Evangelist Randy Shepherd passes away at 59

Randy Shepherd, co-founder of Crossfire Ministries in Asheville, passed away on Thursday, September 19, 2024, according to associates.

His close friend and ministry co-founder, Jamie Johnson, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, expressing admiration for Shepherd's dedication to sharing the gospel. "Randy has always been a Tennessee Volunteer but when it comes to sharing the gospel, he is ready to share with anyone and any team," Johnson wrote on Facebook.

Shepherd and Johnson founded Crossfire Ministries 34 years ago, focusing on spreading the message of Jesus Christ through sports. Their annual basketball camp has served over 26,000 local children, combining faith and athletics.

Shepherd, a renowned evangelist, was known for his passion for winning souls for Christ. He graduated from Asheville High School and earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina Asheville in 1987. A talented basketball player, Shepherd’s life changed after a near-fatal injury, which led him to rededicate himself to his faith.

In 1993, Shepherd and Johnson launched Crossfire Ministries, using sports, school assemblies, student rallies, and international outreach to share the gospel. No cause of death has been revealed, but Shepherd had recently undergone emergency surgery.