Gary and Marilyn Hargrave founded Shiloh University in 2006. This momentous event was the culmination of decades of seeking the Lord to see the Shiloh facility become the university of biblical studies that Shiloh’s founder, John Stevens, had envisioned.
Over the course of his thirty years as an ordained minister, Gary Hargrave has desired to see every believer matured “to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13). Marilyn Hargrave too has a deep love of learning and teaching and has always been determined to see each new generation taught in the ways of the Lord. Shiloh University is an expression of these passions.
Gary and Marilyn recognized that an online university would be the best expression of their desire to see every pastor truly prepared for the ministry. Traditional seminaries and Bible schools have required young men and women to leave their place of ministry in order to earn a degree. This old paradigm of ministerial training has left churches without the vibrant hunger that these young men and women provide. It has also in many cases removed these hungry hearts from the mentoring and hands-on experience they were receiving in the field. In contrast to the scriptural pattern of ministry training found in the apostle Paul creating his young sons such as Timothy, the current process has been detrimental to the holistic preparation necessary for pastoral success. Gary and Marilyn’s vision for the University is born out of their years of training and mentorship under John Robert Stevens. Therefore, Shiloh University brings the principles of mentoring into an online expression.
Gary and Marilyn did not merely start the University; they have been intimately involved in the determination of degrees to be offered, the course of study for each degree program, the choosing of text materials, and the writing of curriculum. The Hargraves have also been personally involved in selecting the credentialed administrators, professors, and qualified board members and staff. These are men and women of integrity who have a deep love for God and His Word.
Gary and Marilyn are working aggressively to see Shiloh University receive accreditation and will continue to participate in the education and training of the next generations of spiritual leaders.
John Robert Stevens founded Shiloh (in Kalona, Iowa) as a training ground for men and women of God. Here Stevens provided teaching, training and mentoring for the maturing of believers into their ministry in the Body of Christ. The training of a minister included both the instruction in the Scriptures and the apostolic Living Word, as well as an apprenticeship to learn the ways of God. Shiloh University was founded by Gary and Marilyn Hargrave in 2006 as a way to formalize this rich heritage of teaching and instruction in the Word of God for all those who are giving themselves to be trained in the ministry. Shiloh University began instruction in January 2007.
Shiloh University in its beginning phase is aimed at providing instruction in Biblical, theological and ministerial studies. The preparation for ministry is an important part of this initial program.
Throughout the Living Word Fellowship churches, and also in other churches, men and women are receiving training through mentoring relationships and active ministry responsibilities. Considering this important reality, University courses are taught through online / distance learning, allowing interested students in any location to participate.
Shiloh University conducts three terms of study per year, each term being 15 weeks in length. This allows enough study time for working students to complete at least one course per term, and to complete a program of study in a reasonable number of years.
The basis for the name and mission of Shiloh University is the Biblical story of Shiloh—a story which illustrates three recurring themes seen throughout the Scriptures.
After possessing the land of Canaan under Joshua, the nation Israel established Shiloh as its spiritual and administrative center. At Shiloh, Joshua distributed the land to each tribe of Israel and the Levites were apportioned their cities. Shiloh became the first location of the Tabernacle of the Lord. Here resided the Ark of the Covenant, the presence of the Lord in the midst of His people.
The prophet Samuel ministered before the Lord at Shiloh. I Samuel 3:21 (NASB) says, “And the LORD appeared again at Shiloh, because the LORD revealed Himself… by the word of the LORD.” The Lord made Himself known to Israel through the Torah and the Word of the Lord spoken by His prophets, and that Word guided them as a nation.
Samuel established both schools of prophets and prophetic communities that were committed to serve and worship the Lord. Under the fathering ministry of Samuel at Shiloh, the schools of prophets studied, practiced, and spoke the Word of the Lord. They were a tremendous force in controlling both the spiritual atmosphere and natural events of Israel.
Shiloh is not only an example of the power and effectiveness of God’s people when committed to follow Him, but it also serves as a warning to all who forsake His ways. Later in the Old Testament story, we read that Israel forsook the ways of the Lord which they had learned through the Torah and His prophets; God then responded by withdrawing His presence from their midst. When they lost the blessing and favor of the Lord’s presence, Shiloh became a desolate place.
In restoration, Shiloh is also a lesson of hope. The prophets spoke of a day when God’s presence would once again dwell with His people. Genesis 49:10-11 prophetically declares a messianic appearing at Shiloh—restoring obedience to His people and establishing leadership to all nations.
God is speaking today just as He has in every generation. He is speaking through the scriptures and through His servants. He is appearing again by His Word! Today God is raising up a generation to carry His Word and His presence to the ends of the earth. Like the school of prophets of old, Shiloh University is committed to teaching and equipping this and future generations—to serve the Lord as did Samuel and the prophets in the days of God’s glory in Shiloh.
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