CrossConnect: Getting Equipped Together

CrossConnect is a discipleship training course that equips students to become fruitful disciples of Jesus.

Over a period of 9 months, students are provided with the skills and knowledge they need to transform their communities by multiplying disciples of Christ. CrossConnect has been operational since 1975 and has since trained upwards of 500 students from over 30 nations worldwide. For forty-five years the college was located in Smithton, Tasmania, until recently, when it was relocated to Sydney in late 2021.

One of the positives of the global pandemic has been the push to find new and creative ways of doing things. In early 2022, international travel restrictions were still in place and the delivery of the course needed to shift in a new direction. Rather than the traditional face-to-face delivery, the course ran for the first time completely online through the use of zoom. It was an exciting time to watch as God began rebooting and reshaping the college.

We continue to see the Lord’s hand upon the ministry, as He raises up students now and into the future. In 2023, CrossConnect has welcomed its first residential students to the Sydney training centre. We have 5 students with us this year: Joanne (Scotland), Ruth (S. Korea), Mun (S. Korea), Caleb (Australia) and Cohen (Australia). From the get-go they have demonstrated enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. To date they have undergone studies in Communications, Biblical Theology, Bible Study Methods and Systematic Theology. In addition to this, they have begun serving in various church ministries such as youth groups, children’s programs, audio-visual support and will begin to serve with Hands and Feet later this year. In addition to their regular classes, their learning will also encompass visiting various churches and participating in their services and attending weekly bible studies. They will also have the opportunity to attend the IBCM8 conference in Malaysia in June and go on a short-term mission trip to Tasmania in October.

The incredible transitional journey CrossConnect has taken over the past few years is not over yet. We look to God as we seek to refine the course further in coming years. We continue to see the Lord stir hearts with a desire to pursue the study of His Word and become equipped fruitful disciples of Christ.

Caleb Schulte

Hawkesbury region, Western Sydney

After hearing about the course at a conference, Caleb enrolled with the hopes of setting aside this year to focus on God. Even though he lives within driving distance, Caleb chose to become a residential student to fully immerse himself in college life. Caleb has a keen desire to learn more about discipleship and wants to equip himself with the skills and knowledge he needs to share the Gospel with those around him.

Cohen Linsket

Bundaberg, Queensland

Cohen has been wanting to study and learn more about God and His Word for a long time. He heard about the CrossConnect course and through God’s leading, he saw this as a great opportunity to undergo his studies. This year Cohen hopes to discover and develop his spiritual gifts to serve Christ’s church.

Mun Eunsang

Busan, South Korea

Mun was led to study this year due to a desire to grow in the knowledge of God and the Bible. He has a heart to assist international students who come to Korea with translation of sermons. Through CrossConnect this year he hopes to form good habits and have a greater understanding of Biblical words in English.