Crossover Preparatory Academy

Shalom to North Tulsa by Demarco Taylor

I was first invited to Crossover Bible Church around 15 years ago by a long-time mentor of mine. He had known both pastors from their time at Tulsa Bible Church, and since Crossover met near my childhood home, I obliged. During the sermon, the pastor said, “it was cool to be a Christian”. This was the first time I heard an African-American male declare a distinct delight in the Christian life.

Three years passed and I met the same pastor again at a Flame concert. We had lunch and he laid out the gospel for me. He used scripture to clarify every misconception I had. I began attending Crossover Bible Church that same week and became a member in 2009. I began to serve right away, and I began to coach football through our youth sports program. The coaching opportunity provided access to families who may not come to church on Sunday mornings, and the interactions with neighborhood youth remained vibrant and vivacious at every turn. Over the years, the same young men would approach me in the community and express gratitude for being there for them at such a young age. It was pivotal for them and intentional on the part of Crossover to be present in the community.

After serving as a football coach, I began to help with the Crossover Kids After-school program at Hawthorne Elementary School. There, I saw firsthand the reach of discipleship outside of the church. A few of my relatives were deeply impacted by the leadership and discipleship within the program. It gave me a great sense of joy to see the church reaching the community I grew up in, especially my own family!

After these experiences, I decided to complete my college degree. I attended the University of Arkansas and studied history. Before leaving for college, I was included on the board for the upcoming all-boys school as a Community Liaison. While at the University of Arkansas, I developed big plans to go elsewhere and work in higher education. But through constant conversations, I felt the Lord calling me back to north Tulsa, though I knew it would be uncomfortable. The penultimate conversation was with a friend just before graduating. He asked, “If you had a million dollars what would you do with it?” I replied, “I’d give the bulk of it to my church back in Tulsa to complete the work

I am truly happy to be a part of a family who communicates well, corrects one another, mourns with each other, and rejoices with each other.”

-<Demarco T.

Picture above: Mr. Taylor talking with Crossover Prep students during morning fellowship.

God has called them to.” He replied, “You may not have the money, but you do have the time.” This conversation along with others and prayer compelled me to return to Tulsa and teach Social Studies at Crossover Prep.

I’ve taught for three years, and I had the most memorable experience last semester. We were competing in the African-American heritage bowl. One of our students pulled a “no call - no show”. We needed him to win and eventually placed second; we were all frustrated by his actions. The next day at school, I gave the boys an opportunity to address the issue in a healthy way. They corrected their brother in love and communicated their disappointment in ways that were not harsh, demeaning, or condescending. He accepted responsibility like a “Crossover man”. In life we all make mistakes, but the important thing is taking ownership of them and moving forward. I was proud of the boys that day for communicating well in spite of their high emotions.

Crossover has redefined my ideas about church. It has become more than a Sunday sermon and adherence to spiritual disciplines. Crossover Bible Church is a family. A family of believers dedicated towards bringing Shalom to north Tulsa. With “Shalom” being the peace that God gives to his people through the gospel. I am truly happy to be a part of a family who communicates well, corrects one another, mourns with each other, and rejoices with each other.

Demarco Taylor is the epitome of what Crossover Prep is trying to produce. His love for the young men there reveals his great love for the Lord and his community. As a Native north Tulsan, he is using his gifts, passions, abilities, and education to help train up a generation of young men that he has known since they were 7 years old.

If you would like to learn more about Crossover Prep Academy, please go to http://crossoverprep.org.