Dave Baldridge was born in Centralia, Illinois (60 miles east of St. Louis, Missouri). He graduated in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science in Education from Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky. His major was Speech Communications/Drama. After teaching junior and senior high for a year in Miami he accepted the call for full time ministry. He graduated from Asbury Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree in 1986.

Dave, and his wife Sarah, have been married since 1982. They have three children and are "Pops" and "YaYa" to a granddaughter and two grandsons.

Sarah, proud to be a native Kentuckian, is active in the ministry with Dave and teaches a ladies Bible Study as well as a Sunday morning class. This has included Beth Moore Bible Studies as well as Bible Studies that are practical application of God’s word. She has spoken at retreats and settings around the Conference. This has included the Conference Minister Mates and Women’s Retreats in Leesburg at the Conference Life Enrichment Center.

Dave has a passion for worship and preaching. He loves being involved in Children’s Ministry. He enjoys doing the Children’s Moments (with one of his 300 puppet friends!). He also does Chapel for The Robin’s Nest Preschool each week and the Westlake Christian School monthly. Through the years he has served on a variety of Conference and District Committees and Boards. He served nine years on the Board of Trustees for the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home. Currently, he is serving on the Gulf-Central District Leadership Council. He is also a Conference Mentor for those seeking and preparing to enter Ordained Ministry.

Dave was appointed by the Bishop to Palm Harbor United Methodist Church in 2010. Previously, he served Englewood United Methodist Church from 2003-2010; Grace United Methodist Church, Merritt Island, from 1993-2003; Plant City from 1989-1993; and Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, Tampa, as Associate Pastor from 1986-1989.

Dave enjoys reading, walking (exercise program), Disc Golf, and spending time with family. He loves laughing and humor. His letters are often signed with the phrase, “With the Joy of Christ.”

He is excited about the spiritual leadership and calling PHUMC has for intergenerational ministries.