David earned degrees from Humboldt State University, the University of Redlands, and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. He served congregations in both California and Oregon and served in Madagascar in a project of interfaith dialogue between Christian and Muslim communities. He was the CEO and Pastor for Central City Lutheran Mission in San Bernardino, California. CCLM is a social ministry of the ELCA that provides housing, food, education, health care, and empowerment for the most vulnerable people in a city of extreme poverty.