Third Baptist Church | Detroit, MI
In July 2023, Third Baptist Church elected Rev. Adrian D. Cranford as its 9th Pastor. Called to ministry in 2002, he was licensed under Pastor Larry Neal Trice and later ordained under the late Bishop William H. Bonner. Pastor Cranford has served in key leadership roles across Illinois and Michigan, including supporting his father, Superintendent Clarence Cranford, Jr.
He founded Higher Dimensions Center (COGIC) in Fraser, Michigan in 2018. For five consecutive years, his outreach team, Chosen Rhythms, ministered throughout Metro Detroit—offering prayer, compassion, and worship at nursing homes, shelters, and charity events. Inspired by Ephesians 3:17–19, his ministry focuses on making the love of Christ visible and accessible.
Pastor Cranford earned a B.A. in English from the University of Arkansas–Little Rock and a Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He is licensed to practice law in Michigan and Connecticut, and currently serves as a Staff Attorney with the Macomb County Office of Public Defender.
He is also a two-time recipient (2020 & 2021) of the Thriving Church Ministries Certificate from Ashland Theological Seminary, and actively mentored other pastors and ministry leaders to help strengthen churches and communities.
His civic involvement includes:
A gifted musician since age 10, Pastor Cranford has served as Minister of Music for numerous congregations, including Bishop-Elect Marvin L. Winans at Perfecting Church.
He is joyfully married to Lady Monica Mone’t Cranford, a hospice RN, and together they raise two children, Reina and Brayden, who serve alongside them in ministry.
Guided by Philippians 1:6, Pastor Cranford remains committed to preaching, worship, community transformation, and building strong families through the love and truth of God.
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