David Waddell

David Waddell is a long-time veteran of local church ministry leadership and currently teaches Sport and Recreation Administration at the University of Mississippi. He has over 20 years of experience as a church recreation minister serving in four different recreation and sports ministry positions in Texas, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. In addition, he served as the Executive Director of the Association for Church Sports and Recreation Ministers (CSRM).

David received his Bachelor of Science in Leisure Studies from Missouri State University and his Master of Religious Education with an emphasis in Church Recreation from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and is a respected leader within the field of Church Sports and Recreation ministries.  

He is the published author of three books, his first entitled Characters of the Bible: Finding My Stories in Their Stories, has received accolades from peers, and is gaining popularity throughout an ever-widening readership. His second book is Holiday Biblical Characters: Finding My Stories in the Stories of Christmas and Easter. The third book is Worship Wars: The Kings Lead the Battle to Spirit and Truth. All three books received the award of “Finalist” in the American Book Fest Best Book Awards. The Holiday book is nominated for an Author Academy Award with the Author Academy Elite company.

David has also written numerous articles for Lifeway Christian Resources. David is a sought after conference speaker known for his engaging, humorous, and encouraging presentations. He has presented a variety of recreation workshops for CSRM Sports Outreach Summits, Rec Labs, and REACHgathering conferences. He has also entertained numerous church fellowships, parties, and banquets with his ability to laugh at himself.  

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David enjoys time spent with friends and family, including his twelve grandchildren and entertaining all with his wit and unique perspectives of faith, life, and what's important in life.