Dave and Joanne Beckwith

One week after their wedding in 1969, Dave and Joanne began their journey in pastoral ministry. And what an adventure it has been—some thrilling joys and successes along with struggles, pain, and setbacks. God has repeatedly spared Dave’s life … a knife thrown at him while preaching in the Philippines, a dramatic rescue from a fiery head-on collision with a drunk driver who was driving on the wrong side of the freeway, a 40-foot fall while speaking in Northern California, and a biking accident when the driver of an SUV plowed into and ran over him. Dave relates these life lessons and many others in his speaking and teaching.
Dave’s ministry experience includes youth and camp ministry, church administration, executive pastor, and senior pastor for over 30 years. Joanne has been an active partner in the ministry, working alongside Dave while leading women’s ministries, mentoring, and teaching. In 2007, Dave was named senior pastor emeritus for Woodbridge Church in Irvine, California, where he served as senior pastor for nearly 20 years. He also serves as a lead pastor for churches going through a transition.

Dave and Joanne are both graduates of Biola University. Joanne received her BS degree in Nursing. Professionally, she has worked in alcohol and drug rehab and psychiatry. Dave received his BS degree in Business Administration at Biola and did his seminary work at Talbot School of Theology. Additional graduate studies have included an MA in Biblical Studies, PhD in Church and Family Ministry, and DMin in Organizational Leadership.

Dave and Joanne serve as Standing Stone Retreat and Field Shepherds plus Western US Directors of Volunteers. Dave is also the Director of the Church Board/Governance Initiative with the Center for Pastoral Well-being and Longevity (the research and resource division in Standing Stone).

=====

Joanne’s life as pastor’s wife began within days of returning from her honeymoon with Dave. Little did she know what would be expected of her, how lonely she would feel, and the pain that would accompany church ministry. Having ministered alongside Dave for over 40 years, she has shared the joys, frustrations, and misunderstandings that often come in ministry. Through her pain, she has experienced God’s wondrous love, grace, and healing. Her passion is to come alongside women in their ministry journey, offering a listening ear, friendship, and God’s love, grace, and hope. Pastor’s wives hold a special place in her heart.

She has worn many ministry hats, including working with children and youth, serving as church administrative secretary, and filling in when needed—i.e., greeter, hospital visitor, pianist, nursery worker, hand holder, sound tech, bathroom monitor, etc. (pastor’s wives will understand this). During her nearly 20 years as Director of Women’s Ministry at Woodbridge Community Church in Irvine, California, she provided vision, mentoring, leadership development, event planning, teaching Bible study, and leading small groups. At the top of her “ministry joy” list is coming alongside other women.

Joanne is a graduate of Biola University with a BS in Nursing. Most of her career has been in psychiatric nursing, which provides the opportunity to offer compassion and hope. The principles she has learned regarding human relationships, and mental illness have provided a backdrop for working within the church family.

Joanne and Dave have served churches in Northern and Southern California. Currently, Dave and Joanne serve as Standing Stone Retreat and Field Shepherds plus Western US Directors of Volunteers. Their two married daughters, Julie and Tami, four grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren love the Lord and are an important part of their lives.