Nestled in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Parkway, a twenty minute drive north of Roanoke, VA is a close-knit community of believers meeting in an unusual and unexpectedly beautiful place.
Crossings Christian Church began less than three years ago, and was not born of a messy church split but instead a vision of hope, to see new life and growth in this mountainous, growing region of the Commonwealth. They meet in a stunning space that seems to simply rise up out of the hills – The Greenfield Education Center in Daleville, VA. The building, primarily meant for fancy business meetings and special events, is Crossings home.



Originally founded by minister Beaver Terry, the reigns were recently handed over to Josh Parrish, a member of Crossings since day one. As soon as he heard about the launch of Crossings Church back in September of 2008, he knew he wanted to be a part of something new and different. He began teaching the church’s Bible 101 and 201 classes, a new members class, and preached a few times a year. When Beaver Terry felt God’s call to leave Crossings for another ministry opportunity, Josh seemed like the obvious choice to take his place. He formerly applied for the position along with other applicants, and in January 2011 Josh became the Senior Minister at Crossings Christian Church.
But that’s not the only exciting change that has come to Crossings recently. Johnson University graduate (formerly Johnson Bible College) joined the ministry staff at Crossings in March 2011. Having just finished an internship at a church plant in Las Vegas, Nevada, Allen Snell was hired as the Worship and Creative Arts Director for Crossings.
Allen is a man passionate about storytelling – in all it’s forms. He has experience in preaching and youth ministry, but is especially excited right now to stretch members at Crossings with worship, music, and other forms of creativity. Allen even has his own YouTube channel (BarrelofJesus), which is a eclectic mix of Allen (and guests) playing worship songs and pop hits.
Josh and Allen make a passionate team, ready to reach those without Christ in the area. If you are from or just passing through the Roanoke Valley, you really should stop by and see what they are all about. I, personally, expect that greatest things this community of believers has to offer are yet to come.

author: Rachel Price, VEF Director of Media