Speaker, Author, Blogger and Ministry Leader
Speaker, Author, Blogger and Ministry Leader
Dr. Caretha Franks Crawford, touched by God’s anointing, is historically honored and well known for her spirit of excellence. Celebrating life as a senior, she is still capturing the hearts of her audience, as an awarding-winning writer, published author, public speaker, international Bible teacher, pastor, entrepreneur, CAO of a worship school, dance minister, writing coach, and founder of various ministries that encourage, educate, equip and empower God’s people to fulfill their divine assignments.
Hailing from one of the poorest counties in rural North Carolina, Dr. Crawford was born the third child of ten children. Although withdrawn and very shy as a child, Dr. Crawford had an unction, a knowing that she would someday preach. Many recognized the call of God on her life from her teen years and said, “You’ve been touched.” But it wasn’t until the tragic accident and death of her brother that impacted her awakening to say “yes” to the calling on her life.
Education and Experience
Dr. Crawford received her education in the North Carolina school system from the primary grades to earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education at Winston-Salem State University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. After teaching public school kindergarten in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, for eight years. Dr. Crawford’s entrepreneurial spirit began to sprout. she began designing and making educational children’s clothing under the label Caretha’s Kinder Creations. Her designs were sold and exhibited as far as Paris, France (Salon International De La Mode Enfantine), and Puerto Rico. Locally, high-end boutiques and stores such as Bloomingdales carried her line. Caretha Crawford’s Clothes That Count was featured above the fold line in the Washington Post by the late fashion editor, Nina Hyde.
After eight years of using her creative abilities in the children’s wear industry, God said, “Lay it all down and get in school.” It was then that Dr. Crawford started her journey toward pursuing a biblical education. She holds a Master of Biblical Studies, a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry from Maple Springs Baptist Bible College and Seminary. She served the College and Seminary as Associate Professor of Bible and Theology for seven years.
After a season of teaching on a Bible College and Seminary level, Dr. Crawford was called by God to plant a church, which propelled her into apostleship, at The Gateway to Wholeness Church Ministries in Largo, Maryland. Dr. Crawford has gone on to preach across many denominational borders, inspiring and challenging men and women through her powerful teaching and preaching style throughout the United States and abroad, including London, England, Sierra Leone, West Africa; Johannesburg, South Africa; Braunwald and Zurich, Switzerland.
She has convened numerous conferences and retreats, such as Women Pursuing God, Gathering of the Eagles for Women in Leadership, Restoring the Family, Warfare and Deliverance, and In Pursuit of His Presence Worship Conferences. Most recently, she has organized The Father’s Table, which focuses on healing wounds due to “father flaws.” She also conducts online equipping classes through Caretha Crawford Enterprises, LLC. Additionally, Dr. Crawford established The School of Pastoral Nurture to provide spiritual health for pastors and leaders in the body of Christ.
As an extension of the church, In Pursuit of His Presence Worship Arts Ministries was birthed for those seeking to pursue God’s presence through the arts. The ministry headquarters is in Largo, Maryland, with satellites in Jacksonville, North Carolina, and Decatur, Georgia. The ministry was also introduced in Sierra Leone, West Africa. Hundreds of dance ministers and worshippers have been trained and launched to a greater level of ministry through this equipping school, affectionally called IPHP. Thousands have attended the IPHP annual Productions.
Other ministries initiated by Dr. Crawford include CarethaTV. This internet television channel focuses on helping individuals live a victorious life by using the wisdom tools that God has provided. Dr. Crawford also designs and produces handmade greeting cards under the registered trademark Kingdom Greetings 4U® that inspire and celebrate life’s milestones. These inspirational cards have warmed the hearts of many throughout the United States and abroad.
Dr. Crawford has trail-blazed a path for women in the church, and the kingdom of God. She met adversity as a woman called to preach in a male-dominated field. She triumphed despite many odds and became the first woman to be licensed, ordained, and consecrated to the pastorate by the then 35-year-old Maple Springs Baptist Church of Capitol Heights, Maryland under the pastorate of Rev. Chester A. McDonald, Sr. This historical move was the catalyst for other women in the Washinton, DC metropolitan area to become licensed in their respective churches.
Dr. Crawford is a pastor/mentor with The R.E.A.L. Black Women In Ministry Thrive Initiative, a 1.5 million dollar Lilly Grant mentoring program led by Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook. Dr. Crawford is a founding member of the Global Black Women’s Chamber of Commerce lead by Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook. She is a member of the Academic Council for Educational Accountability organized by the late Dr. C. Peter Wagner; and actively fellowships with “Empowered Women Empowering Women” lead by Dr. Estrelda Alexander. She also serves on the Advisory Council of Hewlette Pearson Ministries. Dr. Crawford served a 2-year term as President of the Alumni Association of the Maple Springs Baptist Bible College and Seminary.
By God’s grace and anointing, Dr. Crawford has excelled with achieving seven published books to her credit; Dance, God’s Gift to You, Hold On to Your Dream, Determined to Succeed, Relax and Receive the Word God Has for You, Jumpstart Your Mornings with Jesus, Promises and Prayers for Uncertain Times, and Rebuild Your Life After Spiritual Identity Thief. She is also a contributing author to Soul Sisters and Rhythms of Rest by Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook. Additionally, In 2019, she established a publishing imprint for Christian indie authors, “SoAllMayKnow Publishing.” She’s a blogger and member of the Maryland Writers Association.
Dr. Crawford has expanded her publishing company to include a magazine, “Distinguished Woman,” to highlight accomplished women of color ages 60-plus—one-woman-at-a time. Its mission: to mentor and inspire the next generation of women via publications and social media connections. Dr. Crawford recognizes how easy it is for women to live beneath their privilege, and she could’ve been one of those women. Her breakthrough was a result of lending herself to God for His glory and service. He has taken her beyond her expectations. The magazine serves as a voice for women and encourages them to push forward with a determination to succeed.
Dr. Crawford has received numerous commendations and awards. A few include the Outstanding Alumni Award by Maple Springs Baptist Bible College and Seminary in 2015. In 2016, she was awarded the Woman of Spirit Award by William Seymour College. In 2018, Dr. Crawford was awarded the Felix S. Pearson Excellence in Service Award by ILoveNow, and the Excellence in the Worship Arts Award by Pro Voice and Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook.
Dr. Crawford enjoys reading, crafting, writing, and traveling. Her travels have taken her to some of the most beautiful places in the world; London, England, Paris, France; Sierra Leone, West Africa; Johannesburg, South Africa; Nigeria; Braunwald and Zurich, Switzerland; Israel; Jordan; Egypt; Florence, Rome, and Venice Italy; Istanbul, Turkey; Greece; Sydney and Melbourne, Australia; Canada and the Caribbean. She has visited over half of the United States.
Dr. Crawford is married to Rev. Clarence C. Crawford, and they have one grown daughter.