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Election as General Superintendent
Dr. Gustavo A. Crocker was elected as the 41st General Superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene during the 28th General Assembly held in Indianapolis, Indiana, in June 2013.
Early Life and Education
Born on July 27, 1963, in San Jerónimo, Baja Verapaz, Guatemala, Dr. Crocker initially pursued a career in architecture. He earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Universidad Mariano Gálvez in Guatemala City in 1988. He is also a licensed architect by profession, blending technical expertise with community development insights.
As a Fulbright Scholar, he obtained a Master’s degree in Community Planning from the University of Cincinnati in 1992.
Furthering his education, Dr. Crocker earned a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Regent University in 2001 as a Latin American Leadership Scholar.
In recognition of his contributions to the global church, Olivet Nazarene University awarded him an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree in 2014.
Ministry and Leadership Experience
Dr. Crocker has held various leadership roles within the Church of the Nazarene and other global Christian organizations. His leadership roles have spanned four continents—Latin America, North America, Europe, and Asia—shaping global strategies for compassionate ministries and church growth:
- Eurasia Regional Director (2004–2013): Oversaw the church’s work across Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia.
- Senior Vice President for Programs at World Relief Corporation: Led global humanitarian initiatives.
- Director of Field Management for Compassion International: Managed field operations and partnerships.
- Administrative Director of Nazarene Compassionate Ministries International: Based in Kansas City, Missouri, he coordinated global compassionate ministry efforts.
- Regional Coordinator of Nazarene Compassionate Ministries: Served in Quito, Ecuador, focusing on regional development programs.
He was ordained as an elder in the Church of the Nazarene on the Mid-Atlantic District.
Academic and Teaching Contributions
Dr. Crocker has taught at various universities across Latin America, Europe, and the United States. He has also been a guest lecturer at seminaries, colleges, and universities in the United States, Latin America, Asia, and Europe.
His teaching and lectures have influenced theological education and leadership formation in emerging church contexts worldwide.
Authorship and Publications
Proficient in multiple languages, Dr. Crocker has authored several books and articles in Spanish and English, with his writings translated into more than 20 languages.
His multilingual publications address topics such as leadership, mission strategy, and church development, making them accessible to a broad global audience.
Dr. Crocker’s proficiency in several languages enhances his ability to communicate across cultures and serve effectively in a global leadership role.
Personal Life
Dr. Crocker and his wife, Rachel, have two grown daughters, Raquel and Beth.
Leadership as General Superintendent
As General Superintendent, Dr. Crocker serves alongside:
- Dr. David A. Busic
- Dr. Filimão M. Chambo
- Dr. Carla D. Sunberg
- Dr. Christian Sarmiento
- Dr. T. Scott Daniels
Together, they provide apostolic and visionary leadership to the global Church of the Nazarene, which comprises over 30,000 congregations in 165 world areas.
