Pastor Craig Ponder came to New Salem  in August of 2003 after his retirement from the United States Navy where he served 20 years as an aviation meteorologist and operational oceanographer.  He is a 1983 graduate of David Crockett High School and has been preaching the Gospel since February 1989.  Pastor Craig attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Pastoral Ministry and a Masters of Christian Education Degree from Southwest Bible College and Seminary. 
       His wife Tammy is a 1984 graduate of David Crockett High and faithfully serves by his side.  They were married in May 1986  and have two children; Rachel and Jonathan.  Rachel is a psychology major at the University of South Florida, and Jonathan is a junior at David Crockett High school where he plays trumpet in the Crockett Pioneer Marching Band.