Our Mission

2026 Senior Sending Pastor Message

Our Mission

“Growing gospel-centered disciples of Jesus Christ for life.”

This is the mission that shapes who we are at Holy Cross.

As the Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 1:27, we are called to be “standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, striving side by side for the faith of the Gospel.”

Are we living this out? In many ways, yes. We are a congregation of faithful, committed believers—eager to worship, grow in God’s Word, and serve as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Holy Cross 5-7 Year Vision

Grow Deeper to Grow Out

In the next 5-7 years, the spiritual transformation of our members will lead to the targeted transformation of the Kearney area in a new or expanded location.

Background Strategies (3 years)

Expansion Exploration

We will appoint a committee to explore expansion options and develop a plan that the congregation supports.

CHAMPIONS:
Gloystein, Jerry
McCoy, John

Expand

Discipleship Pathway

We will communicate, illustrate and articulate the discipleship roadmap for all members, from child to adult, so they can see where they are and where they should go in faith.

CHAMPIONS:
Larson, Lindsay
Harbols, Lauren

Path

Life Group Capacity

We will expand life group ministry in order to deepen spiritual growth, build Christian community, develop and mature leadership, and provide service opportunities.

CHAMPIONS:
Madsen, Natalie
Muhlbach, Dan

Life Group

Leadership Pathway

We will develop a leadership pathway and template to encourage and instruct lay people to become leaders. By developing leaders, our church can reach and grow more disciples.

CHAMPIONS:
Kahle, Steve
Kotsiopulos, Peter

leaders

Midground Vision (2026 Goal)

Celebrating Growth

Every one growin in 111 to grow out. (Some completed; some ongoing.)

Foreground Initiative (90 days)

1+1+1 Storytelling

We will pursue bringing 1-1-1 to the level of personal ownership and understanding through intentional storytelling and celebrating 1-1-1 growth in the lives of “everyday members.”

CHAMPION:
Pastor Tim Barone

Stories

Staff Alignment

We will intentionally re-evaluate roles and job descriptions in light of growth, new staff, and the strategic plan. We will integrate new staff and consider intentional ways to integrate the strategic plan as an overlay in staff meetings.

CHAMPION:
Pastor John Rasmussen

staff

Resource Develop-ment

We will develop resources to grow deep to grow out that serve individuals and life groups, and equip members with next steps.

CHAMPION:
Pastor John Rasmussen

Resource

Life Group Rally to Celebrate and Serve

We will gather Life Groups for a special event to grow excitement and potential through celebration, sharing ideas, and casting a vision for service. (This could also include a separate gathering of LG leaders for care, vision casting, etc.)

CHAMPION:
DCE Jaymes Hayes

Celebrate

Questions? We're happy to help!

Pastor John Rasmussen

Pastor John Rasmussen

Senior Pastor
Overseeing the staff, elders, prayer and care team.
DCE Jaymes Hayes

DCE Jaymes Hayes

Director Youth Education (DCE)
Director of Youth & Small Groups, growing disciples from 6th to 12th grade.