One week after their wedding in 1969, Dave and Joanne began their journey in pastoral ministry. And what an adventure it has been—some thrilling joys and successes along with struggles and setbacks. While on a youth trip in their second year of ministry, they were rescued from a fiery head-on freeway collision with a drunk driver—driving on the wrong side of the freeway. Years later, Dave miraculously survived a 40-foot fall, an experience God used to correct and redirect him.
Dave’s ministry experience includes camp and youth ministry, church administration, and serving as a senior pastor for over thirty years. Joanne has been an active partner in the ministry, working alongside Dave while leading women’s ministries, mentoring, and teaching small groups. Currently, Dave is pastor emeritus for Woodbridge Church in Irvine, California, where he served as senior pastor for nearly twenty years. He also serves as a lead pastor for churches going through transition and a small-group leader and story writer for Saddleback Church.
Dave and Joanne are both graduates of Biola University. Joanne received her bachelor’s degree in nursing. Professionally, she has worked in alcohol and drug rehab and psychiatry with short and long term patients. The last 14 years have been with Kaiser Permanente. Dave received his bachelor’s degree in business administration at Biola and completed his seminary work at Talbot School of Theology. Additional graduate studies have included an MA in Biblical Studies and PhD in Church and Family Ministry.
Their two daughters, four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren are a source of joy and entertainment in their lives. A love for God’s beauty in nature takes them on hikes and rides on their recumbent bikes. They especially love sunsets at the ocean.
Having faced the painful side of personal and church life has equipped them to come alongside others. God has given them a heart for those who hurt, and a shared life mission to help others discover God’s power in their weakest moments. One of their greatest joys is sharing a cup of coffee or a meal—weeping with those who weep, and rejoicing with those who rejoice.
Dave’s ministry experience includes camp and youth ministry, church administration, and serving as a senior pastor for over thirty years. Joanne has been an active partner in the ministry, working alongside Dave while leading women’s ministries, mentoring, and teaching small groups. Currently, Dave is pastor emeritus for Woodbridge Church in Irvine, California, where he served as senior pastor for nearly twenty years. He also serves as a lead pastor for churches going through transition and a small-group leader and story writer for Saddleback Church.
Dave and Joanne are both graduates of Biola University. Joanne received her bachelor’s degree in nursing. Professionally, she has worked in alcohol and drug rehab and psychiatry with short and long term patients. The last 14 years have been with Kaiser Permanente. Dave received his bachelor’s degree in business administration at Biola and completed his seminary work at Talbot School of Theology. Additional graduate studies have included an MA in Biblical Studies and PhD in Church and Family Ministry.
Their two daughters, four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren are a source of joy and entertainment in their lives. A love for God’s beauty in nature takes them on hikes and rides on their recumbent bikes. They especially love sunsets at the ocean.
Having faced the painful side of personal and church life has equipped them to come alongside others. God has given them a heart for those who hurt, and a shared life mission to help others discover God’s power in their weakest moments. One of their greatest joys is sharing a cup of coffee or a meal—weeping with those who weep, and rejoicing with those who rejoice.