National Council of Churches News

Joseph V. Crockett, veteran educator and scholar,
to lead NCC Education and Leadership Ministries

September 27, 2012, New York - The Rev. Dr. Joseph V. Crockett, director of scholarly projects for the American Bible Society, has been named associate general secretary of the National Council of Churches Education and Leadership Ministries.

Dr. Crockett, a United Methodist elder, will maintain both positions by special agreement of the American Bible Society and the NCC.

He was elected to the NCC post by the NCC governing board during its meeting in New York September 17 and 18.

In a letter introducing himself to the NCC governing board, Crockett said, "It seems as though my entire life journey – formation by family and church, education, professional resume and social networks – has prepared me for work with the NCC as a catalyst for Christian education and advocate for public education."

He said he counted it a privilege to serve the NCC "and I already feel part of the transforming process. I look forward to meeting and learning from you about your journey and interests and the call of God upon your life. Until then, may you enjoy the inexhaustible riches of God – steadfast mercy, peace that surpasses understanding, and unconditional love."

Dr. Crockett succeeds the Rev. Garland Pierce, who resigned as associate general secretary in 2011 to accept a position as special assistant to the general secretary of the World Council of Churches.

Joseph V. Crockett earned his doctorate degree in Counseling and Human Development from the University of Rochester, Rochester, NY. Celebrating 30 years of ordination in the United Methodist Church, he has worked as a youth minister, pastor, curriculum and reference book editor, and seminary teacher.

His research, writings and product development have focused on individuals and congregations use of Scripture in everyday situations.

The NCC's Education and Leadership Ministries Commission traces its roots to the formation of the American Sunday School Association in 1824. The Commission's predecessor became a charter member of the International Council of Religious Education in 1922 and was a founding member of the National Council of Churches in 1950.

Throughout its history , the Education and Leadership Ministries Commission has incorporated in its work congregational Christian education, higher education, ministry concerns and biblical translation.

Overall direction for the Education and Leadership Ministries Commission is provided by the Program Commission, representing 27 denominations.

ELMC has 15 program committees working in diverse areas of educational ministry. They represent the work that the denominations do together to support local congregations in educational ministry. The board's committees are working groups that generate materials for church education leaders, plan training events, and provide an ecumenical forum for inter-denominational exchange and planning.

"Joseph Crockett joins the National Council of Churches at a key point in its transformation and reorganization," said Kathryn M. Lohre, NCC president. "The mission of the ELMC is a key component of our history and our future in ecumenical cooperation. We are grateful to have a leader of his background and caliber on our staff team."

The Rev. Dr. Daryl B. Ingram, Executive Director, African Methodist Episcopal Church Department of Christian Education in Nashville, is chair of the Education and Leadership Ministries Commission. The transformation and reorganization of the Council is proceeding under the leadership of Transitional General Secretary Peg Birk.

Dr. Crockett is married to Renée Guy Crockett; the father of two sons and one daughter: John-Thomas, James Weldon and Portia Simone. He resides in White Plains, NY.

Since its founding in 1950, the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA has been the leading force for shared ecumenical witness among Christians in the United States. The NCC's 37 member communions -- from a wide spectrum of Protestant, Anglican, Orthodox, Evangelical, historic African American and Living Peace churches -- include 40 million persons in more than 100,000 local congregations in communities across the nation.

NCC News contact: Philip E. Jenks, 646-853-4212 (cell), pjenks@ncccusa.org