My previous attempt at a bio was met with some good natured criticism. One of my closest brothers in ministry did not feel I gave enough information about myself to allow people to get to know me. So this re-write is primarily for my friend who will remain nameless. Well, on second thought….John, I hope this makes you happy!
All kidding aside, my name is David McConnell and I am honored to be able to serve as the Family Pastor at Agape. I have been married for 10 years to my best friend: my beautiful wife Alyson. We have 3 wonderful children who always keep our lives moving and exciting. While I do not have a lot of free time to devote to a hobby, I greatly enjoy trying to play almost any sport. I say trying to play because I am not great at any of them, and I say almost any sport because I do not include basketball in that list. I am so horrible at basketball that my lack of talent pretty much overrides any fun I have in actually attempting to play. And while I am not sure it is a great idea to say in this bio, I am also a huge Auburn football fanatic – the only one on staff at Agape - so War Eagle (especially to Chase, Greg and both John’s).
Now, let us move onto the good stuff about myself. I have a deep desire and passion to teach God’s word and to see people’s lives transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I believe that ALL people should be students of the word, because the word is life for all of us. I believe we must be found standing firm on the truth of the Bible, even when it is not popular. I desire to see all of us as Christians to say no to mediocrity in our faith and embrace a radical following of Christ. I believe God calls us into a relationship with Him that may at times be uncomfortable, but will always be dynamic. I believe God’s power for our lives is real and beyond measure, but that we are responsible to pursue Him above all other things. I still believe in miracles. I believe Christian community and families of faith are critical in the life and growth of a believer. Despite its perceived faults, I still believe in the local church. I believe that if you see something wrong, you should work to change it and make it better. I believe nothing is impossible with God. I believe no one is beyond His reach. I believe true spiritual transformation occurs from the inside out, not the outside in. I believe God changes someone’s heart, and that their behavior will follow. I believe we have a responsibility to pursue holiness, and flee from sin. I believe we have been given one life by our creator, and we have one shot to make it count for eternity.
My life is a testimony that God never gives up on anyone, and that we are not powerful enough to ruin His plans for our lives. I was saved at the age of 7, and I always said I was going to be a pastor someday. But as a teenager and young adult I did more to please myself than I did God. Unfortunately, God became the person I turned to in trouble, and turned away from when everything was going good. Yet, in my early-20’s I began to feel great conviction about my walk with God. I wanted to be close to Him, just like I was as a child. As I began to pursue Him once again, I felt the call to pastor - something I had not felt in over 15 years. I thought it was too late, and that God had long since given up on me. I was wrong. I will not pretend it was easy; I had a lot of hurts and a lot of doubts that God had to heal. But day by day, He restored me. And I again began to embrace His call. Today I am grateful, and often bewildered, at His goodness and His grace. He has granted me so many wonderful opportunities to serve and to teach, none of which I deserve. His power and His plans were much greater than my mistakes and my sin. I write this to say that I am nothing apart from Him, except a guy who could never get it right no matter how hard he seemed to try. And I write this to encourage anyone reading: you are never in a place too far away for God to reach. His plans for you are more powerful than anything you have done. With God, your past has no control over your future. Turn to Him fully, and be amazed at His Grace.
As for today, I am currently leading our Families Ministry at Agape, which you can learn more about by going here. I also have the blessed opportunity, along with my friend John Talley, to lead a time of worship and teaching each Sunday evening at Agape. John leads our worship through music and I do my best to bring a valuable time of discussion and study into God’s word. For more on Crossroads, check here.
If I can ever assist you in anyway, or just pray for you on your spiritual journey, please feel free to contact me. If you are looking for a church home, please let me invite you to come and learn more about our local assembly. Agape is a family, and we would love for you to be a part of it.
For HIS Glory
David McConnell