David Sandifer is an Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Ethics at the Tyndale Theological Seminary in the Netherlands.
When did you trust Christ?
I came to Christ at the age of four when a Bible teacher shared with me that all it took was one sin to keep me out of heaven---I didn't want to go to hell and accepted Jesus into my heart. I've never regretted it!
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
The first defining moment was in my late teen years when I wrestled with some serious doubts, which, in the end, strengthened my faith. Second, in my early years of ministry, I had to wrestle with disappointments and how my ambitions poisoned what I was doing. Third, I was greatly impacted by getting married in mid-life and being challenged in more profound ways than I had yet known by the reality of my sin and by allowing God to conform me to the image of Christ.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
Since several of us began attending the Forum a few years ago, some good connections have been made, leading to budding collaborations. In addition---and this is harder to quantify---the spiritual encouragement I've received from being at the Forum has, I believe, equipped me to be a better servant of the Lord. I am always encouraged and strengthened by these times together, and I would like to continue building networks with Christian leaders in other parts of Europe.
What is your ministry?
I teach practical theology, ethics, and church history at Tyndale Theological Seminary near Amsterdam in the Netherlands. I am also the chair of the Department of Practical and Intercultural Theology. In addition to this, I oversee our student internships and co-lead a team planting a new church in our village.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
I served in pastoral ministry in the United States and Australia for nearly 20 years as an Associate Chaplain at an Anglican college in Sydney and as the State Director for a Christian political advocacy group in Australia (FamilyVoice).
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
Tyndale seeks to equip future pastors and leaders in Europe with a sound knowledge of Scripture and an ability to teach it effectively, with practical ministry skills, and with an understanding of how to engage the secular culture of our time. I can think of few things more vital for the church in Europe, and I feel deeply privileged to have the role that I do here at Tyndale.
