Our Team

Pastor Erik has a strong passion for outreach and equipping all people to use their God-given talents for serving others in South Jersey and around the world.

Erik attended The College of New Jersey in Ewing, NJ. After graduating with a double major in English and Education in 2002, he worked as a youth pastor at Fellowship Alliance Chapel in Medford, NJ. He then launched a new young adult ministry and served as the Young Adult Director for Metro District of The Christian and Missionary Alliance.

In 2010, Erik was ordained by the Christian and Missionary Alliance. Erik attended Calvary Baptist Seminary in Lansdale, PA, where he earned his Masters degree in Christian Ministry.

Erik and his wife Lauren planted Journey Church of the C&MA in Cherry Hill, NJ in 2013, where they raised up new leaders and built bridges with local businesses and nonprofits. Erik also served as the Development Pastor at Fervent Church in Voorhees, NJ, working with small group leaders and global partnerships.

Erik and Lauren also co-founded the South Jersey chapter of Serve the City– a movement that raises volunteerism in an area, building bridges between needs and resources as people come together for transformation.

He started the Pastoral Leadership School, which prepares men and women with the head knowledge, heart approach, and hands-on skills required to serve in ministry in our society today.

The Vagen family are grateful for God calling them to the Crossroads church family. We believe God is doing amazing things as this church family helps people find truth in everyday life.

Two verses that have shaped Erik’s life and ministry are Matthew 4:19 and Romans 6:23:

“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” -Jesus Christ
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” -Romans 6:23