A familiar face in South Philadelphia’s faith community is taking on a new role across the city line.
The Rev. Dr. Wayne E. Croft Sr., who spent 20 years as pastor of The Church of the Redeemer Baptist in South Philly’s Point Breeze neighborhood, will become interim pastor of First African Baptist Church of Darby Township.
The congregation will welcome Croft during its 10 a.m. worship service on Nov. 15 at the church’s Sharon Hill location at Clifton and Laurel avenues.
Croft brings more than three decades of pastoral, theological and academic experience to the position. He previously served as senior pastor of St. Paul’s Baptist Church in West Chester and currently is the Jeremiah A. Wright Sr. Professor of Homiletics and Liturgics in African American Studies at United Lutheran Seminary.
“I am truly honored, humbled and excited for this new season of ministry,” Croft said. “I look forward to all that God has in store as we move forward together in faith.”
As interim pastor, Croft will lead weekly worship services, provide pastoral care and help guide the congregation through a period of transition and planning.
Joe Burch, chair of the church’s Deacon Board, said Croft’s experience will help provide stability.
“We are incredibly blessed to welcome a leader of Dr. Croft’s caliber, spiritual depth and wisdom to our church family during this transitional season,” Burch said.
Steven Scott Bradley, chair of the search committee, said Croft was selected to help the congregation honor its history while preparing for the future.
“Our committee was tasked with finding a visionary leader who could shepherd us through this next chapter while honoring our rich history,” Bradley said. “Dr. Croft is a perfect fit.”
Croft is also an author and community leader and an inductee into the Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers of Morehouse College. His honors include the Edwin T. Dahlberg Peace and Justice Award. ••
