Church is a well of grace, from where we will draw and serve, so that Christ centered churches will be planted in the 77 districts of Nepal.
Foundations and Formative Years (2005–2007)
Cross-way Church in Lalitpur, Nepal, was born out of the vision of Rev. Arbin Pokharel and Mrs. Bimala Shrestha Pokharel, who returned to their conflict-ridden homeland in 2004 following theological training in Grand Rapids and mission work in India. What began as a small prayer fellowship in their living room quickly expanded into a vibrant community, fueled by successful outreach events like a 400-person Christmas party in 2004. Formally inaugurated on November 19, 2005, the church initially met in a coffee house before moving to a dedicated building constructed on the Pokharel family’s property in 2007. This period also saw the launch of “Higher Ground Bakery,” a social enterprise designed to support underprivileged women and children, reflecting the founders’ holistic approach to ministry.
Expansion and Visionary Growth (2008–2014)
The middle years were defined by rapid multiplication and the formalization of the church’s missionary identity. By 2008, Cross-way had planted two daughter churches and adopted a bold vision to establish Christ-centered fellowships across all 75 districts of Nepal. This era saw the establishment of the Timothy Leadership Training and the formation of the Christ Reformed Churches of Nepal (CRCN) movement. Despite facing significant trials—including the tragic drowning of church members in Naagdaha and the subsequent violent persecution of the fellowship there—the ministry continued to grow. Significant milestones included the 2009 relocation to a larger site at Khadkatol, the hosting of national worship conferences, and the 2014 launch of the Cross-way Leadership Training Institute (XLTI) to equip local church planters.
Resilience and Modern Milestones (2015–2020)
The final five years of this history highlight the church’s resilience through national crises and its structural maturation. During the 2015 earthquakes, the church served as a place of refuge for the community despite sustaining damage to its own facilities. As the movement transitioned into the Nepali Reformed Churches (NRC), it celebrated the milestone of “30 churches in 13 years” by 2018. This period was marked by the ordination of numerous pastors and deacons, including the historic appointment of the first female elder in the Nepali Reformed tradition. After a successful fundraising campaign, a new permanent church building was inaugurated in late 2019, shortly before the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic forced a transition to digital and small-group ministry for its 15th anniversary.