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Behold the Triune God: the Father who chose us in love, the Son who took on flesh to redeem us, and the Spirit who breathes resurrection life.
He alone is holy, worthy, and beyond compare—able to satisfy our deepest longings.
And He has chosen to make His name known throughout the world through people like you and me.
So let’s make our lives count — playing our role in seeing His greatness spread to the ends of the earth, for truly, our God is like no other!
KENTUCKY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTER
Let us send you personalized materials to help invite your church to CROSS.
LEARN MOREA collection of tips from experienced group leaders
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Outreach
Students are our best recruiters. We’ve seen the most success when we give them ownership — letting them help plan the details like travel, housing, meals, and the conference debrief. When students are personally invested, they naturally want their friends to come too!
Trevor Gauronski
High Point, NC
Outreach
1) We have a slide played during our rolling announcements for many weeks (6-8 weeks) leading up to the sign up deadline. 2) We send out a ""Local Ministry & Missions"" Newsletter each month, so one of the announcements in our newsletters is about CROSSCON sign ups. 3) We do 3 short announcements in each of our services, and we try to include a CROSS announcement a few times leading up to the sign up deadline. 4) We have a sub-groups for emailing, and we send out an email to the youth (Jr/Sr), college student, and young adult groups announcing CROSS.
Taylor Ivester
Dayton, Ohio
Outreach
We love to use the video clips and social media clips that CrossCon distributes. They are crisp, succinct, and compelling!
Jerry Welch
Ridgeland, Mississippi
Outreach
We use GroupMe and add potential attendees to communicate details. People can add their friends to the group. As we get closer to the conference, those not going leave the group. We use the GroupMe to communicate with the attendees throughout the conference. We have a Word document on OneDrive (or Google Drive) that has all our details - numbers, hotels, food, schedule, etc.
Andrew Treece
Ashville, Ohio
Outreach
Immediately after CROSS25, we started prepping and sharing the word for CROSS26. By the time tickets opened, we already had a group of students ready to sign up. Students love having a large event to look forward to. Promote CROSS as early as you can, even those first few weeks of the fall semester with incoming freshmen. This actually sets the tone for students and lets them know what you value as a church and as a college ministry. Several of our students told us that when they heard we were going to CROSS, they knew that this college ministry was missional. Never too early to get the word out.
Brad Gaunt
Hattiesburg MS
Registration
We know there are multiple ways of doing this, but we budget in money for CROSS each year and we seek to subsidize the cost of participants. We buy our tickets in advance, anticipating how many people we will have (and a few above that number just in case). We then give a deadline of when folks need to sign up by through our church website. We create a simple form and within the form it includes various options to select (i.e. I will drive on my own, I will ride with the CCF group, I will stay somewhere on my own, I will stay with the CCF group, food allergies, etc. We do not have folks sign up through CROSS's website, as we have already done all the purchasing in advance for them. If we have a few tickets left over, we continue to invite by word of mouth, or use the extra tickets to get more leaders to come so they can help lead, but also learn more about the importance of missions in the local church and the importance of the local church in missions! Try to get all the information in one place for those that are interested in joining and make the sign ups as simple as possible. If your church's budget allows, we have found that budgeting in money to help offset the costs for trip participants is well worth the investment!
Taylor Ivester
Dayton, Ohio
Registration
Ask for the attendees to go ahead and pay for the ticket at the time they say they want to go or at least ask for half of the cost. It will help deter people from being last minute cancellations. We found it such a blessing to have a few of our tickets covered by the "insurance". It never fails that someone in the group will call the morning you leave with "I can't go because I am sick" and the ticket goes unused. Covering a couple of tickets out of the church's budget with the cancellation insurance takes some of the pressure off.
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CiCi Emerson
Marietta, GA
Registration
We have used an all-inclusive cost per person. We keep it under $100 and the rest is funded through our church budget. This year we might do an early bird registration of $75 as of a certain date, then increase to $100, and then later registrations will be $150. We also might have give our church members to sponsor a registrant for those who can’t afford even the $100.
