So it begins...

A Brief Bio and Motivation for Writing a Blog...

My name is David Zirilli. This is my first blog. I am only a couple of decades behind the trend, but I hope this will be an encouraging blog to those who read it.

I am the husband of just one wife, Rachel, the father of four uniquely amazing kids, Anna-16, Katie-14, Ethan-10, and Ryan-8, housemate with Buddy the dog, and related to many, many more. I come from a big and diverse family.

I am a Doctor of Ministry, received my degree in June 2012.

I have been a pastor for most of my adult life. I was a part time youth pastor at age 21 in Windsor NY. I got married and moved to Houghton while Rachel finished her senior year of college and was a part time youth pastor in Delevan NY. I then moved back home to Orange County and was a pastor in Middletown for 18 years.

In August 2012, we began a home church in Campbell Hall NY. This has been the best ministry work that we have ever done as a family. We are excited to see what God will do in and through us during this season of our lives.

I completed my D.Min. degree by writing a 180 page dissertation that has transformed my perspective on spiritual development. I realized that as a pastor I was isolated from so much good information and research because of the divide that exists between those who study spiritual development and those who are doing hands on work in families and churches around the world.

My desire is to help bridge that gap. I want to take the insights from research that I have read and my own research and share those insights in practical ways that can help real people grow and develop spiritually and help others grow as well.

Relationships are key to growth, so I look forward to interacting with you through your comments and questions. We have so much potential for greater understanding when we work together. "As iron sharpens iron, so one [person] sharpens another.

Thanks for taking a moment to read this and to join the conversation!