Since October 2022, I’ve had the joy of serving as Pastor of Dover Baptist Church in Manakin-Sabot, Virginia. Before that, I spent ten formative years at Highland Baptist Church in Mississippi, first as Student Minister, then as Family and Discipleship Pastor. Whether preaching or teaching, my heart is to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and equip believers for the work of ministry.
I received my higher education and ministry training with degrees in Biblical Studies from Mississippi Christian University and Christian Thought from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
In 2024 and 2025, I’ve had the honor of serving as Vice President and now President of the Goochland Christian Churches Association (GCCA).
Alongside pastoral ministry, I also love to write. Whether it’s reflections on literature, meditations and essays on life and ministry, or poems that celebrate the quiet, ordinary joys of everyday life, writing helps me pay attention to what matters. It’s one of the ways I process truth, wrestle with questions, and point others to beauty, hope, and grace.
If you’d like to connect about writing, preaching, or speaking, feel free to reach out: pastorcrowder@doverbc.org
My Testimony:
I was raised in a Christian home where faith wasn’t just talked about, it was lived. At seven years old, I placed my trust in Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord. I believed then, as I do now, that Jesus, fully God and fully man, died for our sins, rose from the grave, and calls each of us into a restored relationship with God by grace through faith. I was baptized soon after at Broadmoor Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi (now in Madison).
During college, my faith deepened. A spring break mission trip marked a turning point when I sensed God calling me to full-time ministry. That calling led me to Highland Baptist Church in Vicksburg, where I began vocational ministry. It’s also where I met my wife, Juli. We married in 2016, and a few years later, welcomed our daughter, Leona.
In 2022, the Lord led us to Virginia, where I now serve Dover Baptist Church. By His grace, I hope to shepherd this congregation faithfully for many years to come.
What I Believe
God’s Word
The Bible is the inspired, trustworthy, and sufficient Word of God. It teaches all we need to know for salvation and faithful living.
The Gospel
Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man, lived a sinless life, died for our sins, and rose again. He has defeated sin and death, reigns eternally, and offers salvation to all who believe in Him. Those who trust in Christ are freed from condemnation and given the gift of eternal life.
The Church
The church is both a local body of believers growing together in worship, service, and community, and a global, timeless fellowship of all who belong to Christ.
Our Hope
Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead. His people will live with Him forever in resurrection victory.
I affirm the historic Christian creeds (Apostles’, Nicene, Athanasian, and Chalcedonian) and joyfully hold to The Baptist Faith and Message 2000.
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