The Crabtree Family

I have had the privilege of pastoring LifeSigns Deaf Baptist Church since its inception on April 29, 2018. I was born and raised in Portsmouth, Ohio, and accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior at the age of 17 when four girls (who were sisters) invited me to church. At the age of 19, I moved to Oklahoma to attend Bible college where I met my wife, Tricia. The Lord blessed us with 3 children; Scottie, Jessalyn, and Brooklynn.

My wife and I have worked with the Deaf for over 30 years. Most of our time was spent reaching the Deaf and training others to reach the Deaf worldwide while serving at Oklahoma Baptist College (OKC, OK) and Crown College (Powell TN). We have also had the privilege of starting a Deaf Ministry at the Mt. Apo Baptist Church in Davao, Philippines.

My wife, Tricia, is a nationally certified interpreter (CI/CT) who works alongside with me in the ministry. She is also a songwriter most noted for the songs: Bury My Heart On The Mission Field, Make A Diff’rence in This World, and I Am Deaf; Do You Care?

Our Mission

God began to burden my heart about establishing a Deaf church when I saw several Deaf leaders in the ministry aging and graduating to Heaven. I believe that we need the next Deaf generation to fill in the gap and take the reins as faithful Christians and/or ministry leaders. This can be accomplished through the local church.

Our desire is to simply be a tool that God can use to manifest Himself. As we see the day of Christ’s appearing at hand, we continue to claim II Timothy 2:2, “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to TEACH OTHERS ALSO.” — THAT ALL THE DEAF MAY KNOW.

Our 5-Year Anniversary Video

Our Church History

LifeSigns Deaf Baptist Church opened its doors on April 29th, 2018, under Pastor Scott Crabtree. Pastor Dan Wolvin and the people of North Columbus Baptist Church allowed this new church plant to use their full auditorium for the opening day service. The Lord blessed with 103 in attendance, with over 75 being deaf, along with 3 people baptized. After a few months of using their facility, a church building became available to rent in New Albany, Ohio.

LifeSigns Deaf Baptist Church held its first official service at this location on September 16th, 2018, where it currently resides. The Lord continues to bless as the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hearing are reached with a common goal of seeing people’s lives changed and families strengthened through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

One year anniversary celebration at our new facility located in New Albany, Ohio.

Two-year anniversary video LifeSigns Deaf Baptist Church.