Calvary's Leaders
David Mitchell
What do you do at Calvary?
I am the Senior Pastor of Calvary. This means I am the lead pastor to give oversight for all our staff and ministries. I help cast the vision for the church and keep all our excellent staff working toward the goals of our ministry. But, above all, I am just a pastor who loves to care for people and teach the Word of God in our worship services to help us all grow in our faith.
How did you come to Calvary and how long have you been here?
I came from First Baptist Church in Lodi, CA in 1995 at the invitation of the Elders.
What is your educational background and training?
I attended Westmont College where I graduated with a degree in psychology., Dallas Theological Seminary with an emphasis in pastoral ministries and Talbot School of Theology where I studied church growth and leadership..
Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Cleburne Texas in 1951. But I grew up in Phoenix Arizona.
Tell us about your family...
My wife is Joy and we were married in 1974 after we met and fell in love at Westmont College. We have two daughters: Jessica just graduated with masters in psychology and looks forward to working in that field. Kirstie was married to Josiah in 2008 and are enjoying starting their lives together.
Tell us how you "popped the question," or how it was popped to you.
Joy and I were looking at the lights of Phoenix on Camelback mountain and it just seemed like the right time to ask her to marry me. She did say yes.
What is your favorite memory from your time at Calvary Church?
I have many favorite moments. I still enjoy the Sunday, on Father’s Day, that I rode my motorcycle into the Worship Center to make the case that we need men who are rebels with a cause for righteousness. I preached on Noah that Sunday as a rebel in his time against the evil in the world. At the end of the service, I had men stand who commit to being a rebel with a righteous cause. Seeing those men stand caused many to be encouraged in their faith and overcome any concern about my motorcycle.
Who have been the biggest spiritual influencers in your life?
My father has been my biggest influence. He was a pastor for over 30 years in the same church and displayed a faithfulness to serving in the local church.
Favorite place you’ve been in the world and where do you want to go next?
I have enjoyed vacationing in Hawaii but also find touring Israel so stimulating and educational.
When I can't be found at Calvary, I can be found...
Riding my mountain bike or my motorcycle.
Hidden Talent?
Restoring both old cars and my home.
What do you count as the greatest invention of the last 100 years?
The computer
On what reality show would you most want to be a contestant?
American Chopper to build a bike.