Perhaps you have noticed the modern architecture. It stands out here. This is Crossway Baptist Church. It is a multi-site megachurch. Crossway has a rich history. It began as Blackburn Baptist Church in 1954.
The story starts with Mr. C.E. Burden. He visited Blackburn in 1949. Blackburn was mostly bush back then. Apple and pear orchards covered the landscape. Dirt tracks connected everything. Mr. Burden invited Mr. R.W. Jones to start a Sunday school.
Adults began meeting for worship in 1952. They gathered at Blackburn South Primary School. The location was Branksome Grove and Canterbury Road. A Baptist Fellowship formed in Mr. Press’s home. It was at 2 Lavelle Street. The date was September 16, 1952.
Children from the Bush Sunday School and the worshipping adults were the foundation. The Victorian Baptist Home Missionary Society supported them. A hall was built at Canterbury and Holland Roads. The Baptist Home Missionary Society bought the land in 1950. The new hall opened on April 24, 1954. The church was officially established in June 1954. Rev J.H. Newnham was the first pastor. He served part-time.
In 1957, Rev George Ashworth became the first full-time pastor. The church moved to 19 Holland Road in 1962. This allowed for growth. Younger families were moving into the developing suburb. Rev David Griffiths followed as pastor from 1962 to 1972. Rev Rowland Croucher followed him serving from 1973 to 1981.
A pastoral team was introduced. A church office was created for support staff. Thirteen houses were used for needy families. A home for homeless youth was established. The first Christian refuge for abused women in Victoria was set up. Burwood Baptist Church joined Blackburn Baptist. Buildings were added to accommodate the church’s growth.
Stuart Robinson became senior pastor. He had worked in South Asia for 14 years. His service lasted for 25 years from 1983 to 2008. Accountable cell groups were formed. These groups had trained leaders. A counseling center was established. It had professionally qualified staff. A prayer department aimed for 24/7 prayer. A church-planting department started seven churches. These were around suburban Melbourne. There were also four non-English-speaking congregations. A cross-cultural missions department supported many workers financially. A radio ministry broadcast across the nation. An annual five-day conference helped smaller churches grow.
A full-time bookshop donated profits to missions. Children’s Church became a distinct congregation. Worship transitioned to contemporary styles. Women were appointed to senior staff and governance roles.
In 1990, the church decided to relocate. The new site was on Springvale Road in Burwood East. The name changed to Crossway in 1996. This reflected the church’s regional nature. Land purchases totaled 16 acres over the years. Construction began in 1993. The first service was held in September 1995. All land and facilities were debt-free by 2007.
Dale Stephenson became senior pastor in 2008. Crossway holds multiple services each weekend. The main building was improved in 2010. Foyer floorspace doubled. Crossway Café was added.
Crossway LifeCare began in 2012. It extends Crossway’s counseling services. LifeCare helps families and individuals flourish. It offers counseling, mentoring, and community events. In 2015, Crossway partnered with COACH Community Mentoring. This strengthens communities.
An online campus launched in 2015. It provides services for remote and overseas people. A South East campus opened in Berwick in 2016. It holds services in English and Indonesian. In 2017, the new LifeCare and Administration Centre opened.
Crossway is more than just a building. It is a community. It is a place of worship. It is a place of service. It is a place of growth. It is a place for everyone.