Andrew Treece
Ashville, Ohio
Registration
So we actually cover the registration cost for our students but they are responsible for all other costs. We as a church buy a large batch of tickets on the front end while prices are lower. I will get a ballpark headcount of what current students plan to go and buy that many regular non-refundable registrations. After that, I will buy about 1/3 more as refundable registrations to account for incoming freshmen. That way, if we don't max out, I can return the last remaining registrations. So far, this seems to be the most financially responsible way for us to buy registrations for students.
Brad Gaunt
Hattiesburg MS
Registration
We have an early sign up rate to reward those who sign up early with a cheeper rate (passing on the tiered prices for tickets). We also set an early deadline for signing up so we're not rushing at the end.
Kyle Luck
Kenosha, Wisconsin
Preparation
Personally, I'm sure there is a ton of different ways to effectively prepare a group but we always make sure to make a group message with all the participants after signups have closed and then begin to give them things and ways to be praying for their time at the conference and all those who will be attending. Whether that is the salvation of those who may not know God, the growth of those who do, the speakers, safe travels, etc. We also spend time discussing missions, missionaries and praying for the lost around the world.
Hunter Stonebraker
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Preparation
Submit a budget proposal to your church to help offset costs for each student!
Chase Robinson
Oxford, AL
Preparation
One of the most impactful things we do is place students in small groups for the conference. These groups share meals and debrief each night, creating space for deep, intentional relationships to form. These relationships often continue and thrive when we return to campus.
Trevor Gauronski
High Point, NC
Preparation
Encourage your students to get ready to soak it in! There is so much to gain from each session. Yes, it will be non-stop for a few days, but the pay-off is worth it! Be ready to engage your brain! CrossCon will help shape how you think about the gospel, its historical impact, and its importance in this modern age.
Jerry Welch
Ridgeland, Mississippi
Preparation
Create a group chat and require everyone to have their notifications on. Plan for seating. If your group wants to sit together during plenary sessions, try to stick to a general area and send a few representatives early to camp out. Encourage the group to love one another and help them understand what that practically looks like when traveling and sharing rooms.
Timothy Arndt
Jacksonville, Florida
Preparation
I create a GroupMe group for everyone going. I send them a message about once a week and them about every other day as we get closer. I give them specific things to pray for - an open heart to hear from God, praying for God to call workers, praying for the speakers and musicians, etc. I also send the Spotify link once the music is available and encourage them to listen through the list a couple times in preparation.
David Mullins
Perrysburg, Oh
Preparation
Last year we asked our students to fast and pray one meal a week over their Christmas break in preparation for what God was going to do at CROSS. This seemed to help the students walk into the conference with a sense of expectation for God to work on their hearts rather than simply attending a fun conference. Plus, I don't think it ever hurts to fast and pray in preparation for a new year. The students loved that preparation and that will now be part of our yearly rhythm.
Brad Gaunt
Hattiesburg MS
Preparation
Set up a group chat on WhatsApp or Messenger for group communication. This is helpful in the pre-trip stage for sending out any details about trip logistics, as well as links for articles or videos that help build excitement for the conference. The group chat is super useful during the conference too, for communication regarding meeting up for group pictures, meals, or anything else! We also use the group chat for announcing post-conference "debriefing" evenings, and for feedback and planning for the next year's conference! If your trip involves a long travel day, consider coming in to Louisville the night before, so that everyone is well rested for the busy days ahead! Plan some activities that help your group members to get to know each other well. Set aside a good amount of time in prayer for the conference.
Wilfred Bout
Ontario, Canada
Preparation
Prepare your students for what to expect: lots of people, great worship, speakers with different backgrounds or bents, engaging breakouts, lots of free or discounted books! Pray in the months leading up to it that the Lord would prepare your heart to hear the word and apply it to your lives. Discuss the breakouts they desire to attend with your students, and even pick out a secondary option if it happens to be full. Discuss with your group the expectations for seating and schedule--will you sit together every session? Will it always be the same spot? What is the expectation for each session--what are can't miss resources or booths to check out? Give them an idea of how to spend their time but then give them the freedom to let the Spirit direct their week. Having a plan is helpful but sometimes that engaging conversation with a friend or reviewing material with an exhibitor is more profitable.
