Presiding Elder – Charlottesville District
Rev. Dr. David Ford began his ministry journey the night of his conversion in 1972, when he was born again and filled with the Holy Spirit. Just two years later, at age 16, he was licensed to preach the Gospel. Since then, David has devoted his life to full-time ministry, faithfully serving in churches across Florida, Georgia, and Virginia.
Over five decades, David has been a youth minister, church planter, hospital chaplain, and lead pastor. He has held key leadership roles in both the United Methodist Church and the Global Methodist Church, including founding Mission Charlottesville GMC, where he served until 2025. He was ordained an elder in the UMC in 1991 and was received as an elder in the Global Methodist Church in 2022.
David holds a B.A. in Religion from Palm Beach Atlantic University, an M.Div. from Candler School of Theology at Emory University, and a D.Min. from Asbury Theological Seminary. In July 2025, he transitioned into a new role as an evangelist with the Global Methodist Church of Virginia, continuing his passion to raise up the next generation of faithful church leaders.
He currently serves as the Presiding Elder of the Charlottesville District and is active in church planting, mentoring seminary students, and advancing evangelism across the region. David has also participated in mission trips to Russia, Nicaragua, Paraguay, and Cuba.
David and his wife, Mary Lou, were married in 1982 and are blessed with three children—Samuel, Carlee, and Marianna—and ten grandchildren. He enjoys walking with Mary Lou, watching movies, fishing, reading, and traveling. A favorite verse that grounds his life and ministry is Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.”
