Reverend Robert A. Crutchfield was ordained by St. Luke’s Evangelical Christian Ministries in 1998. He founded Kingdom Relationship Ministries that same year, endeavoring to help people use their faith to build their relationships. From there he has worked with the first responder community in chaplaincy roles, impacting the lives of those who serve. Currently he is chief chaplain at Christ 4 Responders, a member of the advisory board at Defense of Houston, and founding pastor at Compassion Church of Katy.
Planting and a Prayer
“We’ve been organizing for a year,” says Crutchfield of Compassion Church. “We are all about the priesthood of the believer, starting with premise that all have fallen short and no one is perfect. So our approach is to meet people where they are and apply Biblical principles to get them to where they need to be.” For instance, Crutchfield believes that some of the best alcohol counselors are recovering alcoholics who have actually experienced the journey. His new church is in the planting phase as seed money is raised and a meeting place is located. “We are a new kind of church, specifically ministering to those experiencing crisis. Our mission is to empower our members to minister as living vessels of Christ’s compassion, and starting from nothing we are working to build an active, Christ-loving, life-changing kind of church right here in our own home town.” He invites the community to get involved as the excitement builds.
2011 was also a remarkable year for Crutchfield’s now-famous “The First Responder’s Prayer.” Christian Author Loree Lough used Crutchfield’s prayer in her novel “From Ashes to Honor.” The book follows NYPD officer Austin Finley, who lost both his job and his brother after the terrorist attacks of 9-11. Crutchfield wrote the prayer just prior to being elected as Katy Fire Department Chaplain in 2008, and as the author researched the premise of her book she located the prayer and cited it in her author’s notes as well and referencing it in the body of the novel.
“This little prayer has appeared on several websites, and station walls since I wrote it, and I’m honored that it also appears in Ms. Lough’s book,” says Crutchfield.
A Lifetime of Service
“I never did like being on the sidelines in times of emergency,” says Crutchfield, who also previously served four years as chaplain-general of the Order of St. Isidore of Seville. In addition, he served with Red Cross Disaster Services in the early 80s and later in the Military Police Corps -Texas State Guard, and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. “It’s an honor to serve and impact the lives of others,” he says, adding, “We all have opportunities to help one another, some right at the doorstep of church.”
Always an active member of his community he served for several years as vice-president of the Recreation Board for the City of Galena Park, Texas (his hometown). From 1992-1994 he was chairman of the Public Relations Committee of the Harris County (Texas) Republican Party. From 1994-1996 he served as chairman of the Republican Party for the Sixth State Senate District. He has also served on numerous other boards and committees.
A Loving Family at Home and at KCM
Crutchfield’s wife, Leslie Karen Hunt-Crutchfield, is retired from The Katy Times and the couple have two daughters and five beloved grandchildren. He is also a Katy Christian Magazine columnist. Check out his hospice article in this edition.
Find out more about Compassion Church of Katy at their new website which is still partially under construction — www.compassionchurchkaty.org. You can find them on Facebook and also visit www.christ4responders.org.
