The Reverend David Martin grew up near Wichita, Kansas. He received
a B.A. 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 Pastor
Dave became the Director of Youth Ministries at the Lutheran Church
of the Good Shepherd in Rockford, Illinois.
After marrying his wife, Lori, in 1995 Pastor Dave 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 then he accepted the call as Pastor
of Redeemer Presbyterian Mission Church in Lakeland, FL in 2008.
Since then Redeemer’s worship attendance has increased by 63%
and continues to grow. There has also been an increase in membership
by 43%. Education is of great importance to Pastor Dave and the congregation.
Sunday School is offered to every age group and there are also eight
active Community Groups. With the goal of particularization set for
November of 2010, three elder and four deacon candidates have been selected
and bi-weekly training has begun.
Pastor Dave and Lori have two children: Gannon (11) loves hunting or
fishing with his dad as well as playing baseball. Gianna (4) also loves
playing baseball (just like her mom!) and enjoys a hike in the woods
with her dad. Gianna also enjoys baking brownies and cookies when she
and her mom aren’t at the pool. Lori is always ready with camera
in hand to capture Gannon and Gianna in their newest adventure.
Everyone knows that it’s not an easy task to raise a family while
running a business. Lori does just that as she juggles the demands of
being a pastor’s wife and mother while working in her private
practice as a psychologist with Christian Counseling Center in Plant
City.
Although Pastor Dave is from Kansas and Lori is from Illinois, their
hearts are in south Lakeland. They both have a love for people with
broken lives and believe they, along with the Redeemer congregation,
can make a difference in the lives of those living in Redeemer’s
target area.
