Craig A. Walder Jr.
Lead Pastor
Pastor Craig A. Walder Jr. was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio. Coming from a home grounded in faith, he 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, Craig strayed for a season, but at age 24, after many bumps and bruises, he realized that life without Christ is empty. He returned to his church roots under the leadership of Senior Pastor Terence O. Hayes, Sr., at Faith Deliverance Church of God in Christ. From that moment, Craig committed himself 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, Craig also pursued his 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. His professional career included serving with Montgomery County and later transitioning into the school system, where he 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 his calling as the Lead Pastor of The Chosen Church in Dayton, Ohio, where he serves in full-time ministry. Pastor Craig carries 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.
Drawing fulfillment not only from ministry, but also from life at home, his greatest joy is serving God as a devoted husband to his loving wife Amanda and as a devoted father, guiding his family with wisdom and grace. In every role, whether a Pastor, mentor, husband, or father, Pastor Craig remains committed to living a life that reflects Christ, marked by integrity, service, and an unwavering dedication to Kingdom purpose.
Like many young people, Craig strayed for a season, but at age 24, after many bumps and bruises, he realized that life without Christ is empty. He returned to his church roots under the leadership of Senior Pastor Terence O. Hayes, Sr., at Faith Deliverance Church of God in Christ. From that moment, Craig committed himself 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, Craig also pursued his 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. His professional career included serving with Montgomery County and later transitioning into the school system, where he 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 his calling as the Lead Pastor of The Chosen Church in Dayton, Ohio, where he serves in full-time ministry. Pastor Craig carries 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.
Drawing fulfillment not only from ministry, but also from life at home, his greatest joy is serving God as a devoted husband to his loving wife Amanda and as a devoted father, guiding his family with wisdom and grace. In every role, whether a Pastor, mentor, husband, or father, Pastor Craig remains committed to living a life that reflects Christ, marked by integrity, service, and an unwavering dedication to Kingdom purpose.
