In The Cross Hairs At Crossroads. (Or, Joe The Dragon-Slayer.)

Crossroads Tabernacle, Bronx, New York: crossroadstabernacle.com

I must needs stop the presses: Pastor Joe has once again punched the devil in the face.

If I were not a member of Bronx Bethany, I would most likely be a member of Crossroads Tabernacle. Crossroads is a church where God is moving, where His people are listening, and where spiritual and sociocultural strongholds are being named and dealt with.

Last night I had the great privilege of attending a deep, profound, beautiful, challenging play. The Music, Life & Times: Donny Hathaway was a journey into the soul and spirit of this gifted musician whose life and death still speak to those who will stop and listen.

The presentation was a carefully laid mosaic of acting, music, dance, lighting, and audio/video, written and directed by Pastor Joseph Henry Cortese. While I will not give away the plot line (because I'm hoping my readers in the New York City metropolitan area will attend tonight's performance), I will share a few points:

1. This play has confirmed my suspicion that Pastor Joe, in addition to being a great pastor and preacher, is a brilliant Renaissance man.
2. If you have any measure of compassion in your heart, absolutely bring facial tissues.
3. Be prepared to hang around after the play for snacks, soda, conversations, meeting the excellent actors/dancers/crew, et cetera.
4. Listen carefully to the music before, during, and after the play, particularly if you're a professional musician (this relates to point #1).
5. Although a portion of Mr. Hathaway's life narrative is not "Christian" per se, this play is held on God's property in the company of God's people and was written by God's servant. Expect to hear God speak to you as you watch the play.

If you are hungering and thirsting to live out a radical, practical Christianity in a fallen world, this play is a must-see. If you are nominal and mildly curious about what God is doing in the Bronx, this play is a must-see. If you are jaded, bitter, complacent, and/or distanced from God's agenda, this play is a must-see.

Crossroads Tabernacle is located on Castle Hill Avenue near Westchester Avenue (1320 Castle Hill Avenue). The cost of admission is $10 per person. For driving and mass transit directions, please click here.