David's pastoral ministry included the Epworth Church (student pastor) in the Indiana Conference and the Wolcott Church (also student) in the Northwest Indiana Conference. Following seminary graduation, he was appointed to Carrollton and Tell City, then to the Wesley Foundation at Indiana University, then the Beech Grove Church in Indianapolis. He was the Superintendent of the Evansville District and the Director of the South Indiana Conference Council on Ministries. He then was the Pastor of the Carmel Church (Indianapolis) when elected to the Episcopacy.