Pastor Craven grew up in western Pennsylvania in
McKeesport. In 1974 he graduated from Penn State University
with a degree in English (creative writing) and a minor in
History. From 1974 until 1983 he was involved in an extensive
musical career throughout the United States performing
original and traditional American folk, bluegrass and old
time music. He graduated from the LutheranTheological
Seminary at Gettysburg in 1987 and has served as the pastor
of Mellingers Evangelical Lutheran Church since that time.
During his time in Lancaster County, Pastor Craven has served
on the boards of LutherCare. the Lutheran Camping
Corporation of Central Pennsylvania, Ephrata Area Social
Services and on the Ephrata Area School Board.