david@humanagenda.com

David and his wife, Ann, and children, Lars and Lucia, came to Kansas City in 1981, and have become well-acquainted with the community in many ways, and is a key figure in interfaith work here. David's appreciation of all religious traditions is well known.
 
David served on the Kansas City Interfaith Council as its Protestant member before becoming its Convener. When the Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council was formed, David served for three years as the Convener.  He currently facilitates the Vital Conversations Program of the Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council.  For two years he was the coordinator of the Christian Jewish Muslim Dialogue Group.  He provides spiritual direction for men of all religious and spiritual traditions in the Life Connections Program with USP Leavenworth. In addition, his distinguished work as a teacher, appreciative inquiry coach, and spiritual director for CRES.

David is a sought-after conference key-note speaker. He has been a consultant to Head Start programs in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska, and regularly teaches in a national Emergency Medical Services training program as Senior Consultant with Fitch & Associates.

David received his bachelor degree in history and political science from Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas.  His master's degree in divinity, and his doctorate degree in ministry are both from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. He has served as an adjunct faculty member of that school, conveying a Doctor of Ministry program in Kansas and Missouri. He also is a graduate of the two-year program in spiritual direction with the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Direction in Washington, DC.

David served as Senior Pastor at Saint James Lutheran Church in Kansas City for 13 years.  He also served Peace Lutheran Church in Manhattan, Kansas, and at Andover Lutheran in Windom, Kansas five years each.

David enjoys writing and telling stories which help him and others live more aware of the sacred in life.  Many people have heard David say "We live all of our lives in the presence of the sacred, but we often need to pause and remind ourselves of that reality.” 

Dr. David Nelson has been leading himself and others for most of his life.  He is part of the movement for human liberation.  In his relationship with a great diversity of people he recognizes a mysterious and wonderful human connection. Through The Human Agenda, David continues his life-long passion to live fully and invite others to live fully.  His organization provides resources and coaching for people and organizations to claim their full human potential. He is a personal coach, motivational speaker, consultant, and trainer.  His passion for people, energy for getting the task completed, and human leadership skills enable him to support you in being the wonderful human being you really are.