Crossroads Church
- Location: Odessa, Texas
- Size: 4,000
- Website: https://www.crchurch.cc/
- Hiring for: Lead Pastor
About Crossroads Church
Crossroads Church in Odessa, Texas (CR Church) is a vibrant, multi-generational congregation committed to helping people follow Jesus, reach others, gather together, serve faithfully, and be transformed by the Gospel. Known for its strong sense of community and practical, Bible-based teaching, Crossroads has been a cornerstone of faith in West Texas for decades, with a passion for leading people to full devotion to Christ.
After nearly twenty years under the faithful leadership of Pastor Griffin Jones, the church entered a new season as Pastor Griffin announced his retirement. With this major transition ahead, Crossroads sought a leader who could carry the vision forward with both spiritual depth and steady leadership.
Strategy and timing
Crossroads Church partnered with Vanderbloemen to navigate their first-ever Lead Pastor search. The search team, led by long-time member and board leader Homer Daniels, consisted of nine individuals representing the full spectrum of the church—from seniors to young adults—to ensure the process reflected the heart of the entire congregation.
Vanderbloemen guided the committee through a prayerful and intentional process, helping them define the key traits they were looking for in their next pastor. As the search began, the committee’s shared prayer was for one thing above all else: unity.
“When our recruiter asked what each of us wanted most out of this process,” Daniels recalled, “I said I just want a unanimous decision.”
The team reviewed and interviewed five candidates, including one internal candidate, and through each round took straw polls to gauge the Spirit’s leading. The votes remained split for most of the process until the final decision.
About Jeremiah Ramer
Jeremiah brought a heart for people, a passion for the Gospel, and a proven ability to lead with authenticity and vision. His approachable leadership style and strong preaching gift made him the perfect fit for a church like Crossroads—rooted in community yet eager for continued growth.
Not long after Jeremiah stepped into his new role, the church faced a heartbreaking tragedy: the sudden passing of their internal candidate, Kenny Comstock, and his wife, Melissa. In the midst of grief, the church found peace knowing that God had already orchestrated their leadership transition.
“At that moment,” Daniels shared, “I got all the validation I needed. I knew that Jeremiah was God’s choice.”
Conclusion
Five years later, Crossroads Church continues to thrive under Jeremiah’s leadership. His steady hand, authentic preaching, and Christ-centered heart have carried the church through challenge and change alike.
At Vanderbloemen, we are honored to have played a part in helping Crossroads find the right leader for this season. We celebrate all that God has done through Jeremiah’s ministry and look forward to seeing how He continues to use Crossroads Church to reach the people of Odessa and beyond.
