Member Meeting Recap
May 17, 2026
We wanted to make sure everyone had an opportunity to hear about some of the exciting ministry updates, leadership transitions, and opportunities shared during our gathering. Here’s what was covered that night!
Recognition & Celebration
Rising Tide
Three years ago, Alicia Zander approached our pastoral team with a vision to create a ministry specifically for 4th and 5th graders. From that burden, Rising Tide was born. This ministry has become a meaningful bridge between CW Kids and CW Youth, helping students grow in their love for Jesus and their understanding of God's Word.
After faithfully leading Rising Tide for three years, Alicia will be stepping down from her leadership role next school year. We are deeply grateful for Alicia and Shawn's faithful service to these students and their families.
We are excited to announce that Erin Estes, who has been serving as one of the instructors in Rising Tide, will be stepping into the leadership role. We look forward to seeing the Lord continue to build upon the strong foundation Alicia has established.
CW Youth
We also recognized Gabe and Sammy Adams for their faithful leadership of Crossway Youth over the past three years. We are thankful for the way they have shepherded our students and modeled a love for Christ.
Beginning July 1, Jed Black will join our staff part-time as Crossway's Youth Director. Jed has already been serving on the youth leadership team and teaching regularly, and we are excited to see how the Lord uses him in this new role. We are currently building a team to serve alongside Jed as we enter this next season of ministry.
CW College & Student Ministries
Nick Harmon has faithfully served as our College Director for several years and began a one-year pastoral residency at Crossway in January.
As our student ministries continue to grow, Nick's role will expand to provide oversight and leadership for all student ministries, including Rising Tide, CW Youth, and CW College. His focus will be to equip, encourage, and lead the directors of these ministries as they serve our students and families.
As a result, beginning in Fall 2026, CW College will be led by Kevin & Bentley Pitara and Keaton & Cassidy Kirkland. These couples have been a vital part of our church family and previously served as student leaders during their years at UNCW. We are excited to see them disciple college students and help reach more students at UNCW and Cape Fear.
Education Outreach
Loren and Taylor Baysden serve on our deacon team over Education Outreach.
For several years Taylor has been serving with 514 Revolution, a ministry serving and supporting those impacted by and seeking freedom and healing from trafficking, and God is leading her to invest more time into that vital ministry.
Loren recently graduated from Crossway’s Pastors and Leaders Institute and he will be pursuing some different ministry opportunities at Crossway.
If you're interested in serving with Educational Outreach, visit the Serve page on our website.
Service Opportunities
As our church continues to grow, there are several areas where volunteers are needed:
CW Niños
CW Kids
SAFE Team
Prayer Team
A/V & Tech Team
If you're interested in serving, visit the Serve page on our website or reach out to Rachel for more information.
Upcoming Dates
Anchored Together: Building Stronger Marriages in Every Season
Saturday, July 25 | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Lunch is included, and there is no cost to attend. Register online.
Next Member Meeting
Sunday, August 30
Thank you for your continued faithfulness and commitment to the mission of Crossway. We are grateful for what the Lord is doing in and through our church family and look forward to all He has in store in the months ahead. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions! admin@crosswaywilmington.org
