Michael Crandall Called as Rector of St. George's, Summerville

With the enthusiastic support of its vestry, Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley has called Michael Crandall as rector of St. George’s Episcopal Church in Summerville. He brings a unique background and ministry to this call, and the people of St. George’s are excited to welcome him and his family to their congregation in June.
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Following 26 years of ministry in the Baptist church, Crandall’s faith journey led him to service in the United States Navy Chaplain Corps in 2017. During his time as chaplain, and with the support of the Diocese of Hawaii, he discerned a call to continue his ministry in The Episcopal Church and return to parish ministry. Crandall is currently enrolled at The University of the South: Sewanee, working toward a diploma of Anglican studies (May 2024) and doctorate of ministry (2025). God willing and the people consenting, pending his successful completion of all necessary requirements for ordination in The Episcopal Church, Crandall will be ordained to the transitional diaconate in Hawaii in the spring and is expected to be ordained to the priesthood in the fall at St. George’s, Summerville.

Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley shared her joy about this call to St. George’s, Summerville. “Michael is a gifted pastor with a heart for evangelism,” said the bishop. “He brings wonderful skills to St. George’s. I am inspired by his love for Jesus and his contagious enthusiasm about the parish. I look forward to welcoming him and his partner, Brayden, to our diocese!”
 
Crandall’s greatest passions in ministry include meeting people where they are and walking alongside them in their journey, as well as helping parishes discern God’s call for them and navigating the path to get there together. Crandall and his family look forward to the future with the people of St. George’s, Summerville. “Brayden & I are excited to partner with St. George’s on this journey, and we look forward to serving in the Diocese of South Carolina,” said Crandall.
 
A native of Tennessee, Crandall considers himself an avid life-long learner, and in addition to his current path of study at Sewanee, he previously earned multiple degrees at Union University including a Christian Ministry Diploma (2004), associate’s degree of divinity (2005), and Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership (2009). He completed a Master of Divinity at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 2014. His 26 years of ministry in The Baptist Church began in service as supply clergy at the age of 16, and later as hospital chaplain, minister of students, and senior clergy. He also served at a convention level in various roles including vice-chair of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board and vice president of the Tennessee Baptist Convention. As noted above, in 2017 he began serving in in the Chaplain Corps of the United States Navy, which brought him to the Diocese of Hawaii and The Episcopal Church.

When he moves to Summerville this year, Crandall will be joined by his partner, Brayden, and three children Hayden (19), Carter (17), and Brynlee (16). In his free time, Michael enjoys supporting his children in all that they do, reading, traveling, and exercising.  

About St. George’s, Summerville
Organized in 1979, St. George’s Episcopal Church is located at 9110 Dorchester Road, on the border of Summerville and North Charleston. St. George’s is a welcoming, diverse and stable congregation, dedicated to growing and expanding ministries to serve the families in a continually growing population. One of the church’s most active ministries is a Bookbag Buddies program that helps provide food security for students on the weekends and while they are not in school. The church offers services of worship each Sunday at 8 am (Holy Eucharist Rite I) and 10:30 am (Holy Eucharist Rite II). A time of Christian education and fellowship is held between the services from 9:15-10 am. 

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