ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP)–Volunteers for Crossover Dallas should sign up by May 1, said organizers of the evangelism thrust to precede this year’s Southern Baptist Convention.
“We’re trying to recruit as many volunteers from as many places as will come,” said Don Smith of the Home Mission Board evangelism staff. People who do not meet the May 1 deadline can participate, but early registration gives leaders time to match volunteers’ interests with local church needs, Smith said.
The Dallas Baptist Association estimates more than 1 million people who do not know Christ live in the Dallas metroplex. To target the residents, Crossover Dallas will include block parties, door-to-door witnessing teams and street evangelism venues. Each activity is designed to present the gospel and discover prospects for local churches.
During block parties, churches offer free food and entertainment to attract local residents. Door-to-door activities involve teams of two asking residents about their religious beliefs and sharing the plan of salvation. Street evangelism includes performers such as chalk artists and mimes who share the gospel through their art.
Crossover began in 1989 as a pre-convention evangelism thrust. Crossover New Orleans in 1996 resulted in 2,476 professions of faith in Christ and one new church start.
Currently, there are 230 churches committed to host an evangelistic event: 120 with block parties; 80 sponsoring door-to-door witnessing teams; and 30 hosting street evangelism venues.
Southern Baptists can participate as individuals, a group from one church or a group from several churches, Smith said.
“This is an opportunity to reach thousands for Christ in a single day,” Smith said. “Not many times in your life do you get the opportunity to do that.”
Most Crossover Dallas events will take place Saturday, June 14, with volunteer training on Friday, June 13. Crossover is sponsored by local Baptist associations, the state convention and the Home Mission Board. To register, call the Dallas Baptist Association at (214) 324-2803 or write, attention Jana Young, 8001 East RL Thornton, Dallas, TX 75228.
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