Caleb Norrick
Canton, OH
Food
With the length of lunch it is easiest to do individually in the immediate area around the conference center and there is a large variety and most are not only close but quick. With the longer break for dinner, our group always goes somewhere a mile or so away so we can find a big table where it is not crowded and spend time praying and discussing the things we have learned so far and prep our hearts for the rest of the night. In Louisville the food options are plentiful but it would be smart to plan unless you are just going to go with the convenience of the spots close to the convention center.
Hunter Stonebraker
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Food
If staying in an Airbnb, bring someone along to be over food prep! This drastically cut down on the cost for the students. Someone would head back early to prep lunches and dinners, and we still split the cost of the food. A huge win for us! Some of this can be done in a hotel room as well, if staying in town instead of an Airbnb.
Chase Robinson
Oxford, AL
Food
I would encourage all groups to consider the meal plans that are offered, especially if you have a large group. The Convention Center provides a great environment to eat and discuss all that you're learning over the meals you share together.
Taylor Ivester
Dayton, Ohio
Food
We have been coming to CrossCon for many years, but this past year was our first year to take part in one of the Meal Plans. It was a huge hit with our group - quick, well-organized, and easy!
Jerry Welch
Ridgeland, Mississippi
Food
For those wanting to save, take them to a grocery store so they can stock up on snacks and simple meals.
Timothy Arndt
Jacksonville, Florida
Food
You can go to the nearest grocery store and make sacked lunches- sandwiches, chips, apple/cutie. Everyone will save money doing this. Bring it to the conference and find a spot in the convention center to eat as a group!
Isabel Han
Tempe, AZ
Food
For meal planning, we would suggest making reservations as far in advance as possible. You can do this for lunches and dinners. The downtown restaurants will do this for larger groups and love the heads up.
CiCi Emerson
Marietta, GA
Food
Last year we brought 22 attendees. We brought a couple crock pots and fixed chicken ‘n noodles and mashed potatoes for one lunch. And we fixed sack lunches for everyone for another lunch. We live within driving distance (3 hours) so this idea probably only works for those closer to the conference location.
Andrew Treece
Ashville, Ohio
Food
The food trucks outside CROSS are amazing! Just be prepared to stand in line in the cold for a while. But this was an easy way to get food. Also, if you are loding close by, pack a cooler full of sandwiches, etc if people want to eat for cheap.
Brad Gaunt
Hattiesburg MS
Food
Our group has packed continental breakfast items and stores them in one of our hotel rooms. Each morning, the group gathers in the seating area of our room for breakfast together. We have muffins, bagels, fruit, yogurt, granola bars, and juice. We bring along a toaster and some paper products and it makes for an easy morning--not only saving money but avoiding the long lines at the local breakfast spots. We also make reservations for our group several months ahead at some of the spots within walking distance, but not right next to the convention center. While it may cost a couple of extra $$ to eat at some of the spots, we save lots of time by not waiting in line allowing us to join more of the conference.
Caleb Norrick
Canton, OH
Food
I always tell my group to bring non-perishable breakfast options with them for each day. It makes the morning rush WAY less stressful! It also encourages us all to spend our first moments of the day on more important things like personal quiet times and attending the morning prayer gathering!
Zion McKinney
Smyrna, TN
Food
We build into our budget a sit-down meal together as a team on the second night. This gives us a nicer meal together where we can slow down, process, and make memories together before the conference is over.
Kyle Luck
Kenosha, Wisconsin
Lodging
"Air Bnb and Vrbo are great in theory and very helpful if you are set on cooking and controlling the cost of food. they are also great if you have a decent sized group and you want some more controlled time to pray, read or discuss anything as a whole group. The Hotel options are the most convenient and give you the best access to participate in every resource and session that Cross offers. If someone is tired they can walk back to take a break as the hotels are close and downtown is easy to navigate. Spending time as a large group together in the hotel can be a challenge but between the common spaces and "exploring the city" there are unique ways to do debriefs, prayer times and discussion that the hotel gives you easy access to walk to.
