David grew up attending a Lutheran church in Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Prior to entering seminary, he had a nearly 25-year career in journalism that included stints as a sports reporter, arts and entertainment writer, features writer, and editor of Town&Gown magazine in State College. He co-authored a book, The Great Book of Penn State Sports List, with his brother. David also has done work with Jana Marie Foundation, a local organization that deals with suicide prevention, mental health and mental wellness in young people. 

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David and his wife, Jennifer, have been married for 17 years and the couple has two sons, Ryan and Nathan.