College Skeptic Starts Bible Study
In the early 1990s, Craig Groeschel was a college student at Oklahoma City University, known more for his fraternity antics than his faith. Yet, a surprising turn of events led him down an unexpected path. As part of a public relations move when his fraternity faced trouble, Craig started a Bible study, despite not even owning a Bible. This act, initially devoid of genuine intent, became the seed of a profound transformation.
Divine Encounter Changes Everything
One day, a Gideon handed Craig a free New Testament. For Craig, this was more than a coincidental encounter; it was a divine appointment. Reading Ephesians 2:8-9, Craig experienced a spiritual awakening: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." In these words, Craig found the truth that changed his life: salvation is a gift from God, not something to be earned.
From Student to Pastor
Following this revelation, Craig committed his life to Jesus, embracing his newfound faith with zeal. He entered ministry as an associate pastor in the United Methodist Church, where he honed his calling under the mentorship of senior pastor Neil Harris. Craig's influence grew, particularly among young men, prompting Pastor Harris to hire him on the spot.
Building Life Church Ministry
In January 1996, Craig and his wife Amy launched Life Covenant Church in Edmond, Oklahoma, starting with just 40 congregants in a two-car garage. Guided by a vision to create a welcoming space for the unchurched, they focused on breaking the stereotype of boring church experiences. The church's innovative approach soon led to rapid growth and expansion.
Life.Church became a pioneer in using technology to spread its message. It introduced video sermons in 2001, an Internet Campus in 2006, and the hugely successful YouVersion Bible App in 2008. The app has since been downloaded on over 450 million devices worldwide, making scripture accessible to millions.
Craig's leadership and the church's outreach have been marked by a commitment to generosity, giving away resources and over $40 million to non-profits. As Craig reflected on the journey, he said, "In these first 25 years, God has done even more than we could imagine. It has grown our faith, and we're more passionate than ever to continue reaching people around the world with the good news of the Gospel."
From a college student seeking acceptance, Craig Groeschel became a shepherd to many, leading one of the largest and most innovative churches in the United States. His story is a testament to the life-changing power of Jesus, who transformed a skeptic into a leader, reaching millions with the message of grace and love.
