GST Faculty Announcement
The Graduate School of Theology is pleased to announce that Dr. Wes Crawford will join the
GST faculty June 1, 2019 as an Assistant Professor of Modern and American Church History. He
will also be named the Director of the Center for Restoration studies replacing Dr. Doug Foster
who retired last year. Dr. Crawford received his Ph.D. and MA from Vanderbilt University in
2008, MDiv from Abilene Christian University in 2002, and BA from Lubbock Christian
University in 1998. He currently serves as the Senior Minister at the Glenwood Church of Christ
in Tyler Texas. Previously, Dr. Crawford served as an Associate Professor of Church History at
Lubbock Christian University. Many GST students will know Dr. Crawford’s outstanding
teaching gifts because he has taught two church history classes online since 2012. Some of his
publications and presentations include:
- “Race and Racism in American Christianity.” In Shadows of Slavery, edited by James
Gorman, Mark Hamilton, and Jeff Childers. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2019. - “What Makes Reconciliation So Difficult for Us?” 2016 Race and Restoration
Summit. Joplin, MO (February 2016). - Shattering the Illusion: How African American Churches of Christ Moved from
Segregation to Independence. Abilene: ACU Press, 2013.
Dr. Crawford, his wife, Kim, and their four children
Dr. Crawford’s summer schedule includes teaching two courses: Spirituality of the Black Church
(May 20-24, 2019 in Abilene) and Issues in Global Christianity (online).
We are delighted to welcome Wes and his wife Kim. They have four children, Anna, Elizabeth,
Luke, and Benjamin. Wes brings strong academic credentials, experience in the classroom, and
ministerial leadership gifts to our students. His love for churches makes him a great fit for our
mission of training men and women for Christian service.
As you already know, Wes, I am so pleased you are joining the GST in these roles! Your gifts and expertise will be an immensely important addition to the full-time ACU faculty. God’s blessings as you move to Abilene.
Congrats Wes!!!! Proud of and for you!
Woohoo … (said in my deep, most theologically sounding Charles Siburt-esque, voice.
Perfect fit for an outstanding teacher, preacher. Happy for Wes and ACU!
Welcome back to Abilene Christian!
Just gotta say, “I am one thankful Mom for the blessing of all four of my children. At this time and this moment my thoughts and prayers of thankfulness are for my son Wes and his family as they begin a new chapter in their lives. God has always been his first love and God has graced Him with a passion for His church far and wide. God has placed you where He wants you because that is what He has prepared you for. What an awesome God we serve. Love you so
Much❤️Mom