Dr. Ronald W. Crawford Named Baptist Theological Seminary At Richmond President-Elect
Dr. Ronald W. Crawford was named president-elect of The Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond (BTSR) by the Board of Trustees. He currently serves as pastor of College Park Baptist Church in Orlando, Florida and will assume the office of the president July 1. The unanimous vote was taken yesterday at the Seminary Trustee Board's spring meeting.
RICHMOND, VA (PRWEB) April 12, 2007 -- Dr. Ronald W. Crawford was named president-elect of The Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond (BTSR) by the Board of Trustees. He currently serves as pastor of College Park Baptist Church in Orlando, Florida and will assume the office of the president July 1. The unanimous vote was taken yesterday at the Seminary Trustee Board's spring meeting.
"Dr. Crawford possesses gifts as a pastoral leader and administrative leader. He is passionate about the mission of BTSR and is committed to furthering the work and growth of our seminary," said Chair of the Board of Trustees, Susan Rucker of Midlothian, Virginia. "Throughout his service to BTSR, Ron has been instrumental in working on behalf of BTSR with our partners, the Baptist General Association of Virginia and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship," continued Rucker. "We are confident that he will continue the good work of our retiring founding president Dr. Thomas H. Graves."
The Chair of the Presidential Search Steering, Sarah Herring of Greenville, South Carolina, echoed Rucker's enthusiasm. "The Search Committee was impressed with Dr. Crawford's experience and credentials. He brings more than 33 years of leadership experience in many capacities, including pastoral ministry, financial health, world-wide and local missions, and community development."
"BTSR has a wonderful heritage and a bright future. I look forward to working with the BTSR family as we move forward and build on the institution's strengths. Together, we can do much for the Kingdom," said Crawford.
A native Virginian, Crawford, 55, is serving his third term as a trustee of BTSR. He first served as a trustee from 1991 to 1996. Crawford played a key role in organizing Richmond-area pastors in the discussion of the possibility of beginning a seminary in Richmond. "Ron is dedicated to empowering leaders and to bringing people of diverse views together. He will continue to be an asset to congregational life and in equipping leaders to serve in various ministries worldwide," said Dr. R. Michael Harton, BTSR Interim Dean of Faculty.
A graduate of North Carolina State University, Crawford earned his Master of Divinity degree in 1977 and his Doctor of Ministry degree in 1985 from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. In 1993, he earned his Master of Public Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University. Crawford has served as pastor for 33 years, including three congregations in Virginia: Montrose Baptist and Lakeside Baptist in Richmond and Vandola Baptist in Danville. He has also served two congregations in North Carolina: Edgemont Baptist in Rocky Mount and First Baptist in Asheville. In 2000, he began his current pastorate at College Park Baptist.
While in Virginia, Crawford served as president of the Baptist General Association of Virginia and as president of the Virginia Baptist General Board from 1993 to 1994. He is currently serving on the Coordinating Council of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.
Crawford is married to Cyndia (Cyndi) Ray Crawford. They have two adult sons, Benjamin of Hickory, North Carolina and Jacob of Charlotte, North Carolina. The family also considers April Robinson of Birmingham, Alabama a pseudo-daughter.
About Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond
Located in Ginter Park, Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond is a nationally accredited institution serving more than 285 students from several denominations and various cultural backgrounds. BTSR is a distinctively Baptist seminary operating within the context of an ecumenical consortium to train men and women for effective leadership in the various ministries of the church. BTSR offers degrees in the areas of Master of Divinity, dual Master of Divinity and Master of Social Work or Master of Science in Patient Counseling with partner school Virginia Commonwealth University, and Doctor of Ministry. BTSR is an Identity Partner of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and a Shared Ministry of the Baptist General Association of Virginia.
In addition, the School of Christian Ministry was established to equip Christians to be effective leaders in their congregations and to strengthen congregations. In fulfilling this purpose, the SCM is moving beyond traditional theological educational structures in an effort to take the seminary into the church and community to sustain and support their work of transforming people's lives for Christ
To learn more about BTSR, visit http://www.btsr.edu/.
Contact:
Lisa McGehee
(804) 204-1205
http://www.btsr.edu/
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