Dr. David Martin was born and raised in McMinnville. He has a long history of working and serving in ministry while living in the Yamhill-Carlton area. This includes a variety of experiences, ranging from bucking hay bales and driving school bus, to serving in children and youth ministry.

Family:

In March 2010 David married the love of his life, Kerry. They enjoy doing life and ministry together as a team. Kerry has a bachelor’s degree in music and a master’s degree in counseling. She enjoys teaching and playing the piano, leading worship, as well as doing pre-marital and other forms of counseling with David. The Lord has blessed them with three delightful children: Timothy, Andrew, and Elizabeth. They bring a lot of joy (and tiredness) into our lives!

Education:

David has a lifelong hunger for a personal knowledge of God and a deep understanding of the Bible. His love for learning has taken him down a rich educational path:

- 2-year diploma – The Great Commission School in McMinnville, 1998.

- Associate of Religion – Salem Bible College, 2004.

- Bachelor of Science in Bible and Pastoral Studies with a minor in Christian Education – Eugene Bible College, 2006.

- Master of Divinity – Multnomah Biblical Seminary, 2009

- Doctor of Ministry – Western Seminary, 2019. Dissertation: “The Return of the Dones: Why Disconnected Believers have Reconnected with the Organized Church”

Ministry Experience:

David’s greatest passion is to teach the Bible in a way that is easy to understand and applicable to life. He loves helping people grow as disciples of Jesus and answering their questions about God, faith, and the Bible. His extensive ministry experience includes these highlights:

- Royal Ranger commander for 7 years, teaching the Bible and outdoor skills.

- Missionary in Belize, Central America for 10 months. Assisting with a church and school, building a pastor’s house, and restarting Royal Rangers in the country.

- Youth pastor in Carlton for 3 years, including collaborating with YCC on ministry events, such as the Memorial Day Getaway at Camp Koinonia.

- Preaching at Gilham Community Church in Eugene for over 16 years and serving as their senior pastor for over 14 ½ years. During this time he taught several adjunct classes at Northwest University Salem campus, partnered with other ministry leaders in serving the community, and invested in the neighborhood by chairing the Northeast Neighbors board.

Interests:

David enjoys reading about theology, spiritual growth, and practical ministry. He loves exploring the forest, beach, and mountains. His favorite recreational activities include: hiking, camping, visiting national parks, and traveling. He loves hanging out with family and friends, watching movies, and doing target practice.

Random / Weird fact:

David won an international school bus driving competition. Yes, there is such a thing! If you aspire to such greatness, a good way to practice is by dodging potholes in the gravel roads around Yamhill. It worked for him!