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Cheryl Crawford, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Youth Ministry, Department of Practical Theology
Phone: (626) 815-6000 ext 5625
Email: ccrawford@apu.edu
Fax: (626) 815-5469
Cheryl A. Crawford, Ph.D., M.Div., M.S.Ed., teaches youth ministry in the Department of Practical Theology, Division of Religion and Philosophy. Her areas of expertise include adolescent development, youth ministry, and practical theology. Crawford has written and presented on a variety of topics pertaining to the impact of mentoring on middle to late adolescents. Crawford is a member of the Association of Youth Ministry Educators, American Academy of Religion, and the Society of Biblical Literature.

Education

Ph.D. - Fuller Theology Seminary, 2008
M.Div. - Fuller Theological Seminary, 2002
M.S.Ed. - University of Southern California, 1981
B.A. - Gordon College, 1977

Expertise

  • Adolescent Development
  • Practical Theology
  • Youth Ministry

Courses Taught

YMIN 200 – Philosophy and Theology of Youth Ministry
YMIN 495 – Topics in Youth Ministry

Professional/Scholarly Presentations

Presentations
2008 Association of Youth Ministry Educators (AYME) The College Transition Project: Factors Related to Students' Continuing Faith Journey, October.

2007 Youth Specialities: Deep Justice in a Shallow World. Critical concerns course co-taugh with Chap Clark.

October 2008. Society for the Scientific Study of Religion (SSSR) College Transition Project: Factors Related to Continued Spiritual Growth During College.

October 2006. Association of Youth Ministry Educators (AYME) Diamond Ranch High School: A Study in How Mid-Adolescents Develop Friendships; College Transition Project: From Youth Group to College

October 2006. College Transition Project: From Youth Group to College. AYME National Meeting.

Publications
Scaffolding: Providing Supports Beyond the Family. InSite (Journal of Christian Camp and Conference Association)

2008. High School Youth Group Seniors Transitioning to College: Risk Behavior, Social Support, Religiosity, and Attitude Toward Youth Group (co-authored with Kara Powell and Cameron Lee) Christian Education Journal, Spring.

2007. Life After High School: Does Your Ministry Make the Grade? (co-authored with Kara Powell and Brad Griffin) YouthWorker Journal, March/April.

2007. Learning from Youth and the Precarious Transition from High School to College (co-authored with Cameron Lee and Kara Powell) Theology, News, and Notes 54 (3), Fall.

2005. Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers, CYFM E-Journal June, http://www.cyfm.net/article.php?article=soul_searching.html.

Research
November 2007 Youth Specialties National Youthworker’s Convention Critical Concerns Course Deep Ministry in a Shallow World

View All Professional/Scholarly Presentations

Professional Experience

Academic Experience
Adjunct faculty, Youth Ministry, Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, California, 2006-present

Adjunct instructor, Youth Ministry, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California, 2003-present

Ministerial/Para-church Experience
Pastor, Camp Brookwoods and Deer Run, Alton, New Hampshire, 2005-06

Professional Involvement and Accomplishments

Associations, Boards, Committees
2004 – present Association of Youth Ministry Educators
2003 – present American Academy of Religion
2003 – present Society of Biblical Literature
1999 – present Christian Camping International
1980 – 1985 American Psychological Association (presented two papers at national conferences): Adolescent Leadership: Research and Program Recommendations; Sierra Sojourn: A Wilderness Experience for Resident Assistants
1978 – 1985 American Educational Research Association (presented two papers at national convention): Factors Affecting Women’s Vocational Choices; Student-Faculty Informal Contact and Retention of Students
Special Interests and Activities
Spiritual transformation in adolescents
The impact of adolescent development on youth ministry praxis
Understanding adolescent culture
The impact of mentoring on middle and late adolescents
How to help students integrate the disconnected aspects of their lives
The stability of adolescent leadership development components: What components translate to any SES, ethnic, or geographic area with similar effectiveness?
Connecting ecclesiology with praxis of youth ministry

Office Hours

See Office door. Appts recommended.

Office Location

John and Marilyn Duke Academic Complex, Room 253, West Campus