Meet Rev. David Rollins – Lead Presbyter
We are excited to announce that Rev. Dr. David Rollins has been called as our Lead Presbyter of the Presbytery of St. Augustine. David has served for the past 13 years as pastor of Bayside Presbyterian Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia, a large multi-staff church. Prior to that, he served two long-term pastorates in mid-size churches in both Georgia and Alabama. David is a graduate of Indiana University, he earned his M.Div. from Columbia Seminary and his D.Min. from the Graduate Theological Foundation.
David has a passion for mid-council ministry and envisions a presbytery shaped by collaborative vision and engaging mission. He has served on the Commission on Ministry for more than 17 years in two different presbyteries. He has worked with churches in pastoral transitions and helped congregations move past conflict. He has a heart for camp and conference ministry and has been active in the leadership of Maranatha Camp and Conference Center.
David says, “I believe effective leaders bring out the best in others. My goal as Lead Presbyter is to help pastors and churches live into their potential, authentically and faithfully serving Christ. I expect people to joyfully join in the work of discipleship. As I join you in ministry, I will be guided by my personal mission statement: ‘I am called by God to equip, encourage, empower, and evolve.’ I envision friendly collaboration with the members of the presbytery and hope that we will grow close as we strive to live out the great commandment and great commission in North Florida.”
Here is what some of David’s colleagues say about him:
The Rev. Dr. Jeff Bell says, “I find that David possesses the following gifts for ministry: integrity, self-awareness, courage, respect, empathy and gratitude. David is flexible in his approach to situations where his core beliefs will not be compromised. David is a lifelong learner, seeking ways to grow as a person and leader.”
Charity Houghton notes, “David is a leader whose presence provides both inspiration and direction. He is a skilled listener who shows empathy and relatability while also demonstrating the courage to speak truthfully with compassion and commitment. David has high integrity and relies on his strong moral values in his actions and interactions.”
Roxie Holder, a judge and moderator of the COM, says, “David has three of what I consider to be very important gifts for leadership: careful listening, flexibility and a good sense of humor.”
David is married to Rev. Libby McIntosh Rollins, an intentional interim pastor, and they have a son, Mac. David’s first day in our presbytery will be October 2, 2023.
