CROSS Conference Podcast

Rae Reid reflects on the joys and challenges of single missionary service. At 43 and single after nearly 12 years in Southeast Asia with Reaching and Teaching, Reid presents an honest assessment of singleness on the mission field.

Marital status should never be an excuse to avoid overseas ministry. Single missionaries face unique considerations and opportunities that deserve thoughtful examination rather than dismissal or romanticization.

Evaluate whether singleness is truly an obstacle to your calling, and consider the unique strengths single missionaries bring to cross-cultural ministry.

Topics: Singleness, Missions, Calling, Single Missionaries, Ministry

David Platt addresses the perennial question of discovering God's will. Acknowledging that believers constantly wrestle with God's direction for their lives, Platt examines whether Scripture addresses all decisions from mundane choices to major life directions.

Many decisions aren't explicitly answered in Scripture, yet believers wonder if God cares about all details. Understanding God's character as infinitely good, wise, and loving provides the foundation for experiencing His will in every circumstance.

Trust God's infinite wisdom and goodness as you make daily decisions, seeking His guidance through Scripture and His Spirit.

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5; 1 Kings 19; Acts 16
Topics: God's Will, Decision-Making, Guidance, Discernment, Scripture

Isaac and Stephanie Stiles provide biblical guidance on dating practices. With 13 years of marriage and experience counseling students through Across Campus, the Dosses address how dating culture has shifted from public chaperoned courtship to modern hookup culture.

Though dating itself has radically changed, Scripture speaks directly to how believers should approach relationships and honor God throughout the dating process. Their practical counsel helps students navigate relationships with biblical integrity.

Evaluate your dating practices against biblical standards and seek counsel from godly married couples.

Scripture: Proverbs (fear of the Lord); James 1; 2 Corinthians 6:14; 1 Corinthians 7:39

Topics: Dating, Relationships, Purity, Marriage, Biblical Courtship

Brooks Buser examines language as both barrier and key to gospel expansion. Working with Radius International to help missionaries learn language and culture, Buser demonstrates why linguistic skill directly determines gospel effectiveness.

Language proficiency separates clear gospel communication from muffled, ineffective witness. Valuing language means valuing the gospel's spread, as words are the vehicles through which faith is communicated across cultures.

Commit to learning language with gospel intentionality, whether at home or on the mission field.

Scripture: Matthew 28
Topics: Language, Gospel Communication, Missions, Culture, Barriers

Scott Hubbard explains the liberating power of self-forgetfulness. Drawing on insights from C.S. Lewis, Tim Keller, and John Piper, Hubbard presents self-forgetfulness as the pathway to freedom and deep wonder.

The healthiest Christians live free from constant self-comparison and internal analysis. Instead of obsessing over psychological categories or how they rank against others, they simply forget about themselves and live fully.

Practice self-forgetfulness by redirecting your thoughts away from self-assessment toward others and toward God.

Topics: Humility, Self-forgetfulness, Joy, Freedom, Wonder