Scott and Diana Kroeger have lived a life filled with many joys and challenges, but there's been one constant that's helped them get through it all - their solid relationship with Jesus Christ. Both grew up in stable families who attended more traditional mainstream churches.
The Kroegers met in Cincinnati, Ohio through a mutual church family connection and were married in 1992. Early in their marriage, Scott and Diana understood the Gospel, but there was something missing in the messages that were preached. The sermons they heard would skimp on the Word of God and cause people to be complacent - living superficially and not digging deeper to explore their faith. Hungering and knowing there had to be more to their faith, they began to seek a Bible-based church that incorporated the Word of God into everyday life - a church that would challenge them to grow in their faith and focus less on appearances. While living in York, Pennsylvania, several friends encouraged them to try a more charismatic church where the Bible was the foundation of the sermons. It was there that God's Word came to life.
Scott accepted a job in Cleveland, Ohio in 1996 and they moved with their first daughter, Katherine. After a lengthy search, they attended an active Bible-based church where they continued to grow in their love for Christ.
Their family continued to expand with the birth of their son, Scott II, in 1997 and their 2nd daughter, Caroline, in 1999. That same year, Scott and Diana heeded the call to publicly profess their faith in Christ through baptism by immersion.
In early 2003, the Kroeger family moved to southern New Hampshire and immediately began the search for a new church that would allow them to continue to build upon their expanding faith. For two years, they tried several churches but ultimately found their path led to CrossWay. "We immediately knew that CrossWay was special," explained Scott. "It was warm and welcoming from the minute we stepped through the doors. People remembered our names and were genuinely happy to see us."
CrossWay provides a vehicle through which God's Word is clearly articulated and people are encouraged to engage in something bigger than themselves. "I feel a strong sense of community, one where God is truly working in and through the people who call CrossWay home," says Diana. "CrossWay is a springboard that shows people what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus within the church and in the broader community."
Not only does CrossWay provide a platform for Biblical learning, but it also challenges people to serve. Scott joined a CrossWay ministry team that travelled to Kenya on a 2009 mission trip. He can attest to the experience being more satisfying than any personal pursuit in his life. "It was an opportunity to leave myself behind and give to people in desperate need," he said. "I can think of nothing more rewarding than to serve others and witness in Christ's name."
Scott and Diana are involved with the CrossWay Greeter ministry, and Diana is a member of WOW and is a CrossWay board member. Their children are involved in CrossWay's Youth Groups.
Something that they hold dear is their relationship within their Life Group - their family away from home. Their group challenges and supports each other through life's ups and downs and uncertainties. They highly recommend getting involved in a Small Group!
CrossWay is home for the Kroeger family, and they feel blessed to be a part of such a beacon of light within the Greater Nashua community.