Meet Pastor David

I started my journey as a pastor in 1985, taking on the role at a small church in rural Missouri when I was just 21 years old. As the years went by, my influence in ministry grew. Then, in January 2010, my wife Karen and I strongly felt the Lord's leading to become pastors at South Bay Church, as there was no pastor present. After the congregation and elders approached us and asked us to take on this responsibility, we made the difficult decision to let go of our business, CORE, which we had founded and owned for seven years. With CORE, we and our teams traveled extensively across the United States, speaking at and guiding companies of all sizes in building healthy structures, goals, and cultures. Our ministry opportunities flourished during those seven years.

However, when the call from the Lord to pastor South Bay Church came, Karen and I knew we had to walk away from our business and wholeheartedly invest in our church family. Since then, we have been blessed beyond measure. We have had the privilege of planting several regional churches, such as City Pointe Church in Plant City, Sea Glass Church in Apollo Beach, and Appointed Church in Lithia. We have also equipped and sent out numerous pastors who are leading vibrant churches in different parts of the country. Witnessing the astounding growth and expansion of South Bay, we have seen the ministry of Jesus Christ flourish in incredible ways.

On a personal note, I have been happily married to Karen for 30 years, and we are proud parents of three married daughters: Phil and Abby Martin (and their daughter, Ember), Greg and Morgan Crandall, and Joshua and Sierra Harper. In terms of education, I hold a Ph.D. in systematic theology, a DM in applied theology, and an MA in counseling. I am currently licensed as a professional counselor in Florida.