LCC Staff Spotlight: Jeff Cranston

You may know LCC’s staff members, but do you really know them? In this new blog series, you will find out more about the people who serve on LCC’s staff. From their favorite food to their favorite Bible verse, some of their answers may surprise you! This week meet Jeff Cranston, LCC’s lead pastor.

Pastor Jeff Cranston with his wife Darlene and their grandchildren.

Write your bio in three sentences:

I am a son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. A pastor, teacher and author. I enjoy telling stories as one beggar showing other beggars where to find Bread.

What’s the weirdest or most interesting job you have ever had?

Baling and putting up hay all day and being paid in a six-pack of Nehi orange soda.

What job would you like to have if you were not working in ministry?

Firefighter/paramedic or farmer.

Where is your favorite place to be?

I really enjoy the western North Carolina mountains.

What is your favorite book?

Pretty sure it's pre-ordained that I have to answer “Bible” here (and it really is my favorite!), but outside of that, anything written by F.W. Boreham, David McCullough, or John Grisham. 

What is your favorite movie?

I’m not much of a movie guy.

What kind of music do you listen to?

For studying and writing: classical. In the truck: either country, bluegrass, or southern gospel.

What is your favorite food?

A good cut of tenderloin from my Green Egg grill.

What is your favorite thing about living in the Lowcountry?

The people.

What is your favorite Bible verse and why?

Hebrews 4:15: “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things, as we are, yet without sin.” 

C.H. Spurgeon wrote, “It is one thing to see pain but another thing to be touched with the feeling of it. Our pain, our depression, our trembling and sensitiveness—Jesus was touched with these though He did not fall into the sin that so often comes of them.” 

Briefly tell us about your role at LCC …

I am the lead pastor whose primary roles consist of being the main communicator, visionary, equipper and primary guardian of our church’s theology and culture.

How have you seen or experienced God at work in your ministry?

Every time I am privileged to preach the everlasting gospel and lead our congregation in a salvation prayer, then look up to see those who have said “yes” to Jesus for the first time, I am privileged to see God at work—during that very moment—in someone’s life.

What is one thing most people don’t know about you?

I served as a minister of music in two churches, used to play in a bluegrass band, and love Elvis.