We are delighted to share the joyful news that the Regional Minister Search Committee of the Christian Church in Illinois & Wisconsin and the Christian Church Michigan Region—together becoming the Living Waters Region—has unanimously recommended Rev. Dr. William E. Crowder, Jr. to serve as our next Regional Minister and President.
About Dr. Crowder
Dr. Crowder’s ministry has spanned more than three decades. Born and raised in Memphis, TN, he was a student leader and athlete at Central State University, Wilbeforce, Ohio, before earning his Master of Divinity from United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio, and his Doctor of Ministry from Memphis Theological Seminary.
He has served faithfully in congregational ministry since 1992, including fourteen years at New Covenant Christian Church in Nashville, where he helped secure a $3.4 million HUD grant to build senior housing. Since 2012, he has been Senior Pastor of Park Manor Christian Church in Chicago, leading transformative projects such as a $34 million, 52-unit senior housing development scheduled to break ground in 2026.
Dr. Crowder also serves as President of the National Convocation Board of Trustees and previously chaired the Committee on Ministry for Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan. He has led ecumenical efforts like the Chatham Ministerial Alliance, which secured a $1 million state grant to address gun violence. In 2019, he was inducted into the Martin Luther King, Jr. International Board of Preachers at Morehouse College.
He and his wife, Dr. Stephanie Buckhanon Crowder, Associate Professor of New Testament at Chicago Theological Seminary, are the proud parents of two sons, William and Sollomon.
Why the Search Committee Recommends Dr. Crowder
After months of prayer, listening, and discernment, the Search Committee unanimously affirmed Dr. Crowder as the right leader for this moment in our life together. Please find their Letter of Affirmation here.
They highlight his:
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Pastoral heart and administrative excellence – A collaborative, bridge-building leader who listens deeply and leads effectively.
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Proven transformation leadership – Guiding congregations through challenging transitions while initiating major community projects with lasting impact.
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Commitment to diversity and inclusion – Faithful to the full breadth of our Disciples identity, working across cultural, denominational, and community lines.
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Regional vision and experience – Grounded in service to congregations across rural, suburban, and urban settings, with deep knowledge of our context.
In their words:
“We believe he is uniquely gifted to walk with us through this season of growth and transformation. His commitment to collaborative ministry, his proven ability to lead major community initiatives, and his heart for pastoral care position him perfectly to help shape the future of the Living Waters Region.”
Find out more about Dr. Crowder
Watch a 20-minute interview video with Dr. Crowder—an opportunity to hear his story and vision in his own words as Dr. Crowder talks to Rev. Dr. Grant Wade.
Meet Dr. Crowder in person at the 2025 Regional Assembly, October 3–4 at the Tinley Park Convention Center.Don’t miss this historic gathering—register now before the September 5 deadline!
Read Dr. Crowder’s full biography ➡️ https://cciwdisciples.org/2025/09/rev-dr-william-eugene-crowder-jr/
Read the Search Committee’s full Affirmation Letter ➡️ https://cciwdisciples.org/2025/09/letter-of-affirmation-from-the-regional-search-committee/
Register for Regional Assembly ➡️ https://cciwdisciples.org/ra2025
