ABOUT PASTOR
Pastor Craun was born and raised in Weatherford, TX. Following high school, he earned an athletic scholarship to play football for the University of Iowa. After a series of events, he transferred to play football for Missouri State University. He received numerous accolades and was projected to be drafted by the NFL at the start of his senior season. On the third practice of his senior season he received an injury that would end his football career.
While finishing his final year of college, he met his wife, Kellen, and immediately they fell in love and began to plan a future together. Upon graduation they relocated to Texas to start a family and begin a business career. During this time the Craun’s were blessed with the the addition of the son and a few years later their daughter. As a young family they were searching to find a church because they knew the value and importance of having God at the center of their lives. After an extensive time of searching, God led them to Spirit and Truth Worship Center, which was a small home missions work in Weatherford, TX. It was here that the Craun’s lives would be changed forever by the gospel message of Jesus Christ.
Shortly after receiving the new birth experience, God called Pastor Craun into the ministry. The Craun’s were active in serving at Spirit and Truth in evangelism, working with youth, and grounds maintenance. After a period of time God led the Craun family to Laurel, MS to be closer to family, continue growing as a business professional and to serve at Greater Laurel United Pentecostal Church (UPC). During their time at Greater Laurel, the Craun’s served in children’s ministry, as Sunday School teachers, and in the bus ministry. He was also on the preaching rotation. God eventually called the Craun family back to Texas where they invested nearly a decade at North Cities United Pentecostal Church in Garland, Texas. The Craun’s were able to serve in multiple ministries and held positions of Children’s Pastor for the North Cities Garland and McKinney Campuses and Associate Pastor of the North Cities McKinney Campus.
The Craun’s have received bachelor degrees in Ministerial Studies from Purpose Institute and Pastor Craun holds ordination licensing through the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI). He also holds degrees of doctorate of business administration with an emphasis in leadership development programs, a master of business administration, and a bachelor of science in marketing management. From 2015-2018 he served as Sunday School Secretary of the UPCI North Texas District.
On February 28, 2016 the Craun’s were elected as Pastor of New Life UPC of Anna and have seen many lives transformed by the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In late 2019, God opened a door for New Life to relocate to a larger facility which allowed them to more than double their capacity He also serves as the UPCI North Texas District Christian Prisoner Ministry Chaplain. The Craun family is honored to serve the city of Anna and surrounding community and look forward to advancing the kingdom of God together!
