We Built a Church Around Belonging — And It Changed Everything

What Actually Makes People Feel Like They Belong at Church

Before Crosswalk Chattanooga became an established church, it was a growing group of people setting up chairs, opening homes, and trying to create a place where people genuinely belonged. In Episode 7, Bryant Rodriguez shares his journey from theology student and marketing professional to becoming one of the key connectors in Crosswalk’s earliest days. From leading small groups and first impressions to rallying volunteers for weekly setups, Bryant reflects on how community, hospitality, and intentionality shaped the DNA of Crosswalk long before the church had a permanent home. This episode covers: * The origins of Bryant’s “home church” gatherings * Why small groups became foundational to Crosswalk * How serving helps people feel connected and invested * The challenge of building community in modern life * Why hospitality and conversation matter so deeply in ministry Bryant’s story is a powerful reminder that meaningful church culture is built through consistency, relationships, and ordinary people willing to serve.

Why Most Kids Don’t Love Church (And What We Did About It)

What if the way kids experience church shapes everything? In Episode 6, we sit down with Jaclyn Pruehs, Crosswalk’s founding Kids Director, to talk about how Crosswalk Kids was built from the ground up—without a playbook, a team, or a clear system. From navigating chaotic early classrooms to intentionally designing environments where kids can move, play, and engage with faith, Jaclyn shares the heart behind a ministry that prioritizes both fun and meaning. This episode covers: * Why kids ministry matters more than most people realize * Building something from nothing * Creating structure without losing energy and engagement * How to recruit and retain volunteers without burnout * Teaching faith in a way that connects to real life Jaclyn’s story is a powerful reminder that the smallest environments often have the greatest impact.

Trusting God When the Plan Doesn’t Make Sense

What do you do when everything is working… and God asks you to walk away? In Episode 5, Wesley León shares his journey from building a successful production company in Costa Rica to stepping into an entirely new life in the United States—and ultimately becoming part of the foundation of Crosswalk Chattanooga. From starting a growing faith community in his own living room to leaving it all behind, this conversation explores the tension between momentum and obedience. This episode covers: * Building something meaningful from nothing * Wrestling with calling vs. comfort * Trusting God in seasons of uncertainty * How past experiences shape present purpose * The role of production and excellence in ministry Wesley’s story is a powerful reminder that sometimes the hardest decisions lead to the most meaningful outcomes. https://www.youtube.com/@thecrosswalkexperience

What Happens Before Church Starts Matters More Than You Think

In this episode of the Crosswalk Experience Podcast, we turn the mic around and sit down with our own Experience Director, Shastin Rains. From growing up as a pastor’s kid to helping launch ministries across the country, Shastin shares her journey into leadership—and how God led her into one of the most unique and impactful roles at Crosswalk. We talk about: * What “guest experience” really means (and why it starts in the parking lot) * Building a healthy, sustainable volunteer culture * Creating environments where people feel like they belong before they believe * Lessons learned from leading through uncertainty, growth, and post-COVID rebuilding If you’ve ever wondered why Crosswalk puts so much intention into what happens outside the auditorium, this conversation gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the heart, strategy, and people who make it happen. Referenced in this episode: Shastin shares part of her personal testimony and journey to Crosswalk. You can listen to the full message here: 👉 Campus Day - Shastin Rains [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_l1gphW3tHU&t=8s] 🎧 Listen now and discover how small details can lead to life-changing moments. A Lovewell Creative Podcast. 📍 Want to learn more about Crosswalk or get connected?Visit: crosswalkchattanooga.com [http://crosswalkchattanooga.com]

Why Church Identity Matters More Than Strategy

Most churches grow by habit. Some grow by personality.Crosswalk chose to grow by identity.In this episode, founding member and brand strategist Alysa Darmody shares how Crosswalk defined who it was before scaling, and why belonging, momentum, and experience became the guardrails that shaped every decision that followed.This is a conversation about intentional culture, clarity over chaos, and why naming who you are matters more than chasing growth.Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/crosswalkexperience