David Turner, a native of Florence, Alabama, is pastor at Central Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia. He is ecumenically married to Christy Haga Turner, an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church (Westhampton UMC in Richmond). He and Christy have two children: Sam and Ben.
- What story, verse or passage from your faith tradition’s sacred texts has significantly influenced / shaped your life?
Matthew 7:12 (The Golden Rule): “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you.”
It sounds simplistic, but it is central to my worldview. I believe in treating all people well, with kindness and with love.
That worldview is further informed by Jesus’ words in Matthew 22:37-40 when answering the question about the greatest commandment. “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
- Who are three people (other than your family) who have shaped your life and worldview? And why?
Harry Wallace, my high school history teacher, who nurtured a love for history and learning within me.
Bert Parker, Jana Kinnersley and Jennifer Heinz – unassailable friends who were simply there.
Doug Dortch, my pastor at First Baptist Church in Tallahassee, Florida, who nurtured within me a call to ministry.
- List three of your “desert island” books, movies or TV shows.
Books: Freedom by William Safire and The Soul of America by Jon Meacham.
TV Shows: (Tie) A Million Little Things, The X-Files and Star Trek: The Next Generation.
- What is one of the most critical issues people are facing today?
Selfishness and a lack of empathy.
- What are a few of your hobbies?
Reading, walking/running, spending time with friends.
- If you could freeze your life into an already-lived 10 seconds, what would they be?
My wife, Christy, and I spent part of our honeymoon relaxing and soaking up the sun on a Cancun, Mexico, beach. It was a warm day on Jan. 1, 2003. Our thirst was quenched, and the cares of the world seemed a million miles away. If I could bottle an experience and a feeling, that would be it.
- Our tagline at Good Faith Media is, “There’s more to tell.” What’s your “more to tell”?
There is more love to give, more friends to make, more joy to express and more stories to tell.
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Reflection and resources at the intersection of faith and culture through an inclusive Christian lens.
