Name: Craig Eidson
Graduation Year: 1988
Major: Biblical Studies & Management
Current Position: Lead Pastor at Freedom Church
City and State: Piedmont, OK
Tell us about your career and what you do now.
My wife Michelle and I started Freedom Church in Piedmont in 1999 and have served as its pastors for the past 22 years. I am an Executive Director for Weokie Federal Credit Union and a volunteer Fire Chaplain, and I just finished serving five years as Planning and Zoning Commissioner for Piedmont.
What is your favorite memory from Evangel?
I loved the chapel services when I was there. Evangel did a great job of helping me establish a much deeper faith with challenges both in chapel and the classroom.
How did Evangel help you identify/develop your calling?
Evangel not only prepared me for the ministry side of my calling, but it also did a great job of equipping me for the business aspects of running a church. I used a lot of these tools when starting our church and getting it up and running as a non-profit corporation.
How did your experience at Evangel prepare you for life after graduation?
Evangel introduced me to people from all over the United States and other countries. I experienced great conversations with people who taught me cultural differences.
What advice would you give a current student preparing for the workforce?
Go on a mission trip and experience what life is like in another part of the world. You will appreciate the world more and be able to appreciate how your work has an effect internationally.
What would you look for if you were in a position to hire new graduates from Evangel?
Self-motivated, vision-minded, work ethic, ability to lead a team through both motivating and equipping them, ability to work with team members, biblical world view, and biblical morals.