Dr. J. David Tate – A Narrative Bio

I first thought I should become a pastor in high school, but it was a quiet voice that was quickly
drowned out by the counsel of others to work towards education for the business world. So, in
2001, I got a business degree, started a career in IT, and started my own wedding photography
company. A non-profit ministry calling started to form in 2005 and it expanded in 2011
towards pastoral ministry. That calling led to an MDiv from Truett Seminary, where I
graduated in 2015 and was awarded the Robert Jackson Robinson Preaching Award.

Directly following graduation, I was hired to reinvent and reinvigorate a Truett Seminary
program for bi-vocational pastors. This led to me becoming the founder and Director of the
Truett Seminary Online Certificate Program, which provides theological education for any
adult who wants an option “Between Sunday School and Seminary.” It averages more than 200
students a year. In almost ten years, I have now written all nine of our courses (occasionally in
partnership with others), have mentored and provided leadership and care to more than
twenty Certificate Program team members, collaborated with countless ministers and
denominational leaders, have served more than 1,000 Certificate Students and have awarded
more than 200 certificates to men and women around the country.

Interim pastoral ministry, a common practice for Seminary faculty and staff, led me to Chalk
Bluff. For two years, I faithfully declined every request and inquiry about whether I would
consider applying. I would be asked, and I would say that the door was closed. Then, after the
church became open to a bi-vocational minister and another candidate turned down the
opportunity, I felt that God was asking if I wanted to knock on that door. And now here we are.

In addition to my 19 years of vocational ministry, I have served in several church roles. I have
been a children’s ministry leader, yokefellow (deacon in training), committee chair, Sunday
School teacher, deacon, and I have also pastored three churches in bi-vocational roles.

In 2022, I completed my Doctorate of Ministry from Truett Seminary, and I love every aspect
of my role at the Seminary except two: 1) My students are all online, and I don’t get to have
much community with them 2) My role does not provide much opportunity for preaching.
A bi-vocational role in a place like Chalk Bluff seems like a perfect fit.

My wife, Lydia, and I have been married since 2001. We have three sons: Joshua (21), William
(18), and Josiah (16). I enjoy occasional disc golf and receive great satisfaction from home
renovations. I love classic films and board games. I also enjoy reading Scripture, theology, and
ministry books and listening to fictional audiobooks while I often drive across Texas.

Lastly, this is how I would articulate my Philosophy of Ministry.

     For all Christians, the Parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37 gives a perfect
     summary of the Christian life of Love and ministry in a world full of “neighbors.”

For a church community, I am partial to a simple statement of: Showing – Knowing – Growing.

     Showing people Christ. Helping them know Christ better.
     And shepherding them in growing the Kingdom of God.

My personal ministry philosophy is summed up in these terms:

     The lost art of good Conversation is where beautiful things start.
     Build a Connection to others with the goal of connecting them to God.
     Connected people form Community, which draws in new people to start a conversation.