David was ordained in 1997, and has 27 years continuous experience in teaching spiritual principles to all ages, serving for 14 years of that time in an unpaid and self-funded capacity. He is inspired by the Bible and the spiritual writings of Emanuel Swedenborg, as well as broader interests in psychology, science, and other religions and spiritual philosophies. He has served congregations in Birmingham, UK, and Canberra, Australia, where he lived for 20 years before accepting a call to serve in Melbourne, Australia in 2020. David has also had a career teaching classroom music and piano. He’s married to Pam and they have three grown and very creative children.
Summary In this engaging conversation, Sage and David explore the profound themes of love, faith, and community within the context of the New Church. David shares his personal journey in ministry, emphasizing the importance of openness and dialogue. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of online ministry, the significance of marriage as a path for growth, and the lessons learned from parenting. The conversation highlights the essence of living and sharing the truth without the need for defense, fostering a spirit of engagement and understanding in both personal and communal faith practices.
Takeaways
* Love is at the heart of the New Church.
* David’s journey reflects a deep commitment to sharing faith.
* The New Church teachings emphasize openness and understanding.
* Marriage is a sacred opportunity for growth and balance.
* Living the truth means not needing to defend it.
* Vigilance is essential in recognizing false ideas.
* Engagement with the community is vital for ministry.
* Parenting offers profound lessons in faith and understanding.
* Online ministry presents unique challenges and opportunities.
* Music serves as a powerful vehicle for connection and love.
Sound Bites
* “Love is at the heart of the New Church.”
* “We don’t need to defend the truth.”
* “We are all learning and moving forward.”
Chapters
00:00 The Heart of the New Church: Love and Connection
02:44 David’s Journey: From Canberra to Melbourne
04:58 The Essence of New Church Teachings
07:29 Navigating Differences in Faith: A Personal Story
10:04 The Balance of Masculine and Feminine in Theology
12:35 Living the Truth: A Non-Proselytizing Approach
15:22 Learning from Life Experiences: Parenting Lessons
17:56 Engaging with Others: The Importance of Listening
23:08 Engaging Conversations: The Art of Questioning
24:39 Creating Space for Dialogue in Worship
27:32 Navigating Online Interactions: Challenges and Opportunities
33:49 The Impact of Personal Connections
36:17 The Role of Music in Ministry
41:18 Exploring New Horizons: The Future of Online Ministry
Our Theme Music is “I Love it,” by Luke Concannon www.lukeconcannon.com
