ABOUT
I am founder and lead pastor of Christ Church, a thriving 8,000-member multisite and multiracial congregation in northern New Jersey.
My personal mission is to be an authentic reconciler. I live to actualize the Bible’s mandate that the church operates inter-culturally and functions as a transforming institution. I take this mission beyond the church walls by serving as diversity consultant to the National Basketball Association.
For nearly 25 years, I have coached leaders all over the world in organizations, churches, government agencies, and universities. This vast breadth of leadership experience is the greatest gift I can offer you.
I’m honored to serve you through this blog and offer it as a coaching tool for your personal and professional leadership and for building diversity in every area of your life.
Biography
I am lead pastor of Christ Church, a multisite, multiracial congregation in northern New Jersey. When I founded the church in 1986 we had six members. Today we have a congregation of 8,000 representing over 60 nationalities. Through our community development corporation, we offer a home for domestic violence victims, a youth leadership institute, and a statewide abstinence-based program in partnership with New Jersey schools.
Diversity is at the heart of everything I do—from serving as a diversity consultant to the National Basketball Association to leading chapel services for the New York Giants, New York Jets, and at the U.S. Pentagon. I’ve written over 20 books and appeared on The Dr. Phil Show, The CBS Evening News, and The 700 Club.
I began my career in civil engineering with an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering (Fairleigh Dickinson University) and a graduate degree in civil engineering (Stevens Institute of Technology). Later I attended seminary, earning a master’s degree in theology (Alliance Theological Seminary) and a doctorate degree in organizational leadership (Regent University). I completed post-doctoral work at the University of Pennsylvania.
I am an appointed member of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Faith-Based Initiatives. I also serve on the boards of Nyack College and Alliance Theological Seminary, Advisory Board of the National Basketball Retired Players Association, Advisory Board to New Jersey Governor’s Safe Streets and Neighborhoods Oversight Committee, and adjunct professor at Drew University training doctoral students in the area of leadership.
My wife, Marlinda, and I married in 1984 and have two daughters.
Requesting My Availability
Like you, my schedule gets filled quickly. It’s important to plan ahead when requesting me as a keynote speaker at your leadership conferences, commencement programs, churches, and corporate training sessions.
The best way to reach me is by contacting me through one of the below links.
To request my availability for your upcoming event click here.
If you have questions or would like more information simply contact my assistant via e-mail.
New Book Release
Raising a Child Who Prays: Teaching Your Family the Power of Prayer
In a society that is quickly abandoning its biblical standards, parents can create an effortless culture in their home that lends itself to the spiritual development of their child.
David Ireland, known for his dynamic teachings on prayer, provides a framework that helps parents elevate their prayer life, then parents can pass along the secrets to their little ones so they too may become spiritual giants over time.
Parents will be equipped with practical exercises, sample prayers, and developmentally appropriate mentoring plans that will encourage their children to pray effectively now and into adulthood.
