About the Speaker:
Dr David Crawley is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Theology at Laidlaw College. He specialises in the areas of Christian Spirituality and Pastoral Care and has taught at the College for 30 years.
David's PhD research (University of Waikato) explored people's experiences of unhelpful forms of religious authority, with a view to understanding why this issue arises all too often within Christian communities. Subsequently, much of his research and writing has continued to focus on issues of power, particularly as they arise in the context of spiritual care. He has presented on this theme at various conferences, including the British Association for the Study of Spirituality.
Alongside his work at Laidlaw, David has trained in spiritual direction and counselling, and is now involved in the training of spiritual directors through Spiritual Growth Ministries. He also serves as a non-stipendiary Anglican priest in Titirangi. He lives in that part of Auckland with his wife Sarah, where they both enjoy its quiet, green environment (not to mention its cafés!)