Rev. David Black is an ordained teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA). He began pastoring First Church in September 2020. He lives in Chicago with his dog Bella.

David is spiritually rooted in Quakerism, and he grew up in a diverse array of Protestant and Evangelical churches around the world. He joined the Presbyterian Church (USA) in 2015, and is grateful to call this denomination home. He graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary in 2018 with a Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Christian Education and Formation with a focus on Ministry with Young People, and a Certificate in Black Church Studies. He was given two awards at graduation for outstanding preaching, and one for excellence in writing.

David’s early ministry was spread across three churches in New York City, including Judson Memorial Church, Riverside Church, and Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church. He worked as a Community Organizer, Christian Educator, and Pastor to Young Adults, and received training for ministry in the Public Square. David has also served as a Chaplain at Trenton Psychiatric Hospital and Penn Medicine Princeton Healthcare, where he cared for patients with severe mental illnesses and eating disorders.

David is called to serve at the edges of the church, where people are discovering faith and where the church is engaging with its community. As one writer puts it, “to be an insider who stands near the door.” His ministry has been focused on empowering individuals and communities who have been marginalized and dispossessed. He is especially passionate about justice, education, and the arts.

David’s early life was spent moving around Eastern Europe, and he identifies as a “third-culture kid.” By the time he graduated from high school, he had called nine different cities in five countries “home.” He loves living and serving in multicultural settings. David’s parents settled down near Harrisburg (Pennsylvania), and his three overachieving older sisters live in Bangkok, Portland, and Charlottesville.