Dave grew up near Wichita, Kansas. He received a BA from Fort Hays State University in Kansas in 1989. After moving to Omaha, Nebraska, he worked for the Pepsi Co. in marketing development and sales, but always felt he belonged in the ministry. In 1992, he became the Director of Youth Ministries at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Rockford, Illinois. After marrying his wife, Lori, in 1995 he enrolled at Reformed Theological Seminary of Orlando and graduated with a Master of Divinity in 2000. He served as Associate Pastor at Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Plant City, FL for seven years before he accepted the call as Pastor of Redeemer in 2008.  Dave and Lori have two children: Gannon (Emily) and Gianna [college sophomore].