Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Stephen Crotts

  Tom Vail – April 23, 2026

Rev. Stephen Crotts, one day shy of his 75th birthday, recently went to be with the One he loved and served for more than 50 years. After becoming a Christian, I sat under his teaching and mentorship for many years. He tied the knot for Paula and me in 1995, and the following year he took his first of several river trips through the Grand Canyon.

About halfway through that first trip, we were sitting one evening overlooking the river when he said, “Tom, you need to figure out a way to share this place with fellow believers.” At the time, neither of us was an avid creationist. We were just talking about a “Christian trip,” void of the worldliness of secular trips, a trip where people could feel comfortable bringing families and young kids, where it would be the norm to see people praying before a meal.

That sparked the idea that became Canyon Ministries. His vision turned a hopeful conversation into a plan, and his early passion set the ministry’s direction. That direction would soon change as we both fully embraced what Scripture says about creation.

From that initial conversation, Canyon Ministries grew from our first trip of 14 people the following year, with Stephen serving as the spiritual leader, to reaching over 6,000 people in 2025.

Stephen went on to make several trips with Canyon Ministries, sharing the experience with his wife and boys. Through his ministry, Carolina Study Center, he shared the foundational truth found in Genesis at college campuses throughout the Southeast.

Those who knew Stephen remember him for his humility and steadfast faith. Canyon Ministries honors Stephen’s legacy by continuing the mission he helped ignite: to serve with love, build community, and offer hope and truth. We are grateful for his contributions and invite all touched by his life to celebrate his memory with us.

Well done, Stephen! We would not be where we are without you.