In 1998 Greek students at UT recognized the need for a ministry that understood and served campus sorority and fraternity students, so they established The Cross to fill that void. The Cross is not affiliated with a particular church or denomination and serves students of all backgrounds without regard to their religious or denominational affiliation.

In 1999 The Cross became an IRS 501c3 non-profit organization. It's supported by individuals, churches, and foundations from all over Tennessee and the US, though most of our support comes from people who've seen lives impacted by The Cross' ministry.