader themes of struggle, identity, and divine intervention? We’ll discuss the historical and theological perspectives, and consider how this ancient story resonates with contemporary spiritual struggles.

For more information about getting connected to community at Crossroads, click HERE.

Preacher: Rod VanSolkema

Passage: Genesis 32-33

Sermon Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠

Do you want to know more about how to stay grounded in your faith in the chaos of our 24/7 media cycle, and polarizing politics?

In this 2 week elective with Dr. Scott Gustafson, we will explore the stories and liturgies that shape us in this polarizing cultural moment and discuss the politics of the Kingdom. How can we be spiritually formed after the pattern of Jesus and resist the polarizing politics, idolatries, and ideologies swirling around us? We will draw upon church history, geek out a little on theology and philosophy, and discuss practical resources for thriving in the Jesus way and embodying "The City on a Hill" in our challenging times. 

To attend this elective:

SIGN UP HERE

We sit down with Jason Botbyl (Pastor of Multiplication) to talk about Paul's conclusion of his letter to the Ephesian church. As Christians, we are in a war. Even though we may rarely think about it, and at times hardly notice it, we must be aware of it. We break down what it means to stand in the face of spiritual battles every day, and how God has equipped us to handle them. Think of it like gearing up for a fight—only this time, with truth, faith, righteousness, and the Word of God as your protection and weaponry. We’ll take a fresh look at Ephesians 6 and how the Armor of God can help you stay strong, grounded, and victorious in your faith journey.

Preacher: Jason Botbyl

Passage: Ephesians 6:10-24

Sermon Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