Rev. David Baldridge is a graduate of Asbury College and Seminary and describes himself as leaning toward the conservative side, theologically.  He believes the church is a place of grace, love, and transformation.  He pastored Englewood United Methodist Church, a large, growing church, for seven years.  All of his appointments to date--Grace (Merritt Island) 10 years, Trinity (Plant City) 4 years, and Wesley Memorial associate (Tampa) 3 years--have been very successful.  He is an exceptional preacher and teacher, a strong visionary leader and administrator, and a warm and engaging pastor.

As a bonus, you get Sarah, his wife, who is a respected teacher and speaker at churches around the state…e.g. she led a women’s retreat for the women of Heritage UMC of Clearwater.  You will love her.

This is a great family and David is a very gifted pastor and a man of great integrity.

[From a description of Rev. Baldridge sent to Palm Harbor United Methodist Church from UMC HQ]

Additional biographical information:

Dave Baldridge was born in the “South”--Southern Illinois. He graduated in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science in Education from Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky. His major was Speech Communication/Drama. After teaching junior and senior high for a year he accepted the call for full time ministry. He graduated from Asbury Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree in 1986.

Dave has been married to Sarah since 1982. Sarah has a passion for practical application and teaching of the Bible. She has a love and desire for women’s ministries. She has been the guest speaker at churches around the Conference including Minister’s Mates and Women’s Weekends at Leesburg. Sarah has taught Disciple Bible Study Classes and currently loves facilitating the Beth Moore Bible Study Series.

Sarah and Dave have 3 children: Ben, Jenny, and Andy.

Dave has always been involved in Children’s Ministries and loves doing Children’s Moments with one of his ‘friends.’ (He has over 100 puppets!) He has served in several Conference and District positions. Currently he serves the Southwest District of the United Methodist Church on the District Board of Ordained Ministry and also on the Transformational Committee. On the Conference level he serves on the Board of Trustees of the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home.

With a passion for preaching and worship he excitedly loves sharing the Good News. He enjoys using humor and believes that “Christian joy is serious business.”