Memorial Services Announced for Dr. Larry Crabb, Christian Counseling Pioneer

Renowned Christian psychologist, speaker and Bible teacher Dr. Larry Crabb died on Sunday, Feb. 28, peacefully and pain free in his home after a 24-year battle with two types of cancer.

He is survived by his wife and middle school sweetheart, Rachael, to whom he was married for over 54 years; two sons; Kep and Ken; two beloved daughters-in-law; and five grandchildren.

Two memorial services have been announced, one on April 9 at 1:30 Eastern in Lake Wylie, South Carolina at the Community Church of Lake Wylie, and one on April 16 at 1:30 MDT at Colorado Christian University in Lakewood, Colorado. Both services are open to friends and family, but space is limited and registration is required. Both services will be livestreamed. The family encourages all who can to join the services virtually. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Larger Story, Larry’s legacy ministry. Details about the services, livestream links and how to donate are available at largerstory.com/larrys-memorial/.

Dr. Crabb earned his Ph.D. in clinical psychology at the University of Illinois. He was the founder of NewWay Ministries and co-founder of Larger Story. He started and developed the counseling center at Florida Atlantic University and established two other counseling programs, first at Grace Theological Seminary and then at Colorado Christian University, which continue today. He was a distinguished scholar in residence at Colorado Christian University in Morrison, Colorado, and taught at Regent College in Vancouver, B.C.; Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana; Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida; as well as the University of Illinois, where he was given the Teacher of the Year Award. In 2018, Colorado Christian University dedicated the Larry J. Crabb Center for University Counseling.

Dr. Crabb authored his first book in 1975, titled Basic Principles of Biblical Counseling. He wrote over 25 books during his career, winning two Gold Medallion Awards for his titles Understanding People and Inside Out. He released his final book, Waiting for Heaven: Freedom From the Incurable Addiction to Self, in 2020.

He was given the Paraklesis Award at the 2nd International Congress on Christian Counseling for his pioneering work in the field of Christian counseling. For 10 years, he served as the spiritual director for the American Association of Christian Counselors.

Dr. Crabb believed that sin is not just what we say or do or think, it is primarily relational in nature, a failure to love perfectly the way Jesus did. He taught that becoming spiritually formed is a movement from predominantly self-protection, or relational sin, to increasing sacrificial love or relational holiness. All of his work centered around exploring, understanding and equipping others to put Jesus on display by the way they related. {eoa}