David Gentleman, Founding Pastor
David lives with his wife and kids in central Massachusetts. When he is not studying, teaching, pastoring, fathering or husbanding, he is running, hiking, cooking, watching movies, or yelling at the Patriots through the TV.
We asked David five questions to give you a better idea who he is.
If you could only have 3 books in your library (Bible excluded because we all know as pastors you would have a Bible) what would they be?
“Brothers Karamazov” by Dostoyevsky – There was a time in my life this was my Bible. I return to it over and over again. Like an old friend always ready to speak truth into me, it never disappoints. “Above all, don’t lie to yourself. The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to a point that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others. And having no respect he ceases to love.” That is an important truth for a friend to speak into my life I think.
“Kingdom, Grace, Judgment: Paradox, Outrage, and Vindication in the Parables of Jesus” by Robert Farrar Capon – He throws such a brilliant light on grace. A reminder I need over and over again.
“The Complete Stories” by Flannery O’Connor. Those who know her will understand this choice.
“The Furious Longing of God” by Brennan Manning (I know this is 4 but this one is so small it really doesn’t count!) This is a book I read every 6 months or so. To be reminded of the central truth of Scripture: Jesus Loves Me! (I need that reminder again and again and again…)
The one place you would visit if you had the time and resources?
During my missionary years I had the incredible blessing of traveling to many different parts of the world, but still there are a few places I have yet to see and really want to so this is so difficult to answer. Bora Bora, Rio, Israel, Kilimanjaro, (I know the question said one!) Okay then, Italy – and I am not going to be more specific because I want to spend a year exploring the whole place – food, wine, people, geography.
Describe a moment in time when God’s manifestation of His grace and love was so powerful you were convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt of His existence.
Early 1990’s. Northern India. Went to a leper colony. I was supposed to be the preacher that “brought them the Good News”. Instead they brought it to me. Before I spoke, they sang songs of worship. I have never heard worship so pure, so authentic, so vital. And it was coming from the outcast among the outcast; the most marginalized of human beings; people whose entire horizon was nothing more than more suffering and then death. I wept through the worship set, and then when it was my turn to speak, all I did was thank them for “bringing me the Good News.”
What would your last supper be?
Again a question way too hard to answer but let me try. Crusty Parisian style bread, artisan cheeses, and extra virgin olive oil with fresh, raw, crushed garlic; Aaong with a subtle Italian red. And my family and friends to share it all with. If someone else was paying and I would be absolved from gluttony on my last meal, I would add a second course of sautéed soft shell Maryland crabs and soft shell Maine lobster. Along with a layered French white. Then a Third course of organic Vermont pastured rack of lamb with baby potatoes and new brussel sprouts. Along with a big American red. And a dessert of the freshest possible raspberries with grapenut and wild blueberry ice creams from Rota Springs farm.
Why are you a Pastor?
Because love wins and I want everyone to know that.
Cana Community Church 