Cross Church — Attraction in Fayetteville

I walked into Cross Church completely alone. No friends, no family, no familiar faces. I knew no one in that building — just like I know no one in this town. And I still showed up, every week, for six months straight. Not to be seen. Not for a stage. But to reconnect with the God I’d been apart from for 29 years.

Six months. Every Sunday. Not once did I feel seen, heard, or welcomed. My baptism was delayed by Pastor Luke—for weeks, if not over a month—as he questioned whether I was “ready.” As if a man can determine what only God and I can settle. Baptism is obedience. It’s not a stage production to be approved by a committee.

“Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?” — Acts 10:47 (KJV)

I didn’t question God. But the loss of connection and the absence of fellowship hurt deeply. This was the first and the last Arkansas church I’ll ever walk into.

“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” — John 13:35 (KJV)

Cross Church is a multi-million dollar machine. Lights, cameras, perfect smiles—but no spiritual oxygen. The pastors feel untouchable. The crowd feels rehearsed. The sermons feel pitched, not preached.

“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” — 2 Timothy 3:5 (KJV)

Meanwhile, pastors like Dr. Michael Youssef stand unapologetically on the Word of God. There, the message cuts. It convicts. It saves. But here? You get a concert with a Jesus soundtrack. No oil in the lamp. No power in the altar.

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine… but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.” — 2 Timothy 4:3 (KJV)

I found more of God alone under the heavens than I ever did in that building. That quiet time—no spotlight, no fog, no crowd—is what a real church in Arkansas feels like. Just me, the stars, and the Holy Ghost.

“Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the Lord.” — Jeremiah 23:1 (KJV)

I won’t forget how cold a million-dollar church can feel.

And I won’t forget Who showed up when they didn’t.

From 2019 to 2021, Ronnie  Floyd, former long-time pastor of Cross Church in Arkansas, served as President and CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Executive Committee. During this time, an independent firm (Guidepost Solutions) conducted a sweeping investigation into how SBC leaders handled sexual abuse allegations and found a culture of resistance, secrecy, and institutional protection at the highest levels—including Floyd’s leadership. 

According to the 288‑page Guidepost report, survivors were repeatedly met with “resistance, stonewalling, and even outright hostility,” as leaders defended a private and controlled response to abuse claims. These leaders prioritized legal and financial liability—refusing to act even when credible allegations were known—not only failing survivors, but allowing some accused individuals to continue in ministry without churches being notified. 

Floyd’s involvement included opposing efforts to establish a fully independent abuse investigation—described in media reports as resisting or attempting to derail the investigation motion at the 2021 SBC convention. He reportedly questioned the process publicly, resisted waiving attorney–client privilege, and only resigned after intense pressure forced a transparent inquiry he had only partially supported. 

Meanwhile, public reports and watchdog blogs note Floyd’s compensation exceeded $500,000 per year, drawn from Cooperative Program funds, at a time when the denomination was facing scandal and financial strain. Critics argue this is inconsistent with biblical models of stewardship and leadership humility.

Why This Matters for Cross Church: Cross Church was led by Floyd for over three decades. Even after he stepped down, his legacy—both in local ministry and national oversight—is firmly linked with...

Isaiah 8:20

“To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Jeremiah 31:33

“But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.” Hebrews 10:16

“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;” 1 John 2:4

“He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” Romans 3:31

“Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.” Romans 7:12

“Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.” Genesis 2:2

“And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.” Genesis 2:3

“And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.” Exodus 20:10

“But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:” Exodus 31:13 “Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you.” Deuteronomy 6:8

“And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.”

And Jesus said, John 14:15

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.

He was repeating something he already said in Exodus 20:6

“And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments Revelation 18:2

“And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit,

ex·is·ten·tial·ism /ˌeɡzəˈsten(t)SHəˌliz(ə)m,ˌeksəˈsten(t)SHəˌliz(ə)m/ noun a philosophical theory or approach which emphasizes the existence of the individual person as a free and responsible agent determining their own development through acts of the will. This is your gospel!! Trying to determine your own way. Not following the plan God has already laid out!!!!! Faith alone will save no one without...

We visited this church on Sunday, November 20, 2022 because we were in town visiting my daughter who is attending the University of Arkansas.

I was thoroughly impressed with the church, and would very likely attend regularly if I lived in Northwest Arkansas.

One of the things that I was most impressed with was that many in the church leadership are doctors. Having scholarship behind the word is something that I have been personally looking for in my spiritual journey. I appreciate that they have it.

The facilities were immaculately maintained. The church felt safe with uniformed Washington County Deputies onsite. The free coffee is always appreciated and allowed in the sanctuary.

Dress and the worship style was casual and uplifting. The message was bold, especially for being in a university town, but also grace-filled. They understand the importance of speaking the truth, gracefully. I heard a huge emphasis on welcoming and loving people where they are in their life and not condemning people because their sin may be different than mine.

Before we went into service we were welcomed and struck up conversations with no fewer than three other people. The conversations were genuine and unforced.

The service was crisply delivered and we were out and on with the rest of our Sunday. It’s clearly not an accident. The leadership here knows what they are doing, they understand logistics, and they have designed a service around people’s lives.

I truly enjoyed the experience and see the Lord at work in this congregation. I wish I lived in the area where I could...