For the past year, a Morgan Hill church has offered a unique ministry for South Valley’s young adults. It welcomes those attending college, starting families or beginning careers to come Sunday evenings for “a fresh encounter with God and a connection with a community of young adults.”
This group is named “Adventus,” the Latin word for “arrival.” Its goal is “to know Jesus Christ, to connect with others, encounter God and be activated in ministry.”
Adventus meets at 6:30 p.m. in Morgan Hill’s Crossroads Christian Center, 145 Wright Ave. About an hour is spent in contemporary worship featuring:
• Live music with a full band
• Lively, KLOV-style songs
• Short, relevant Bible teaching
• Occasional interactive small group discussions.
Adventus also holds a variety of other activities, such as fellowship times featuring coffee and ice cream, socializing after the services at a nearby café, hikes, beach trips and attendance at concerts like Rock & Worship.
The facilitator of this group is the Rev. John Ballisty, worship pastor at Crossroads. He grew up in a Christian family in Sacramento; while attending a church summer camp when he was 12 years old, he heard the Evangelist Donnie Moore speak and immediately felt in his heart the need to help others come to Jesus. He attended Capital Christian Center in Sacramento and graduated from the high school sponsored by that church.
Ballisty then attended Bethany University in Scotts Valley, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Bible and theology in 2010. He received his License to Preach from the Assemblies of God Church. While attending college, he met his wife, Bridgett, who is now studying for a master’s degree in marriage and family.
After graduation, Pastor John served an internship at Gilroy’s New Hope Community Church, and the following year joined the staff at Crossroads. As worship pastor, he plays piano and guitar as well as leads the vocalists during services.
In addition, Ballisty is also on the faculty of Crossroads Christian School where he teaches physical education, Bible, worship and coaches after school sports.
Pastor John invites everyone to visit Adventus.
“Jesus changed my life,” he said. “I welcome anyone of any background to find how he can change yours.”
Crossroads Christian Center has been a part of the Morgan Hill community for nearly a century, making it the state’s oldest Assembly of God congregation. The pastoral team of Dr. David and Dr. Lynn Willis bring years of passionate teaching and preaching of God’s word of hope found in Jesus Christ.
For more information, call the church at (408) 779-2925 or visit crossroadschristiancenter.org.
Chuck Flagg is a retired teacher with a passion for religion. Reach him at cf****@sv**********.com.
