Called by God, led by the Holy Spirit, and dedicated to serving his community, Pastor J. Nathaniel Crout's legacy is one of unwavering faith and transformative impact. He was named pastor emeritus in 2021.

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 J. Nathaniel Crout has been a respected pillar of the Ypsilanti community for over five decades and is the esteemed founding pastor of New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church. Established in 1977, the church flourished under his visionary leadership, expanding its footprint to 33 acres and completing two building phases. Although retired as of 2021, Pastor Crout continues to be a revered figure, known for being a devoted husband, a loving father, and nurturing grandfather. 

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Earning a Bachelor of Religious Education from Detroit Bible College, Pastor Crout further enriched his educational journey with brief studies at Andersonville Baptist Seminary. He was later honored with a Doctor of Divinity from the Tennessee School of Religion in 2001. 

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From the church's inaugural service at L.C. Perry School in Ypsilanti to its current campus, Pastor Crout has always been unswervingly committed to both the spiritual growth of his congregation and community service. Holding positions of influence on various boards and commissions across Washtenaw County, including the Washtenaw Housing Commission, the J.O.S.H.U.A. program, and Huron Valley Christian Academy, his reach extended well beyond the pulpit. His enduring passion for youth empowerment manifested itself through key initiatives such as the Boy Scouts of America and Young Bucks, a specialized ministry under the umbrella of New Covenant. 

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Throughout his years in ministry, Pastor Crout garnered recognition as a compelling lecturer and sought-after guest speaker, especially within various church conferences. Among his most notable contributions were his appearances at the Wolverine State Convention, where he was a recurring figure and a respected voice, imparting wisdom and encouragement to leaders and attendees alike. 

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Retired from official pastoral duties, Pastor Crout now directs his energies toward the Partnership in Economic Alliance for Community Empowerment (PEACE). Through this initiative, he leads projects and programs aimed at transforming the West Willow area, specifically focusing on the development of a local community center and an independent living community for senior citizens.

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Throughout his career, Pastor Crout has received numerous accolades, including special tributes and proclamations from figures like Governor Gretchen Whitmer and former President Bill Clinton. 

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In his ongoing mission, Pastor Crout remains a living example of Jeremiah 3:15, continuously nourishing his community “with knowledge and understanding,” a legacy that not only speaks but also acts.