Rev. David J. Deans

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Hometown: I was born at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, and grew up in Gambrills and Annapolis, Maryland. 

My Story: I am a fourth-generation Methodist pastor with a passion for following Jesus and helping the Church to make a holy impact on the world. I grew up in a Christian home full of supportive and loving parents and family who nurtured me in the faith and in the Church. I welcomed Jesus into my heart when I was young but it took me until my late college years to really grasp what that meant for my life. For years in between, I struggled with a sense of identity and purpose. I had a deep desire to do something meaningful and significant but didn’t know what or how until God called me to be a pastor one spring evening while I was camping alone on a mountaintop in Western Maryland. I was reluctant at first but finally gave in. Ever since, I’ve felt a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment serving God and the Church as a Methodist pastor, just like my uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather before me. 

 

While attending Wesley Theological Seminary, I served on staff at Mt. Zion UMC in Lothian, Maryland, where I was youth pastor and then assistant pastor. After seminary and ordination, I was appointed to Back River UMC where I served as pastor from July 2003 until June 2010. 

 

Ministry Area: Associate Pastor

 

Family: My wife, Deb, and I have been married since 1998 and have two kids—Natalie and Evan. We also have two dogs, two guinea pigs and two fish. (I think I see an Ark-theme developing there!  LOL!) Debbie is a veterinarian who works at the Brookeville Animal Hospital. In addition to seeing dogs and cats, she specializes in birds, small mammals, reptiles, and wildlife. 

 

Passion: Making followers of Jesus who make a holy impact on the world.

 

Favorite Hobbies/Activities: Hanging out with my family and friends; spending time outdoors, especially fishing, hiking, boating, and camping; drinking good coffee; I love reading, watching good movies, and eating pepperoni pizza (usually not all at once though!) and I can’t forget steamed crabs and shrimp.

 

One Little Known Fact: As a kid, I wanted to be either a professional soccer player or high-mountain ranger. (Some days I still do!)