Welcome!
Live Worship on Sunday Mornings at 10:30 am
6710 Sugar Land Howell
Houston, Tx 77083
The Crossing Staff
Pastor Steve Coutouzis
Sr. Pastor - 1989 to Present
Personal Testimony
I am one of those who did not grow up attending church on a regular basis. I did, however, seem to have an interest in spiritual matters. During my junior and senior high years, I was invited to attend church and church parties that catered to young people. I enjoyed these times but was more interested in living life my way. During the first couple of years after my high school graduation, I attended different churches for varying reasons. It was in a small Nazarene church in Chesterton, Indiana that I first comprehended the unconditional love of my Lord. On a Wednesday night before church, on the sidewalk outside, I finally asked and invited Jesus into my life.
Personal Growth
Soon after my salvation experience, I began to sense that God had something for my life and that it would be quite different than anything I had ever done or experienced. After I began dating Brenda, my wife, the feelings of God’s call began to intensify. While we were engaged and still contemplating a wedding date, I received clarification that the special assignment God was calling me to fulfill was to preach His Word. I attended the Nazarene Bible College in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and learned so much there. I also experienced many ministry opportunities in the local church where I attended. It was during this time that I was baptized with the Holy Spirit. The Lord has been faithful to nurture me and teach me from that time until now. I am grateful for His touch and His call upon my life.
Ministry Experience
I began preaching during my first year at Bible College. Most of this preaching took place in local nursing homes and mid-week services at Eastborough Church of the Nazarene in Colorado Springs, CO. Upon graduation, the Lord gave me an opportunity to serve as pastor for a Nazarene church in Snyder, TX. These were precious days as I learned to preach and shepherd a very gracious group of people. Cisco, TX was the next stop God had for us. There, He continued to refine my preaching and administrative skills. My third and hopefully my last church to pastor is The Crossing Church of the Nazarene (formerly the Alief Church of the Nazarene). God has definitely moved me out of my comfort zone. As I have grown in Him, I have become increasingly aware of the fact that I am not the same preacher or pastor I was years ago when I first came to Houston. My passion is to bring transformation to the West Side of Houston through the preached Word of God.
Sr. Pastor - 1989 to Present
Personal Testimony
I am one of those who did not grow up attending church on a regular basis. I did, however, seem to have an interest in spiritual matters. During my junior and senior high years, I was invited to attend church and church parties that catered to young people. I enjoyed these times but was more interested in living life my way. During the first couple of years after my high school graduation, I attended different churches for varying reasons. It was in a small Nazarene church in Chesterton, Indiana that I first comprehended the unconditional love of my Lord. On a Wednesday night before church, on the sidewalk outside, I finally asked and invited Jesus into my life.
Personal Growth
Soon after my salvation experience, I began to sense that God had something for my life and that it would be quite different than anything I had ever done or experienced. After I began dating Brenda, my wife, the feelings of God’s call began to intensify. While we were engaged and still contemplating a wedding date, I received clarification that the special assignment God was calling me to fulfill was to preach His Word. I attended the Nazarene Bible College in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and learned so much there. I also experienced many ministry opportunities in the local church where I attended. It was during this time that I was baptized with the Holy Spirit. The Lord has been faithful to nurture me and teach me from that time until now. I am grateful for His touch and His call upon my life.
Ministry Experience
I began preaching during my first year at Bible College. Most of this preaching took place in local nursing homes and mid-week services at Eastborough Church of the Nazarene in Colorado Springs, CO. Upon graduation, the Lord gave me an opportunity to serve as pastor for a Nazarene church in Snyder, TX. These were precious days as I learned to preach and shepherd a very gracious group of people. Cisco, TX was the next stop God had for us. There, He continued to refine my preaching and administrative skills. My third and hopefully my last church to pastor is The Crossing Church of the Nazarene (formerly the Alief Church of the Nazarene). God has definitely moved me out of my comfort zone. As I have grown in Him, I have become increasingly aware of the fact that I am not the same preacher or pastor I was years ago when I first came to Houston. My passion is to bring transformation to the West Side of Houston through the preached Word of God.
Shannon Coutouzis
Youth Leader - 2013 to Present
Personal Testimony
I was saved at the young age of four. Ever since then, I remember having a conscious thought of doing right and wrong and living to glorify God. Then, when I got into the youth group, I began to learn the concept of having my own personal relationship with Christ. I learned about having a devotional and prayer life. I grew a lot during this time. My teenage years were extremely influential. Through ministry and leadership opportunities, God revealed to me a love for His Church and a desire to teach teenagers how to live lives holy and pleasing to God.
Youth Leader - 2013 to Present
Personal Testimony
I was saved at the young age of four. Ever since then, I remember having a conscious thought of doing right and wrong and living to glorify God. Then, when I got into the youth group, I began to learn the concept of having my own personal relationship with Christ. I learned about having a devotional and prayer life. I grew a lot during this time. My teenage years were extremely influential. Through ministry and leadership opportunities, God revealed to me a love for His Church and a desire to teach teenagers how to live lives holy and pleasing to God.
Personal Growth
When it comes to my call, it has been a gradual series of events. The first happening was probably when I was required to read The Cross and the Switchblade for a class in high school. This book was very powerful! David Wilkerson’s ministry to the gangs of New York touched me deeply. As I read about these things, I sensed God calling me to some sort of ministry. After this experience and a few mission trips, I had affirmation of my call to ministry. Although I was not sure what aspect of ministry, I was prepared to do whatever God called me to do. So, I chose Biblical Studies. My desire is to be a help behind the scenes while teaching God’s Word. I will teach His Word by example and by using the knowledge and skills I have gained throughout my education. My passion for church work and knowing God’s Word has grown and I make every effort to further God's Kingdom.
Ministry Experience
I graduated from Oklahoma Wesleyan University with a degree in Biblical Studies and a minor in Youth Ministry. Throughout my four years in college, I helped in churches in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. These jobs were primarily in children's ministry, worship ministry, administration, and volunteering at Voice of the Martyrs. Also, I was able to spend a summer as an intern for a church plant in Thomasville, North Carolina. At this internship, I had hands-on experience doing research, organization, and youth ministry. Alongside these opportunities, I have been able to stay connected with The Crossing in various ways of ministry.
When it comes to my call, it has been a gradual series of events. The first happening was probably when I was required to read The Cross and the Switchblade for a class in high school. This book was very powerful! David Wilkerson’s ministry to the gangs of New York touched me deeply. As I read about these things, I sensed God calling me to some sort of ministry. After this experience and a few mission trips, I had affirmation of my call to ministry. Although I was not sure what aspect of ministry, I was prepared to do whatever God called me to do. So, I chose Biblical Studies. My desire is to be a help behind the scenes while teaching God’s Word. I will teach His Word by example and by using the knowledge and skills I have gained throughout my education. My passion for church work and knowing God’s Word has grown and I make every effort to further God's Kingdom.
Ministry Experience
I graduated from Oklahoma Wesleyan University with a degree in Biblical Studies and a minor in Youth Ministry. Throughout my four years in college, I helped in churches in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. These jobs were primarily in children's ministry, worship ministry, administration, and volunteering at Voice of the Martyrs. Also, I was able to spend a summer as an intern for a church plant in Thomasville, North Carolina. At this internship, I had hands-on experience doing research, organization, and youth ministry. Alongside these opportunities, I have been able to stay connected with The Crossing in various ways of ministry.
Caitlin Evert
Children's Leader - 2018 to Present
Children's Leader - 2018 to Present