Biography

Rev. Craig Tatum currently serves as Pastor for First Salem Missionary Baptist Church in Battle Creek, Michigan, a role he has served in since June 1998. Prior to coming to Battle Creek, Rev. Tatum was Director of Affirmative Action and Cultural Programming for Saginaw Valley State University and a Youth Pastor & Director for New Life Baptist Church. Rev. Tatum’s passion for youth and families has led him to hold positions such as Assistant Director for Bay County Juvenile Home, Director of Project SUCCESS for Saginaw Public Schools, Probation Officer for Saginaw County and Treatment Specialist for Boysville of Michigan. Rev. Craig Tatum received his Bachelors of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice with a Minor in Sociology from Saginaw Valley State University in Saginaw, MI. Seeing a need to further his education, he pursued and obtained a Masters of Art Degree in Political Science/Criminal Justice from Saginaw Valley State University. Since accepting the call to Pastor First Salem Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. Tatum has completed his Masters in Ministry Leadership at Grand Rapids Bible Baptist Seminary. He received an Honorary Doctorate in Ministry Leadership from Bell Grove Theological Seminary. Rev. Tatum has served on many boards since coming to Battle Creek; United Way, IN One Accord, Community Action Agency, United Ministerial Community Alliance, Minority Health Partnership, and Legacy Enterprises. Rev. Tatum is the recipient of many awards, All-American Honors in Track and Field, Whitney M. Young Service Award, Andrew Service Award, Deans List, Malcolm-X Award, Who’s who in American Colleges and Universities to name a few. Rev Tatum currently serves as President of the Chain Lake District Missionary Baptist Association. He is a Nationally Certified Instructor for the National Baptist Convention USA Inc. Rev. Tatum is currently serving as Director for First Salem Ministries Inc. and administrating the Nationally Recognized program “Parenting Across Cultures” (formerly known as Strengthening Multi-Ethnic Families and Effective Black Parenting).