Introduction
Craig Groeschel was born on December 2, 1967, in Houston, Texas, but grew up in Ardmore, Oklahoma. He had a typical American upbringing, deeply rooted in the values of hard work and community. Craig attended Ardmore High School, where he was known for his athletic prowess, particularly in tennis. His talent on the court earned him a scholarship to Oklahoma City University (OCU), where he pursued higher education and was actively involved in campus life. He joined the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, which played a significant role in shaping his leadership skills and community-oriented mindset.
Spiritual Awakening and Ministry Beginnings
Craig's journey to ministry was not a direct path. Initially, he had aspirations of a career in business and marketing, which he studied at OCU. However, a series of personal experiences and encounters with faith during his college years led him to a profound spiritual awakening. This pivotal period in his life saw him shifting his focus from business to theology, ultimately enrolling in the Phillips Theological Seminary in Enid, Oklahoma. His time there deepened his understanding of scripture and solidified his calling to ministry.
Founding Life.Church
In 1996, Craig founded Life.Church in a two-car garage with a handful of congregants. The church's first year was financially challenging, with a modest budget of $100,000 primarily funded by donations from the local community. Despite these humble beginnings, Craig's innovative approach to ministry and his emphasis on leveraging technology for outreach set Life.Church apart from traditional churches.
Technological Innovations and Growth
Under Craig's leadership, Life.Church pioneered the use of technology in ministry. In 2006, they launched the YouVersion Bible App, which has since been downloaded over 500 million times worldwide. This free app offers digital access to the Bible in multiple languages and versions, revolutionizing how people engage with scripture. The development of YouVersion was a significant financial undertaking, costing an estimated $20 million to develop and maintain over the years, funded through donations and strategic partnerships.
Multi-Site Expansion
Life.Church's growth has been exponential. From its modest beginnings, it has expanded to over 40 locations in 12 U.S. states. Each campus is designed to offer a consistent experience, featuring state-of-the-art facilities and high-quality video sermons delivered by Craig. The church's annual budget now exceeds $70 million, with funds allocated to various community outreach programs, technological innovations, and global missions.
Authorship and Influence
Craig is also a prolific author, having written over 15 books on leadership, faith, and personal growth. His book "Winning the War in Your Mind" became a New York Times bestseller, selling over 500,000 copies within the first year of its release. His publications have collectively sold millions of copies worldwide, generating significant revenue and further establishing him as a thought leader in both religious and secular circles.
Financial Stewardship and Transparency
One of the hallmarks of Craig's leadership at Life.Church is financial transparency and stewardship. The church operates with a high degree of financial accountability, regularly publishing detailed financial reports. In 2019, Life.Church was awarded the GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency, the highest level of recognition for financial accountability in non-profit organizations.
Personal Life and Values
Craig is married to Amy Groeschel, and together they have six children. The Groeschel family is deeply involved in the church's ministry, with Amy co-leading various women's programs and outreach initiatives. They reside in Edmond, Oklahoma, in a home valued at approximately $1.2 million, reflecting their commitment to a modest lifestyle despite Craig's significant influence and success.
Philanthropy and Community Impact
Beyond the walls of Life.Church, Craig and Amy are dedicated philanthropists. They have contributed millions to various charitable causes, including Compassion International and World Vision, focusing on child sponsorship and poverty alleviation. In 2020, Life.Church donated over $10 million to local and global missions, emphasizing their commitment to making a tangible impact in communities around the world.
Conclusion
Craig Groeschel's journey from a small-town boy in Oklahoma to the founder of one of the largest and most innovative churches in the world is a testament to his visionary leadership and unwavering faith. His strategic use of technology, commitment to financial transparency, and dedication to community service have left an indelible mark on the landscape of modern ministry. As Life.Church continues to grow and evolve, Craig's influence and legacy are sure to inspire future generations of leaders in both religious and secular spheres.