GRE INGS by Dr. Jeff Crawford A set of most unusual circumstances led me to Shiloh Christian School in the fall of 1997. I had recently graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary with my Master of Divinity, and I was looking for a place of ministry with few prospects in front of me. A friend serving on the student staff at Cross Church (then First Baptist Church of Springdale) reached out and asked if I’d be interested in teaching Bible to teenagers. The current principal, Randy Goldsmith, was my friend's former football coach from Fort Smith Christian. He said Randy was interested in hiring Shiloh’s first full time Bible teacher if the fall enrollment was large enough to allow for it in the budget. I had a degree, a wife, two kids...and no job. I enthusiastically said YES. The enrollment goal was hit (approximately 600-700 students back then), and that’s how I began teaching Bible classes to 9th-12th grade students and also serving as the school’s Campus Pastor. At the time, I had no idea of the road God had put me on and where it would actually lead. I knew a lot about the Bible, 18 DR. JEFF CRAWFORD I had been a student pastor so I loved teenagers, but I knew nothing about education or teaching. Preaching a sermon on Wednesday to teenagers who’d just stuffed their faces with free pizza was one thing. Teaching about the Old Testament tabernacle to sophomores on a Thursday morning was a whole other animal. But I was embraced by my colleagues – seasoned vets in the classroom – who had pity on me and encouraged me and gave me pointers. In short order, I fell in love with everything that is Shiloh Christian School. My first few years teaching Bible and ministering to the students were outstanding. I especially loved cheering for my students on the field/court, in the band, on the sidelines, etc. The fact that Shiloh was “small” compared to public schools meant any student had an opportunity to do whatever they wanted in terms of clubs or extracurriculars. I particularly loved getting creative with how I taught my Bible classes in order to connect and keep the students engaged. I wanted to make Bible class something that the students couldn’t wait to ABOVE Dr. Jeff Crawford with his wife, Julie, their four children, and their grandchildren. 01. Dr. Crawford in his Bible classroom in 1998. 02. A photo from a Shiloh brochure featuring Dr. Crawford and a student. 03. Dr. Crawford speaking at Cross Church Pinnacle Hills. 04. Cross Church staff members praying for Dr. Crawford and his wife. 05. Dr. Crawford serving on a Shiloh GME mission trip in 2021.
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