Meet David Renwick

David Renwick was Senior Pastor at Second from 1995 to 2006.
He became Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Spartanburg, S.C. in July, 2006

David Renwick was in his second year at the University of St. Andrews when he first sensed that God might be calling him to the ministry. But it had been at the age of 13, at a summer camp organized to promote Bible reading, that he had made a specific commitment to Christ.

Even at that tender age, David had seen a lot of the world. He'd been born in Malaysia, where his father, a veterinarian, had worked for the Malayan Department of Agriculture after World War II. In 1957, David and his older sister returned with their parents to Scotland and the following year, he enrolled in the distinguished Edinburgh Academy, founded by Sir Walter Scott.

Now, with over 20 years of pastoral experience in Presbyterian churches, David Renwick is a highly respected minister who brings an analytical approach to problem solving and a talent for clearly expressing abstract thought to his relevant, engaging sermons.

David is said to have the heart of a pastor and the mind of a teacher, but he does not consider himself a "priest"; rather a "teaching elder," with Jesus Christ as his priest.

He enjoys teaching and is committed to Christian education for all ages.

He advocates serious study of scripture, but says, "I believe that different Christians will always reach different conclusions on some topics...(I understand this diversity to enrich and not diminish the church.)"

And of his most deeply held convictions, David says, "The most important words that I can make about my beliefs can be conveyed in two statements: Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, is my Lord and Savior; and, the Apostles' Creed, expressing Trinitarian faith in God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, is to me a true summary of what Scripture leads us to believe."

As an administrator, David's strengths are apparent in his work history. His congregations and attendance at worship services have increased at churches he has served and he fosters a true church-family atmosphere, as well. He looks at church programs from a broad perspective and uses a collegial style of administration. He is enthusiastic about long range plans and, at his church in San Antonio, Texas, had great success with this method of defining missions and requirements.

Pastor Renwick as new U.S. citizen, with family and Judge Coffman, August, 2000.

David has a delightful and supportive family.

He met his wife, Currie, when she was a Tulane University junior studying for a year in Scotland. She has a Master of Library Science degree and has worked as a librarian in a private school.

Their three children have led David, a sports enthusiast, to coach children's soccer teams. He also runs two to three miles three times a week, but says, "I'd rather be playing golf or tennis."