About David

With a fifteen year background in youth ministry, David knows the critical need for Christian leadership for adolescents. Serving as a director for Young life, an non-denominational ministry to high school kids, David experienced the youth culture before becoming a parent. There was endless involvement with young people during those unforgettable years. There were numerous speaking opportunities at weekly meetings, summer camps, and ski trips. Additionally, there were many occasions to share with parents through informative and promotional banquets. Since transitioning from career ministry into the business world over thirty years ago, David has served numerous churches as interim pastor and as a visiting teacher. Through the ministry of Iron Sharpens Iron which holds conferences for men, he has enjoyed speaking to dads concerning the discipleship of their children.

As David and Katy raised four sons and a daughter, “youth ministry” took on new meaning. Church and parachurch programs are extremely valuable, but the best opportunity for Christ-centered transformation of children is at home. His message is the importance of intentional and consistent action in exposing children to God’s word, which is eternal (Psalm 119:89) and never returns void (Isaiah 55:11)

Many men have experienced a “wake up” call that demands an evaluation of their influence as a dad. It may be an illness, a life-changing event, or an accident. In David’s case, it was a plane crash which should have been fatal. This led to the question: “If I had been taken out of this world, what have I imparted to my children that would impact them eternally?” The answer to this question is found in Deuteronomy 6:6-7. Following the greatest commandment, parents are told to “impress” God’s word upon the hearts of their children. This practical parenting instruction continues: “Talk about them when you sit at home, walk along the road, lie down and rise up.” Taking these verses literally, David began memorizing scripture with their five kids on a daily basis, witnessing God’s transforming work as they matured.

David and Katy live in Birmingham, Alabama, enjoying their five adult children and eleven grandchildren. The intentional approach of “ten minutes that transform” is taking place with another generation. As parents and grandparents, we have a sacred opportunity. We cannot produce Christ-like character in our children and grandchildren, but we can cooperate with God who can and who does.

References: Brian Doyle (Iron Sharpens Iron); Clair Hoover (NCMM); Roy Abbott (Focal Point Ministries)