About
Rev. David A. Davis serves as President of the Michigan District of the Lutheran Church– Missouri Synod. His most recent position was Executive Pastor of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Haslett and Lansing, Michigan. He has served in various leadership positions in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, planted congregations, developed multicultural ministry, led non-profit governance seminars, developed mentoring processes, written leadership development materials and facilitated meetings and retreats.
He and his wife Sallie have been married since 1980. They have four grown daughters, two granddaughters and a dog who sheds more than had been advertised.
My Story
God backed me into being a pastor. It was not my first choice. It was not on my radar.
When asked, “When did you know you wanted to be a pastor?” I have come to answer, “About 15 years into it.” For those first many years I kept thinking there has to be something else I can do… anything else.
But when God calls…
I am grateful for the privilege of being a parish pastor now for over 35 years. It has been a calling of significance. My ministry has not been written up in Christianity Today, I was never listed on the 25 new Christian leaders to watch, my congregation was never the fastest growing in the county… but there has always been significance. People have come to know Jesus. Marriages have been healed. Young people have been guided toward discipleship. Leaders have been developed.
Read the Bible. Spend more time in prayer. Serve. Preach the Gospel… with words, engaging and quirky. See what’s the most you can do. This has been my approach to ministry… and significance.
Long ago I read Chuck Colson who wrote that only two things can save America: the family and the local congregation. My dedicated path toward significance has been:
- Love, serve and be faithful to my family
- Give myself over to the health of the local congregation—mine and others.
Come join me in a quest for something more than success; let’s experience significance!
— Rev. David A. Davis
References
“He is a true example of a godly family man, sold out to Jesus and His Word, doing it in an organized fashion in terms of bringing people together in administration yet trusting the Lord, seeing serendipity of the Spirit where things and doors open up. Because of his humility, God has used him mightily. He is really the example of a true leader. If leaders have the gift of influence, it has been given to Dave Davis in abundance.”
David P.E. Maier, President, Michigan District, LCMS
“Dave Davis is worth listening to. He is truly a man without guile whose life reflects the simple, but compelling, practice of conforming his daily actions to principles of integrity. Add his many years of pastoral leadership and you have someone who is willing to share more than knowledge, but wisdom. Pay attention, be encouraged, and go do likewise!”
Scott Bolinder, Executive Director, Institute for Bible Reading
“I grew up in the Lutheran Church. I was always taught the importance of tradition. But something was missing. Pastor Davis pointed my eyes to Jesus. He showed me that my relationship with Jesus comes before my Christian denomination. During the year that I attended the Leadership Pathway, Pastor Davis provided weekly emails that helped me in my walk with Jesus and that I continue to use as a husband, father, and leader at St. Luke. I thank God for the guidance and wisdom that he provides to me and my family through the service of David Davis.”
Bob Filter, St. Luke Lutheran–Haslett, MI member, Leadership Pathway participant
“If your church, faith-based ministry, or non-profit organization needs assistance in the areas of leadership, Board of Directors development, Policy Based Governance training and development, strategic planning, or organizational effectiveness, I highly recommend Dave Davis – a consummate professional who has great intelligence, wisdom, wit, and a servant’s heart.”
Ruth Richert Martin, Executive Director, MOST Ministries
“Dave Davis brings a lifetime of deep thinking and the heart of a pastor to coaching leaders and consulting with organizations. Rather than superficial answers, he brings the rich questions that will help you find the path forward.”
James C. Galvin, Ed.D., Galvin & Associates, Inc., Author of “I’ve Got Your Back”
“Dave Davis is smart, insightful and wonderfully pithy. Check into what he is saying. You will be smarter and pithier for it!”
Greg Finke, Author of “Joining Jesus on His Mission”
“Dave is how I finally became happy in church work. Some pastors know a lot and others do a lot, but happiness comes from putting God’s principles to work. Dave shows people how to do that. His church, his family and his friends are the proof.”
Steven Newberg, Pastor, Ascension Lutheran Church, Charlotte, NC