About David

A bit about me

I am a pastor, biblical scholar, author, teacher, counselor, and leadership consultant. For nearly thirty years, I have helped individuals, couples, churches, and organizations think more clearly, develop healthier relationships, and live as disciples of Jesus.

I earned a Ph.D. in Historical Theology (nearly a double major with New Testament) from Baylor University, a Master of Divinity in Pastoral Studies, and a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies (nearly a double major with Sacred Music) from Gardner-Webb University. My academic work has focused on biblical studies, theology, pastoral counseling, and the Greco-Roman world.

Throughout my ministry, I have served in multiple executive roles, chiefly as senior pastor, college professor, consultant, and counselor. I have taught Scripture, developed leaders, revitalized churches, created discipleship resources, and provided pastoral counseling to individuals and couples.

My goal is to help people think clearly, understand deeply, and live faithfully. I care about rigorous biblical interpretation, honest questions, emotional and relational health, and practical Christian discipleship.

I am married to Elaine, an educator and children’s ministry consultant. We have two children, Hayden (aspiring film director) and Julia (aspiring therapist). When I am not teaching, writing, counseling, or creating videos, I enjoy movies, music, strength training, and spending time with my family.

What I Do

I help people understand Scripture within its historical, literary, and theological contexts so they can interpret it carefully and apply it faithfully.

Biblical Teaching

I help individuals and couples develop healthier relationships, work through conflict, establish boundaries, and pursue emotional and spiritual growth.

Pastoral Counseling

I help churches, ministries, and leaders clarify their mission, develop effective systems, equip people, and create healthier organizational cultures.

Leadership & Consulting

A Brief Statement of What I Believe

I am an evangelical Protestant Christian who believes in the one true God, eternally existing as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

I believe that Jesus Christ is the crucified and risen Lord, the unique revelation of God, and the world’s rightful King. Through his life, death, and resurrection, God offers forgiveness, reconciliation, new life, and entrance into his kingdom.

I believe the Protestant Canon is the chief written authority for Christian faith and practice and should be interpreted carefully within its historical, literary, and theological contexts.

I believe salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith, and expressed through repentance, baptism, and obedience in lifelong discipleship.

I believe the Holy Spirit is active in the church and in the lives of believers, forming Christlike character, empowering ministry, and equipping God’s people to serve.

I believe the church is called to make disciples,: sharing the Gospel so that a person might surrender to Jesus, get baptized as a sign of that repentance, and then the church helps that disciple understand and obey all that Jesus commanded.

I believe God designed marriage as a lifelong covenant between one adult man and one adult woman. Sexual intimacy belongs within that covenant. I therefore do not affirm same-sex marriage or sexual relationships outside marriage. The church must neither abandon Christian sexual ethics nor use them as an excuse for cruelty, contempt, or exclusion.

I believe Jesus will return, the dead will be raised, evil will be judged, and God will renew creation.

Let’s Connect

Whether you are looking for thoughtful biblical teaching, pastoral counseling, leadership consultation, or a speaker for your church or organization, I would be glad to hear from you.

DrDavidWPendergrass@gmail.com