Pastor John Hubert of Crossroads Assembly of God in Bemidji never expected that his call to ministry would lead him full circle—to the very community in which he was raised.
After finishing high school in Bemidji, John knew one thing: he had no intention of returning to his hometown once he began college. He was certain of his call to ministry. Not long after graduation, at the age of 19, he was asked to assist with the youth ministry at Anoka Assembly of God. “It was really a confirmation that this [ministry] is what I was supposed to do,” he said.
While working at Lake Geneva Christian Center in the 1980s, John met Erica, who would later become his wife. Both attended North Central University. During college, John explored several fields—business, marketing, computer science, and math—but ministry remained at the forefront of his mind. “Ministry was always the call,” he said. After college, he served in several churches, worked at Teen Challenge, and later earned a Doctorate in Preaching from Asbury Seminary. Erica eventually completed her degree in English education at the University of Northwestern.
Despite his earlier reluctance, John accepted the call to pastor Crossroads Church in 2001. Through seasons of healing, building, and cultivating, the church has experienced significant growth. Attendance at Crossroads increased by 30% from 2022 to 2023, another 39% in 2024, and an additional 13% so far in 2025. John said, “To God be the glory… He is the only one who can give the growth.”
To accommodate this growth, Crossroads moved to two services in 2024 and is exploring plans for a sanctuary expansion—plans that were originally shelved in 2006.
Local outreach remains a central part of the church’s mission. Crossroads has adopted Gene Dillon Elementary, providing school supplies and meals for staff. “Since that school serves the whole city, it’s a way for us to touch all of Bemidji,” John said. During the Christmas season, Crossroads also hosts an indoor live Nativity, a beloved community event.
The church also partners closely with Chi Alpha at Bemidji State University, even providing office space for its campus pastor. Pastor John teaches theology and church history online for North Central, citing a love for young adults.
After decades in ministry, John encourages fellow pastors to engage regularly with their communities. “You’ve got to meet people where they are. Otherwise, you get stuck in a Christian bubble—and you’re not going to reach anyone there.”
Having studied preaching at the doctoral level, Pastor John also urges pastors to stay grounded in Scripture. This is especially important, he said, for those leading smaller congregations. “Even if the sermon falls flat, they still heard what God said. That’s never wasted.”
