David Gieseking began serving Living Water Church at the Beach in March 2013. With over 25 years experience in children’s, youth, young adult and family life ministry, Dave served churches in Spokane, WA; Manitowoc, WI; Louisville, KY; Houston, TX; and Stuart, Weston, and Davie, FL. Prior to coming to Living Water, he served for 9 years as the Youth & Family Life Minister at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Davie, FL (Ft. Lauderdale area). There, he led and developed teams for innovative children’s and youth ministry. He also helped launch their “Crack of Noon” young adult focused worship service and served as teacher/preacher and worship leader.
In 2011, Dave left Gloria Dei and began exploring opportunities to serve God as a church planter in South Florida. It was during this time of exploration and discovery that Living Water contacted Dave concerning continue the work of church planting that had begun at Living Water with Pastor Ted Richter. We’re excited that God led Dave to accept our call to serve Living Water as our minister and mission developer as we partner together to share the love of God in Jesus Christ along the Unforgettable Coast.
Dave earned his BA in Education and certification as a Director of Christian Education at Concordia University Chicago in 1982. He followed this with a Master in Education (Religious Instruction emphasis) from Concordia University Irvine in 1995. Since 2009, he’s worked for Group Publishing of Loveland, CO as a Group Ambassador providing curriculum and Vacation Bible School training. In September 2013, Dave entered the Specific Ministry Pastor program that leads to ordination through Concordia Seminary St. Louis as a vicar.
Dave is the oldest of the five children of Marlyn and Marilyn Gieseking. He grew up in Ohio, Illinois, Oklahoma, and Texas when his father was in the Air Force. He considers Fort Walton Beach, FL his hometown. FYI – Dave actually lived in Mexico Beach when he was 6 months old when his dad was TDY at Tyndall AFB. He was married to Elaine Diane Kolbus from 1986 until her passing in 2001.
In addition to his enthusiasm for sharing the Good News of God’s love in Jesus and helping people grow together in Christ, he appreciates a variety of music styles, as well as, playing guitar and bass. In and after college, Dave was able to blend both through the Living Water music team at Concordia Chicago and touring for a year with the Milwaukee based Joy, Inc. He enjoys golf, biking, hiking, whitewater rafting, skiing (snow and water), volleyball, basketball, and softball. FYI: His extensive DVD library was nicknamed “DaveBusters” by his south Florida youth. He’s excited to return to the white sands of the Florida panhandle.
Special Thanks
Living Water Church at the Beach extends special thanks Pastor Ted Richter and his wife CeCe. Ted was asked to help plant a mission congregation in Mexico Beach, and the outcome of much prayer and study has resulted in Living Water Church at the Beach. Pastor Ted helped bring together Living Water’s unique weekly Sunday morning worship service on the beach and our Monday evening Lifetree Cafe.
In response to the needs of their family, Pastor Ted and CeCe moved to southern California in September 2012. While their leadership and ministry are missed, we are grateful for their role in founding and shaping the ministry of Living Water Church.
(Update) On August 11, 2015, Pastor Ted Richter joined the Church Triumphant and was welcomed into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ after being diagnosed with a brain tumor in May. His wife CeCe and Matthew were with Ted as he entered into Jesus presence and new life. Since his diagnosis, Ted was able to connect with many friends and family to extend the encouragement, strength, and comfort that were his in Christ. Living Water was pleased to be able to provide our prayers and ministry in person as Sandy Grubb flew to California to visit with Ted and CeCe at their home in Riverside. Our prayers for Ted were answered for even though he wasn’t cured; he was healed. Our prayers continue to go out to CeCe and the Richter family and in gratitude to God for the work done through the ministry of Pastor Ted Richter.