By Emma Lown, For Focus
One man continues to make an impact on the hearts of those around him, all with the intention of loving people and loving God.
David Woolverton is known to many as a mentor, friend, colleague and brother in Christ. Since being a new believer as an undergraduate student, Woolverton has grown in his faith and identity. During his college years, this man of faith claims he found who he was and how he connects to the bigger picture of life.
Woolverton is currently serving as Pastor of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church of Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania.
Woolverton attended Albright College and Princeton Theological Seminary and is currently working on completing his doctoral studies.
Woolverton described the many aspects of faith he learned throughout his developmental college years. One of the most significant ways Woolverton grew was in his appreciation for the Sabbath. The Bible directs Christians to rest and take a day as the Sabbath to focus on Him. Woolverton took the Sabbath Commandment seriously, as he did no homework or work but instead focused on relationships. Woolverton attended church on Sunday mornings while at college, rested, and then went on “rounds.” During these rounds, he recalls visiting with Christian and non-Christian friends, gathering prayer requests from his peers and listening to them. Woolverton’s rounds many years ago shaped him tremendously and gave him a deep desire to mentor and pray for those around him.
Woolverton has many accomplishments, but his wife, Kristine, considers his greatest accomplishment to be the creation of a non-profit Christian counseling center in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It took him a few years to grow his passion during the beginning of his pastoral ministry, but he has been impacted tremendously through this undertaking.
“The counseling center has had a major impact on him and on the community,” Kristine Woolverton recalled. She also explained how David’s heart grew towards helping others through the experience.
David Woolverton’s calling to help others has grown and developed in other aspects, also. Currently, David Woolverton is writing a textbook for other clergy and Christian leaders to assist in resolving conflict in the church. David Woolverton recalls how God has weaved this calling throughout his ministry as a pastor.
He has worked in two churches that have been stuck in conflict for many years. David Woolverton is passionately working through this piece and incorporating knowledge from his lifetime. His incredible, wife is convinced God will use David Woolverton’s passion and knowledge to resolve church conflict and uplift leaders all throughout the country.
David surprisingly does not believe he will ever finish learning. David claimed, “If I’m a true disciple [of God], I’m constantly learning.”
Woolverton is passionate about serving others and mentoring individuals who are eager to learn and grow. Having many powerful mentors himself, he is inclined to love others and serve with the gifts of passion, love and knowledge God has given him.
“My goal is to bring out the best in others,” Woolverton said. “Through mentoring, the kingdom is impacted.”
Woolverton has mentored many individuals who are now included in his “rounds” when he checks in with friends throughout the week. One individual who Woolverton began mentoring is now a pastor, five years following their initial meeting. Woolverton’s mentee, Dan Gulnac, never expected himself to have a calling to preach or lead a church.
“David saw the gold in me and polished it, through mentorship,” said Dan Gulnac, Pastor of Palmyra Grace Church.
Gulnac recalls he never has had a doubt about Woolverton’s critique, whether it be positive or negative. Woolverton is known for always desiring the best in others. Gulnac even profoundly stated that his relationship with Woolverton is more powerful and knowledgeable than his five years of seminary education.
Woolverton’s authenticity is an aspect of his character that does not go unnoticed. Kristine Woolverton was brought to tears when asked to speak about how her life has been impacted by her husband.
“He’s so good at so many things but it all stems from (his character),” Kristine Woolverton said. She loves his “ability to be sold out for God” and his authenticity. Davis’s impact isn’t limited to himself, he encourages all to follow his lead.
“Grab a mentor, and go mentor someone,” Woolverton said. “We multiply life by giving away what we’ve received. [Never forget] at any age, God can speak through us.”
Emma Lown is a Communication student at Lancaster Bible College. She is passionate about spreading love and kindness to everyone.
Image courtesy of David Woolverton.
Focus 