David O. Williams, D.Min.

Education

• D.Min., Leadership and Spiritual Formation, George Fox University, 2009
• M.A., Biblical Studies, Ashland Theological Seminary, 1996
• B.A., Sociology & Christian Ministries, Malone University, 1984

Experience

• 2022-Present, Professor of Practical Ministry, Malone University
• 2020-2022, Interim Director, Evangelical Friends Church International
• 2014-2022, Lead Superintendent, Evangelical Friends Church-Mid America
• 2000-2022, Professor/Chaplain/Administrator, Barclay College
• 1997-2000, Senior Pastor, First Friends Church (Salem, OH)
• 1991-1997, Senior Pastor, West Park Friends Church (Cleveland, OH)
• 1987-1991, Youth & Family Pastor, Denver Friends Church (Denver, CO)
• 1987-1988, Urban Ministry Coordinator, Youth for Christ (Denver, CO)
• 1984-1987, Minister of Youth, Dueber United Methodist Church (Canton, OH)
• 1983-1984, Youth Director, Stanwood Community Church (Navarre, OH)

Publications

• Rhythms of Grace: Life-Saving Disciplines for Spiritual Leaders. Newberg, OR: Barclay Press (2017).
• “My Grandfather,” foreword in The Investment of a Life: The Life Story of a North Carolina Farm Boy, by Byron L. Osborne.  Canton, OH: Oliver House Publishing, 2017.
• “Walter and Emma Malone’s Heritage,” afterword in Stone Man Preacher: J. Walter Malone:  The Autobiography of an Evangelical Quaker with Essays on Emma Brown Malone, by John W. Oliver, Jr., and Emma Lapsansky. Canton, OH: Oliver House Publishing, 2016.
• Seasons of the Soul: Practicing the Presence of God in the Ebb and Flow of Christian Life and Ministry. Self-published (2015).
• "Gentle Giants," Quaker Life (March/April 2014), 19.
• "Metamorphosis," Quaker Life (January/February 2014), 22.
• Byron L. Osborne,” Historical Dictionary of the Friends (Quakers), 2nd ed.  Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press, 2012.
• “John P. Williams, Sr.,” Historical Dictionary of the Friends (Quakers), 2nd ed.  Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press, 2012.
• "Susstaining Spiritual Leadership for the Long Haul.” Doctor of Ministry Dissertation, George Fox University (2009).
• "Discerning God's Call in an Age of Complexity & Confusion," ABHE Biblical Higher Education Journal (Winter 2008), 63-79.
• “There’s No Place Like Home,” A Gathered Stillness: Devotional Thoughts from the Malone College Family, 2005.
• “Willard and Doris Ferguson,” Historical Dictionary of the Friends (Quakers).  Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press, 2003.
• "As for Me and My House: Fostering Mission and Service in and Through the Family," Evangelical Friend (May/June 1991), 2-3, 19.
• "Vital Parent Ministry: A Ministry of Reconciliation," Evangelical Friend (March/April 1990), 8-9.

Biography

Having served as a youth pastor, family pastor, lead pastor, campus pastor and regional superintendent, Dave brings more than 40 years of field experience and over 20 years of classroom experience to his current role as a professor of practical ministry. Dave and his wife Carol met at Malone, where they both sensed a clear call to ministry during their time as undergraduate students.  They have been partners in full-time Christian service throughout their 40 years of marriage and have been blessed with six children and thirteen grandchildren along the way.

Dave’s roots run deep at Malone, not only as an alumnus, but as the great-grandson of the university’s founders, Walter and Emma Malone. Many other family members have either attended Malone or served as members of the faculty, staff or administration.  He considers it a high and holy privilege to follow in their footsteps as a teacher, mentor, and sacred companion for a new generation of Christian leaders. 

In addition to his love for students, Dave enjoys sports, travel, reading, photography and spending lots of time with his family.  When away from home, he is likely to be found wandering in the wilderness on a scenic hiking trail, bike path, or kayaking route. To borrow from one of his favorite authors, J.R.R. Tolkien, “Not all who wander are lost.”