David Sanford

When David was 15, he attended a Young Life camp and the Gospel was shared in such a clear and compelling way that God grabbed his heart and lifetime devotion. Later, David was a collegiate soccer player and was impacted greatly by the Navigators and Inter-Varsity campus fellowships. It was at an Inter-Varsity conference in Urbana, IL that David knew there was a call on his life for ministry.

Throughout his adulthood David has been used by God to coach/shepherd those around him. This began as a successful high school soccer coach and as a teacher. Eventually he served for 10 years as a principal at the Christian school. He thrived in an environment that pursued a Christian worldview for the students, parents, athletes, coaches and faculty.

After 22 years in Christian education God moved him into a role as a pastor in his local church. He served for 5 years as pastor for adult ministries, home groups and missions.

In his most recent season God called David to spend 17 years serving as the national director and eventually director of advancement for an international missions ministry that uses the environment of soccer to share the Gospel with and disciple youth. He has trained nation-wide partners and church networks to use this powerful ministry platform to reach youth in some of the most hostile places for the Gospel.

David is excited to now be part of Standing Stone. He feels his 42 years of experience in these various leadership/ministry roles has prepared him well to come alongside ministry leaders to confidentially provide a listen ear, encouragement and strengthening. God has extended his gift as a shepherd/coach to this season of ministry and to these special servants that lead churches and ministries.

David’s wife, Lola, has her degree as a licensed therapist and counselor. Together they often serve couples and individuals that are in ministry leadership as they face challenges or feel stuck. They find that ministry leaders seek them out and they experience great joy in encouraging these servants of Christ. David and Lola have been married for over 45 years. They deeply love their two married sons and their wives. One son serves in international sports ministry and the other is a professional soccer coach. Happily, they now have five special grandsons to love.