David Flowers (’05) received a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from ETBU and then later an MTS in Biblical Studies from Houston Graduate School of Theology. David is married to his wife and fellow alumnus, Lanna (Rogers) Flowers (’03), who currently serves as the Performing Arts Coordinator at Messiah University and teaches private music lessons. David and Lanna have two young boys, Kainan and Judah, who are active in music and sports.
He has 25 years of ministry experience both in and outside the church. David has pastored churches in Texas, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. David has been serving as the Senior Pastor of Grantham Church since 2016, which sits next to Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, PA. In addition to pastoring, David serves as the president of the Brethren in Christ Historical Society. Over the years, he has published articles in Christian Ethics Today, the Wittenburg Door, Searching Together Magazine, Mennonite World Review, Shalom!, and Brethren in Christ History & Life. He has also published articles online at ReKnew, Relevant Magazine, ChristianWeek, ChurchLeaders, Mission Alliance, and the blog of the MWR.
Read along to hear about David’s journey to ETBU, reflections on the Hill, and the impact it has made on his life since graduation.
I grew up in Grand Saline, a small town just an hour and a half from ETBU. As a teenager, I attended a Super Summer on ETBU’s campus. So, once I accepted God’s call into vocational ministry, my thoughts went to ETBU. I’m thankful for my pastor, Larry Jones, who accompanied me on a visit to The Hill and encouraged me to continue my education and follow my calling at ETBU.
My religion professors made a significant impact on my journey. Dr. Bruce Tankersley developed in me a desire to study Greek and the value of knowing the original language of the New Testament. Dr. Harris taught me some Hebrew, but it was his honesty and wrestling with the Scripture that I remember most. Dr. Bob Utley taught me the importance of understanding the Bible in its historical context. I’ll never forget him teaching the Bible with passion as he revealed his love for God and his willingness to adjust his life to the truth of Scripture. Chaplain Dane Fowlkes reminded me that the supernatural world of the New Testament is real and is being experienced by people around the world. Dr. Jeph Holloway made the biggest impact on me. His lectures on Christian ethics and philosophy were challenging, but our private conversations in his office about life, theology, and the hardships of ministry were the most formative. I’m so grateful for these men.
The early 2000s at ETBU were special. It’s been exciting to see how God has used my friends and fellow alumni over the years. A few weeks ago, a man in my congregation in Pennsylvania said that he was going to an apologetics conference on the East Coast, and he showed me the lineup of speakers. I noticed a name that I recognized. It was a fellow ETBU alum that I shared a class with on The Hill.
Those years were formative and life-changing. I met my wife at ETBU, proposed on campus, and lived in married housing the first year of our marriage. I served at my first church as a youth pastor while at ETBU. When I reflect on my time on The Hill, I think about the meaningful friendships, the amazing professors, the spiritual growth, and preparation for life and ministry.
My professors developed in me a lifelong love of learning. It was at ETBU that I was captured by a vision that God could do greater things than I could ask for or imagine if I would trust Him and surrender to His will for my life.
To current and future Tigers, this season of your life is special and will not be repeated. Be present and intentional with your time, your friendships, and your studies. Enjoy campus life, but also plug into an intergenerational church where you can learn, grow, and serve alongside other disciples. Above all... seek the Lord and his will for your life!