Meet Craig Walder of Clayton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Craig Walder.

Hi Craig, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio. Coming from a home grounded in faith, I accepted Christ at the age of 12 at Faith Deliverance Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Pastor Norman McDuffie.

Like many young people, I strayed for a season, but at age 24, after many bumps and bruises, I realized that life without Christ is empty. So I returned to my church roots under the leadership of Senior Pastor Terence O. Hayes, Sr., at Faith Deliverance Church of God in Christ. From that moment, I committed to a life of service, faithfully ministering for the next sixteen years as a YPWW teacher, Sunday School teacher, musician, youth minister, media volunteer, and through countless behind-the-scenes roles that supported the ministry.

During this time, I also pursued education at Liberty University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Corrections and a Master’s degree in Biblical Studies with a concentration in Homiletics. My professional career included serving with Montgomery County and later transitioning into the school system, where I poured into young minds and helped prepare students for real life. These experiences deepened his passion for equipping and mentoring others, both in the classroom and in the church.

Today, that same passion drives my calling as the Lead Pastor of The Chosen Church in Dayton, Ohio, where I serve in full-time ministry. I carry a mission and mindset to raise up disciples for Christ, believing that at the end of the day, Kingdom work is what matters most, and that true discipleship begins with a heart of servitude. I battled my fear, colon cancer, many mistakes of my own decisions, but at the end of the day my obedience to God mattered most.

Through it all, my greatest joy remains serving God as a devoted husband and father, finding purpose not only in ministry but also in leading his family with faith and love.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It most definitely has not been a smooth road at all! I’ve had many obstacles some from my own decisions and others just the hand that was dealt to me! Right before starting Chosen Church I was diagnosed with Colon Cancer, the whole right side of my colon was covered in cancer. I had surgery January of 2022 we had our first Social interest Feb. 20th of 2022. My obedience to God’s calling trumped my fears, my pain and everything else that was in the way.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I Worked in Juvenile Probation for thirteen years and then I transitioned to education serving as Principal at a behavioral school. Serving young people has always been my passion, till this day I love seeing youth walk bodly into their God given identity and destiny.

What makes you happy?
Being a husband, to my beautiful wife Amanda and four amazing children, J’lynn, Caiya, Cory and Chance the man! As well as serving God’s people, no greater happiness in my life at the moment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thechosenchurch.org
• Instagram: chosenchurchinc
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/ChosenDayton
• Youtube: thechosenchurch4575