Rev. Barbara J. Crawford, Ed. D., M. Div.

Dr. Barbara J. Conwell Crawford is a retired pastor and educator living in Goodlettsville, TN. She credits her favorite scripture, Romans 8:28, as inspiration for her life’s work, because she truly loves the Lord, believes she has been called according to His purpose, and that all things always work together for the good!​

 

Dr. Crawford served as Pastor of St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, Gallatin, Tennessee, for five years prior to her retirement October 2023.  Previously, the Nashville native served as pastor of St. Luke AME Church in Nashville, Tennessee, and St. Paul AME Church in Woodburn, Kentucky.  An ordained Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church since 1996, Dr. Crawford faithfully served as Assistant Pastor of Payne Chapel AME Church, Nashville, for more than 20 years under the pastorate of Rev. Sidney F. Bryant.  

 

Dr. Crawford retired from the Metropolitan Nashville Public School System in 2007.  During her 37 years with Metro Schools, she served as a teacher, reading specialist, and principal.  She began her teaching career as one of the first African-American teachers assigned to a previously all-White school.  Under her leadership as principal of Wharton Middle School, Nashville’s middle school arts magnet program was established.

 

A life-long learner, Dr. Crawford received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Tennessee (A&I) State University (1969), a Master’s degree in Reading from Middle Tennessee State University (1976), a +30 Endorsement in Administration and Supervision from Tennessee State University (1986), and a Doctor of Education degree from Peabody College of Vanderbilt University (1991).  She received a Master of Divinity degree from Vanderbilt University in 2014.

 

Dr. Crawford has been recognized for her service to children, the church, and the community.  Her honors include:  National Council of Christians and Jews Brotherhood-Sisterhood Educator of the Year Award, HCA Teacher Award, Frist Principal Award, and UPN Nashville Principal of the Month.  In 2017 she was recognized for having completed the Goodlettsville Leadership Academy.

 

An itinerant elder serving in the AME Tennessee Conference, Dr. Crawford was recognized in 2018 by the Conference’s Lay Organization as a “Pastor of the Year.”  She has served as a member of the Tennessee Conference Board of Examiners, chair of the Conference Christian Education Committee, and Secretary and past President of the Gallatin United Ministerial Alliance.

 

Dr. Crawford and her husband, James, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary June 9, 2023. They are the proud parents of two sons, Rev. Marlan E. Crawford and Michael A. Crawford, Sr.; daughter-in-love, Sarita; and three grandchildren, Michael Jr., Jordan Jeanee, and Mason.