Until 2020, Dr David Crawley was a Senior Lecturer in the School of Theology at Laidlaw College, specialising in Christian Spirituality. From time to time, he still lectures in the areas of spiritual care and professional supervision for people in ministry.

David believes strongly in the necessity of understanding and addressing the challenges of life and ministry with God's help, as well being acquainted with contemporary theological and theoretical understandings of personhood, relationality and vocation.

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 continues 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 American Academy of Religion and the International Network for the Study of Spirituality. He is on the editorial board of the Journal for the Study of Spirituality.

David grew up in rural areas of the South Island, before the family moved north in his high school years. Having studied mathematics at the University of Auckland, he trained and taught as a secondary school maths teacher. During his university years, involvement in Tertiary Students Christian Fellowship inspired him to integrate his faith with academic learning.

David then came to the Bible College of New Zealand and completed and BTh and MTh (in New Testament) through the Australian College of Theology. In 1990 he was appointed to the teaching staff, and at different times has has taught Old and New Testament, ethics, spiritual formation and pastoral care.

Alongside his work at BCNZ/Laidlaw, David has trained in spiritual direction and counselling, and is currently involved in training 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 Penwarden, where they both enjoy its green, quiet environment (not to mention its cafés!)