In 1983, I began to follow the Lord Jesus Christ on a spiritual journey. I have discovered that His covenant with me is unconditional. He will never leave me or forsake me. He holds me in His hands, and He knows me by name. He is my best and closest Friend.
Over the years, the Lord has revealed the particular path of life He has designed for me. Sometimes the path is easy and comforting, and other times it is treacherous and difficult. But He is with me every step of the way, even when I make walking the path more complicated than it should be.
In 1987, my journey took a new turn. The Lord called me to serve Him as a pastor to His people, and so I began to prepare myself in every way to fulfill this calling. I have discovered that being a pastor is both more than a vocation and less than a complete definition of who I am.
The following year my journey led me to meet Amy Edwards. We became instant friends. My heart grew to love her over the years, and we were married in August of 1992. Amy is the love of my life and my soulmate.
A few months our wedding, Amy and I went off to seminary to continue my education. In 1995 I began my first pastorate, and a few months later Timothy was born (on my birthday!). After Timothy came Jonathan and then Mindi. All three kids are absolutely wonderful. Each one is intelligent, talented, good-looking–all of which can be attributed to Amy. Our family is complete, as each one has received the Lord Jesus Christ.
With the full support of my family and the good people of the First Baptist Church of Mt. Healthy, Ohio, in 2005 I completed my formal education with a Doctor of Ministry degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Hopefully I haven’t finished learning yet, though.
In 2006, I was called to become the Senior Pastor at Woodland Acres Baptist Church. I’m excited about the discoveries and challenges that our church will encounter, for I believe that the people of Woodland Acres are willing to go where the Lord leads them.
In the end, I’m just a guy from Texas who loves the Lord. He’s my Savior and my King; my Friend and my Guide. I’m so thankful that He called me to follow Him on this journey.
In Christ,
David
P.S. If I can assist you in any way to begin or continue your journey with Christ, send me an email at david@davidrhoades(dot)org.