Hunter Stonebraker
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Lodging
We’ve been at Cross since the very beginning! We’ve tried it all, from downtown, to Airbnb, to staying with friends locally. We’ve come to love using Louisville tourism to book rooms downtown for the ease of simply walking back and forth to our rooms between sessions. Find out the absolute max to a room (including rollaways), and that will cut down on the cost per person. If you’re crunched for finances, an Airbnb nearby can be more affordable, but be sure to account for the cost of daily parking, and whether that lot has in and out privileges throughout the day! If staying downtown, shop around for the cheapest parking lot prices. Chances are, you won’t need in and out privileges if staying downtown.
Chase Robinson
Oxford, AL
Lodging
"We invite those that have signed up to meet us at our church building and ride down to the conference together, but we also know that many are coming from their hometown as a lot of college students are on college break. Check out the reduced rate lodging options that CROSS provides! We have utilized these options in the past and it makes it really convenient and some are really close to the convention center. If someone signs up and is able to meet us at our church building, we have drivers and we designate each registrant to a car.
Taylor Ivester
Dayton, Ohio
Lodging
For those staying not within walking distance of the conference center, make sure that the van/bus meets the downtown parking garage height requirements. Otherwise, knowing where open parking lots are that can fit larger vehicles is handy so they are not driving around looking for options.
CiCi Emerson
Marietta, GA
Lodging
One game changer for us was to find a place to spend the night on the drive up. Otherwise, we had to leave about 2am to make the start of the conference and people are exhausted. Getting sleep and showing up refreshed and excited makes the experience so much better. However, hotel costs add up quickly. So, we found that at KOA campgrounds, they usually have small cabins that rent for around $125 a night and fit 6 people. Being able to sit around the campfire and show up refreshed the next day was well worth the cost.
Brad Gaunt
Hattiesburg MS
Lodging
We have found it best to stay at the GaltHouse because of its proximity to the convention center. While there are cheaper options, the size of the rooms allows us to all gather as a group for breakfast, session recaps, prayer times, and hangout times. Additionally, the ability to walk 2 blocks and be at the convention center eliminates the need to find parking anywhere.
Caleb Norrick
Canton, OH
Lodging
When we arrive, I have someone in charge of getting our tickets, someone in charge of logistics with check in at the hotel, someone to secure parking for our van, and someone leading the group to unload and get to their rooms when they're ready. Each of those people are given a packet with the info they need to do their recruited job. It makes arriving and getting started smooth and quick!
Kyle Luck
Kenosha, Wisconsin
Post-Conference
The Sunday after CROSS, we normally do a panel at the end of our worship service to give the students a chance to share some of the things they learned, what they were encouraged by, and any next steps!
Chase Robinson
Oxford, AL
Post-Conference
Mobilize your group. Tell them about all the opportunities for missions and evangelism waiting for them back home. Even better, have one main call to action for your group to apply what they have learned.
Timothy Arndt
Jacksonville, Florida
Post-Conference
As I take notes through each session, I have highlight (literally with yellow highlighter) questions that I am going to ask the group at our evening wrap up. We gather in the hotel lobby about 30 minutes after the last session wraps. We go through each Plenary Session and ask for observations, encouragements or things they didn't understand or want to clarify. Each shares about the workshops they attended. Very valuable time each evening.
David Mullins
Perrysburg, Oh
Post-Conference
One year we did a book study (Just Do Something by Kevin DeYoung) and met with the attendees one a month several times.
Andrew Treece
Ashville, Ohio
Post-Conference
Every day at CROSS we set aside a short time to debrief. With a large group, not everyone got to share but it was still an encouraging time for our group to gather each day. This lets the students see how God is working amongst their college group. Then on the last day after the conference is over, at the cabins that night, we break up into small groups and debrief. Some discussed how they are wrestling with a calling to missions. Some asked for accountability in the fight against sin. Several of the students said that this late night debrief time was their favorite part of our trip to CROSS.
Brad Gaunt
Hattiesburg MS
Post-Conference
Consider organizing a CROSSCON debriefing party! Have the group members bring along their conference notes, and have them share their key take-aways from the main talks, breakouts, books, etc. that God is continuing to use in their lives!
Wilfred Bout
Ontario, Canada
