Preparing leaders for life, ministry, & global Gospel advancement

When Dr. Crawford approached me about the Cross Church School of Ministry I knew that this school was unlike any other educational training program. The opportunity to learn from ministers at such an established church was something that drew me in quickly. Combining Dr. Crawford’s natural ability to teach and lead with a Cross Church staff member’s ability to execute is something that will benefit me for the rest of my career in ministry.

Looking ahead, I am expecting to be challenged both academically and professionally as I work with various staff members in various ministry settings. I expect to enhance my understanding of church ministry, as well as my understanding of leadership. Most importantly, I expect to be used by Cross Church and the School of Ministry in order to advance the kingdom of God.

When God called me into the ministry at 18-years-old, I never imagined that I would be a part of the Cross Church School of Ministry. I thought that upon the completion of my Master’s degree I would be working in a church. God had other plans. I took a step of faith and moved to Northwest Arkansas shortly after I completed my education. I lived here for 8 months unemployed. I was downright angry and frustrated with God. “Why not me, Lord?” “Why are you holding me back?” This was a daily prayer of mine. I came into contact with Keith Harmon, student pastor of Cross Church Springdale, and soon thereafter became an intern in the Cross Church student ministry. While I was content with where I was, I kept pursuing full time ministry jobs. With no opportunities on the horizon, soon my frustration came back. I honestly had given up hope for a ministry job. Soon thereafter Pastor Ronnie Floyd cast the vision for the Cross Church School of Ministry. I began to immediately pray about if this was where God was leading me. In the following months, I met with Dr. Jeff Crawford and I was sold on joining the first cohort of students. Yes, I am out of seminary, but I believe that this experience will better prepare me for ministry. As a resident minister, I do ministry not from behind a desk but on the frontlines. The Cross Church School of Ministry helps me apply what I learned in seminary. Mordecai tells Esther in Esther 4:14, “who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” The Sovereign Lord brought me here, to the Cross Church School of Ministry, for such a time as this to study under great men of God and prepare myself for real world ministry experience. I am excited about what God is going to do in this next year in my life. Glory to God!