Lead Pastor of Heritage Baptist Church in Haslet Resigns Following Controversy Surrounding Son’s Employment

Eric Crawford resigned as pastor of Heritage Baptist Church after his son, a registered sex offender, was found working at the church school.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 3, 2026, 11:25 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Dallas Express

Resignation of Lead Pastor Eric Crawford

Heritage Baptist Church announced that Eric Crawford resigned from his position as lead pastor effective March 1, 2026. The resignation comes after Crawford took a leave of absence in late February following the arrest of his son, Caleb Crawford. The elder Crawford's departure follows intense scrutiny regarding the church's decision to employ an individual with a criminal history in a capacity that allowed proximity to children. As of early March, the church has not named a permanent replacement but has appointed an interim pastor to lead the search for new leadership.

Employment of a Registered Sex Offender on Campus

Caleb Crawford, who is required to register as a sex offender for life, was employed as a maintenance worker at Heritage Christian Academy, the church’s private school. Beyond maintenance duties, such as installing security cameras and performing janitorial work, Caleb Crawford also led music services for the church. According to law enforcement documents, children at the academy recognized him by name and were familiar with his vehicle. The church terminated his contract only after parents discovered his presence on campus and raised formal concerns.

Knowledge of Status and Safety Failures

The arrest affidavit for Caleb Crawford indicates that several teachers and staff members at the school were aware of his status as a sex offender. However, these employees were reportedly instructed by leadership not to disclose this information to parents. Caleb Crawford’s underlying conviction dates back to 2016, when he pleaded guilty to indecency with a child involving his younger cousin. He served two years in prison for the offense and remains under strict lifetime registration requirements, which he is now accused of violating.