VITAL Conversations with Pastor Jordan & Meghan Crane
Vital Conversations: Lessons Learned from the Margins.
Name: Jordan Crane
Spouse: Meghan Crane
Kids/Grandkids: Paris (18), Charlie (16), Judah (1)
Church: Ignite Church in Franklin, VA
How long have you pastored this church? 4 years
Other churches you have served? Bedford Church of God, Gateway Fellowship Church of God (Macon, GA/North Georgia COG), & Dublin Church of God. All as youth pastor.
1. How has God confirmed His calling on your life?
That confirmation comes through prayer and reading the word. Without those items, my ministry and what He has called me to won’t happen.
I received the call to ministry when I was 14. I didn’t know what to do with that calling so I served where I could as often as I could. Little did I know, that was what God was looking for. Ministry is serving and God was preparing me for a life of servanthood.
2. How has God proven His faithfulness in your ministry?
He has made a way when it seemed like there was no way and has provided for my family and church family so many times. He has provided a way for us to get a new AC unit, new computer, upgrade our marketing materials, and celebrate the legacy and heritage of this church. Even when it seemed like those things wouldn’t be taken care of, He ALWAYS provided in His perfect timing.
3. Why do you enjoy pastoring your local congregation?
Honestly, it’s because Ignite Church is a family. When one hurts, we all hurt. When one rejoices, we all rejoice. They have a heartbeat for our community.
4. Why is your local congregation vital to your community?
The congregation at Ignite really takes hold of its name—we want to be used to spark a revival in this area of Southampton & Isle of Wight counties that is stricken in so many facets of life. We believe that the spiritual dam that is in this community that has been up for years is about to bust open.
5. What is one valuable lesson you’ve learned from a misstep or mistake in handling a situation?
It’s been one of those things where I have to understand that God’s timing is HIS timing and not mine. The countless times I’ve tried to rush Him is unreal. But He is so good and so faithful.
6. Have you had to think “outside the box” to accomplish a task or mission in the church and what was it?
We had an outreach that we learned at Dublin COG under the Caylor’s called Loads of Love. We continued that ministry in Franklin and it has been so impactful for this community. It takes place every Saturday during the month of February and a small team will go to the local laundromat to pay for a load of laundry, washed and dried. We introduce ourselves as being from Ignite Church and discuss our purpose and then ask if we can pray for them. We have found that hardly anyone will turn down prayer. We also give them an invite card to church.
7. What are some of the future ministry goals for your church?
To continue pushing the boundaries of what normal church ministry looks like in this town. There is another level of ministry that we’ve been called to and we’re beginning to walk in that now.
To also continue preaching freedom in the Spirit as opposed to the chains of this world. We will also continue to preach how to receive the peace of God in the midst of a chaotic world.
