Preacher Craig

Craig Richard, who just began his tenth year as pastor of Pine Crest, says pastoring a church is one of the greatest blessings of his life. Born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Craig also lived in Florida and Texas before his family moved to Cumming. A graduate of North Forsyth High School, he continued his studies at North Georgia College and State University where he obtained a Bachelor's degree in Education. He is in his 10th year of teaching physical education, having first taught at North Forsyth Middle School and currently at Cumming Elementary.
Craig did not grow up in church. In fact, he'd never attended church until his teenage years. In 1996, at age 18, he came under conviction of the Holy Spirit and accepted Jesus as his personal Savior at Harmony Grove Baptist Church. A little over one year later, Craig felt a divine call to preach; Craig began pursuing that call two years later. In the year 2001, Harmony Grove Baptist Church ordained Craig into the ministry when he accepted the call to become pastor of Pine Crest.
"The purpose of the church," says Craig "is to lift up Jesus, promote the gospel, and win souls to Christ." Craig's passion for Pine Crest is to see it grow as did the early church, adding souls daily, to win more souls in the community to Christ, as well as see those in the church grow spiritually.
Craig is married to Laura (formerly Laura Garrett). Craig and Laura have two sons, Tate and Ben, and two daughters, Cora and Ada. Craig most enjoys spending his free time with his family. Craig is also an antique tractor enthusiast and collector. Pine Crest Baptist Church is grateful to have a God-Called, Spirit-filled pastor who is willing to follow the Word of the Lord as well as preach The Truth in love and humility.

Isaiah 52:7
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

Romans 10:13-15
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!