Dave came to know the Lord, or was saved through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, at the age of 16, during a revival that was stirring among the youth in town. Soon after, he realized and accepted the call into the ministry.
 

He attended Circleville Bible College and graduated from there with a B.A. in Christian Ministry in 1986. Soon after he served for a short term as an associate pastor in the Wesleyan Denomination in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
 

While in Fort Wayne, Dave and his wife Tia found themselves by “Divine appointment” attending Broadway Christian Church, pastored by Bob Yawberg. Bob was a leader of a renewal movement within the Christian Churches (Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ) called CSR. Dave’s ministry outlook was greatly affected by his encounter and relationship with Bob Yawberg and the Broadway body there in Ft. Wayne. 
 

At the end of 1989, Dave and Tia felt that it was in the Lord’s will to return to their native Lancaster to begin the founding of a church work there. Starting out as a home Bible study fellowship they later joined with another brother and his home fellowship and established and incorporated a new church and then co-pastored together until December of 1997.
 

Then believing it to be in the Lord’s will and timing, Dave branched out and founded a brand new ministry work called Word of Promise Family Church. Word of Promise takes a stand for God’s everlasting covenant promises given to those who will come to Him, seek Him, and follow Him all through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ! It is our endeavor to bring the good news of God’s love and grace into the lives and households of the people in this region!