Meet the people who keep things running smoothly, but first a few words on how we view leadership at Crosspoint.
In Ezekiel 34, God gives a sobering warning to the shepherds of His people. Rather than caring for the flock, they used their position for themselves. They neglected the weak, ignored the wounded, and ruled with “force and harshness.” Sadly, that kind of leadership has not disappeared. In recent years, many churches—including some within our own denomination—have experienced the painful effects of abusive and authoritarian leadership.
At Crosspoint, we want our leadership to look different because we want it to look like Jesus.
Every church has a culture. Our desire is to cultivate a culture of grace that is safe, humble, and deeply shaped by the gospel. In 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, nearly every qualification for an elder is about character rather than ability. Before leaders are called to accomplish great things for Christ, they are called to become people who resemble Christ.
Jesus completely redefined leadership: “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26). Our elders, deacons, staff, and ministry leaders strive to lead with humility rather than pride, service rather than control, and gentleness rather than harshness. We believe that people flourish when they are loved, heard, encouraged, and pointed to the grace of Jesus.
No church is perfect, and neither are its leaders. That is why we are grateful to belong to the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). Through the accountability of our Session, Presbytery, and General Assembly, our denomination provides biblical oversight and meaningful guardrails for pastors and elders, helping Crosspoint remain a healthy and safe place to worship, grow, and serve.
Our prayer is simple: that the leadership culture of Crosspoint would increasingly reflect the heart of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ.
Rev. Scott Stewart
Senior Pastor
Scott has served as Senior Pastor of Crosspoint Church since 2018. He came to faith in Christ in the Fall of 1987 through Young Life as a teenager in Charlotte, NC, and has spent more than thirty years serving in youth ministry, church planting, pastoral ministry, and chaplaincy. He is a graduate of Appalachian State University (1992) and Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte (2002). Scott loves preaching through books of the Bible because he believes every passage ultimately points to Jesus (he also enjoys using pop culture references in his preaching). He loves sitting with people over lunch or a coffee—from college students to life long Christians to skeptical seekers. Before coming to Crosspoint, Scott planted two PCA churches in North Carolina and Tennessee. He also has a heart for those who have experienced spiritual abuse (or any type of abuse). Scott and his wife, Amy, have two adult sons, Luke and Jack. As a family, they love eating out together and exploring cities together. Scott has an inexplicable affection for awkward, intelligent comedy—Andy Kaufman, Stephen Colbert, Conan O’Brien, Seinfeld, and SNL. He believes laughter is one of God’s kind gifts, reminding us not to take ourselves too seriously. Scott also enjoys reading books by Tim Keller, Paul David Tripp, Michael J. Kruger, Chuck DeGroat, David Zahl, and Brennan Manning. What Scott would want you to know most about him is that he is a person who clings to the grace of the Triune God and wants others to do the same.
Rev. Tom Henry
Pastor of Spiritual Formation
Tom has been in Boone since 2014 when he and his wife, Emma, moved here to found Appalachian Mountain Leadership, an adventure-based education and discipleship non-profit, where he served for 10 years as Executive Director. Tom loves learning and being an educator. He has a Master’s degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and he is excited to be serving in the church that he and his family have considered home since 2014. Tom, Emma, and their daughters Adah and Maggie can be found adventuring together around the high country – hiking, climbing, running, and porch sitting.
Sarah Hilton
Director of Youth and Children’s Ministries
Sarah moved to Boone in 2011 to attend Appalachian State University. She graduated with a degree in Elementary Education in 2015 and taught at Valle Crucis School from 2015-2019 as the Academically/Gifted Specialist. Sarah started attending Crosspoint while in college and was very excited to begin serving in the role of Children’s and Youth Ministry directory in 2019. Sarah is passionate about the church supporting and caring for one another’s needs, especially through the means of children, youth, and family ministry.
Riley Cotton
Lead Administrator/Accountant
Riley and her family moved to Boone in 2023 when her husband Alec took over as the RUF pastor at APP State, and has been at Crosspoint with her family ever since. Riley and Alec have 3 children, Miles, Marlee, and Levi. Originally from Jacksonville, Fl, Riley graduated with a degree in Elementary Education and spent several years teaching in different capacities during her time in FL. Riley is passionate about the church and ministry. She loves spending time with her family, being outside, exercising, hanging with college students, and cooking.
Stephanie van der Westhuizen
Women’s Ministry Coordinator
Stephanie was born in Japan and grew up on the mission field in Japan and Australia with her family. She is married to Lionel and has lived in Boone and attended Crosspoint since 2013. Stephanie spends her time taking care of their 4 wonderful children, as well as practicing part-time as a veterinarian, and volunteering with the Women’s Ministry at Crosspoint. In her free time, she loves to get outdoors to enjoy God’s creation, to hike, run, garden, ski, or just soak up the sunshine. Her favorite part of ministry is walking with women into God’s word through Bible studies.
Lionel van der Westhuizen
Ruling Elder
Lionel is a general surgeon with Watauga Surgical Group, and has been in Boone since 2013. He and his wife Stephanie have 4 children– Elie, John, Caleb and Joel.
Daniel Law
Ruling Elder
Daniel Law has been at Crosspoint since 2008 and has served as an elder since 2015. He and his wife Molly have 5 children- Sophie, Xander, Wade, Teagen and Vivienne.
Joey Jones
Ruling Elder
Joey has been at Crosspoint since 2017 when he and his family moved to Boone. He began serving as an elder in 2023. Joey works in the athletics department at App State. He and his wife, Gwen, have three children – JW, Gabe, and Violet.
Deacons and Assistants to the Deacons
It is because of the great mercy of God toward us that we have the impulse to show mercy to others. The mercy and kindness of the Lord is comforting and healing in times of trouble and the church is to be an extension/reflection of God’s kindness and response to suffering in the world. Crosspoint’s Diaconate Ministry comes alongside the “widows and orphans” in our community. This team of trained men and women will be the “first responders” to care for the physical needs of people in our congregation and also in our community. Crosspoint has two Deacons (Wes Hawkins and Drew Hilton) and two Assistants to the Deacons (Molly Law and Michelle Larsen). If you have a need, you can reach out to them at [email protected].