David S. Apple

In his many years of experience, Dr. David S. Apple has had two philosophies of ministry: 1) There is no mercy without the gospel--we must provide an alternative to what the world offers; 2) Don't work harder than the people coming for help--encourage independence, not dependence. These philosophies are seen plainly in his work with poor and homeless persons, drug addicts, incarcerated adults and youth, nursing home residents, separated and divorced men and women, and others.

David grew up in Paterson, New Jersey and attended Eastside High, the school made famous in the film, Lean on Me. From an early age he was taught the principles of justice and reconciliation. In 1963 and 1964, he participated in civil rights marches and spoke at youth rallies in support of his rabbi and other "Freedom Riders." As a college freshman, he came to salvation in Christ through the ministry of an inner city church plant in the Northside of Paterson. David worked in crisis intervention and public advocacy for many years, and then managed a printing business before injuries from an auto accident put him on disability. He has since earned a Masters of Theology and a Doctorate in "Transformation of the Church for Mission." In addition to these earned degrees, he has learned much in "Jesus's School of Life": From paralysis and loss of an eye from a skull fracture, childhood sexual abuse, single parenthood, and loss of job-income-health after being hit by a drunk driver. All of this to show that "His power is made known in my weakness" (2 Cor. 12:9).

David has served in diaconal and mercy ministry for forty years. Building on both success and failure, he loves training deacons and equipping churches for ministry. He enjoys Sunday crossword puzzles and baseball. He is a life-time Brooklyn Dodgers fan.

For more on David's ministry go to www.activecompassionphilly.org