Reverend David J. Crawford Jr.
Senior Pastor, Calvary Congregational Church
In September 2025, Calvary Congregational Church entered a new season of ministry by answering God’s call and welcoming Reverend David J. Crawford Jr. as its Senior Pastor. With a heart for shepherding God’s people, a passion for sound preaching, and a commitment to community transformation, Pastor Crawford leads with vision, compassion, and unwavering faith.
A proud native of Cleveland, Ohio, Pastor Crawford accepted Christ at an early age under the leadership of Reverend Fredrick S. Knuckles. Answering the call to ministry, he was licensed to preach on November 7, 2010, at New Fellowship Christian Church and later ordained on September 19, 2023. From the beginning of his ministry journey, he has remained devoted to preaching the Gospel, nurturing believers, and building spaces where lives are healed, restored, and empowered through Christ.
Pastor Crawford pursued theological training at American Baptist College, studying Pastoral Care, equipping him to shepherd God’s people with wisdom, empathy, and spiritual strength. In 2023, he founded Joy of Christ Church, birthing a ministry dedicated to worship, discipleship, and reaching souls beyond the traditional church walls. His pastoral leadership is marked by authenticity, relational ministry, and a deep love for God’s Word.
Beyond the pulpit, Pastor Crawford brings extensive leadership and operational experience. He faithfully served at Lucas Memorial Chapel for over eight years and held the role of Director of Operations, overseeing excellence in service and community engagement. He is also the CEO and President of Crawford Mortuary, continuing a family legacy of compassionate care for families during life’s most tender moments.
Committed to uplifting the next generation, Pastor Crawford serves as Board Chair of Motivated and Empowered Inc. and Chief Operating Officer of ME2, a program dedicated to empowering and equipping boys from disadvantaged communities through mentorship, education, and holistic support. His ministry extends beyond the church sanctuary into the streets, schools, and families of Cleveland — living out the Gospel in action.
Above all, Pastor Crawford is a devoted husband to Bianca Marie Crawford and a loving father to David III, Aubrey, and Devin. His life is anchored in faith, family, and service. Those who know him best describe him as a shepherd with a servant’s heart, a preacher with prophetic clarity, and a leader with a vision for generational impact.
As he leads Calvary Congregational Church into this new chapter, Pastor Crawford stands firmly on the promise of Philippians 1:6:
“Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
With gratitude for the journey, patience in the process, and faith in God’s unfolding plan, Pastor David J. Crawford Jr. looks forward to guiding Calvary Congregational Church into a season of renewed worship, deeper discipleship, and lasting Kingdom impact.