Develop a Discipleship System
Harnessing the Power of Story: Discipleship through Faith and Gaming
By David Petty
What stories define us, and how do we use those stories to build a better world? Is it the story of Jesus calming the storm? The tale of two plumber brothers on a quest to save a princess? Perhaps it’s Jonah’s story, swallowed by a great fish and finding redemption in the depths. Or maybe it’s Link’s journey—courageously battling darkness and wielding the Master Sword to save Zelda and restore peace to Hyrule. Whether sacred or secular, these stories resonate because they reflect the human experience: courage in the face of fear, hope in despair, and the triumph of good over evil.
For centuries, people have found meaning and inspiration through books and verbal storytelling, discovering stories of adventure, romance, and faith. About a hundred years ago, the rise of radio introduced a new way to experience stories, bringing families together to listen to serialized dramas that came to life through sound. Movies soon followed, captivating audiences with visual storytelling that was previously available only on the stage, and television brought these stories directly into living rooms. In time, technology unlocked new possibilities for storytelling through video games, where players became active participants, shaping the stories they experienced. During a typical coffee-shop conversation, you are likely to hear more about Star Wars, Harry Potter, Dungeons & Dragons, or the latest streaming shows than conversations about God or the teachings of Jesus. These modern stories shape our culture and values, often reflecting the same themes and truths found in scripture.
Today, the stories that shape us are often told through interactive storytelling with complex characters and deep lore. Connecting these stories with the stories of Jesus and the timeless tales of God’s people takes a bit of creative work – and that’s where Crossfire:faith+gaming comes in.
During a typical coffee-shop conversation, you are likely to hear more about 'Star Wars', 'Harry Potter', 'Dungeons & Dragons', or the latest streaming shows than conversations about God or the teachings of Jesus.
At Crossfire:faith+gaming, we believe that the stories we find in popular media can complement what we discover in scripture. Just as Jesus used parables rooted in everyday experiences to reveal deep truths, we connect pop culture narratives with biblical teachings, opening new avenues for discipleship.
Crossfire began in 2017 with a simple question: What if there were an online community—like a church—that spoke to nerds, geeks, and gamers? This demographic was not often represented in the pews of traditional congregations. Some people had even been alienated from the church for being different from the cultural norms of church life. It became clear that an online space centered on Christ and welcoming to those outside typical church culture could foster community and spiritual growth. What started as a hypothetical conversation among friends has become a loving and supportive online community where discipleship is taking place.
Crossfire participants gather weekly on Monday evenings on Discord, an online platform for voice and text chat, screen sharing, and community-building often used by gamers and young people. The gatherings are different each week depending on who shows up and what their needs are. The primary purpose is fellowship and community, with a secondary goal of discipleship and deep engagement with prayer, devotion, and discussion.
Over the years, Crossfire has continued to evolve. Initially, it started as a Facebook group and grew to a podcast, YouTube channel, Discord community, and Twitch stream. Lately, it has begun to focus more on discipleship and the creation of an in-person summer day camp for youth.
In 2023, Crossfire Camp welcomed ten children to Denver to experience the in-person camp for gamers called “E is for Everyone” (a play on words based on age ratings in games). In 2024, Crossfire Camp hosted three camps across Colorado and Montana called “Navigating the Virtual Realm.” In 2025, Crossfire Camps plan to expand and host more camps for more campers than ever.
Folks at Crossfire believe that Christ-centered community can happen anywhere—a sanctuary, a gaming session, a voice chat, a day camp, or even virtual reality. By engaging people through the narratives that speak to them, we meet them where they are, build connections, and make disciples in ways that resonate with their passions.
The story of Crossfire is our story, but it can also be yours.
To learn more about Crossfire:faith+gaming and our growing community, visit ChurchForGamers.com. To partner with us in our missional endeavor and help make camps possible, visit crossfire.camp.
Rev. David Petty serves as the senior pastor at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado. David leads the online community, “Crossfire:faith+gaming.” He brings experience and tradition to his ministry while striving for innovation and community. His work constantly asks, “What does church look like when it doesn’t look like church?” David’s favorite games are The Last of Us, Rocket League, Half-Life Alyx, and Horizon Zero Dawn.
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