David Felten

 

A native of Phoenix, David received a music education degree from Arizona State University before attending Boston University School of Theology where he earned his MDiv in Biblical Studies and History. Before completing Chaplaincy training at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, David spent a year studying as a Rotary Graduate Scholar at  Perth Theological Hall at Murdoch University in Perth, Western Australia. There he received an Honours degree and a taste for Promite.

David served eight years as Associate Pastor and Co-pastor at Epworth United Methodist in West Phoenix before his appointment to start a new church in Northeast Scottsdale in1998. Via de Cristo grew into a dynamic and inclusive faith community serving a niche group of spiritual seekers – many of whom would otherwise be "church alumni". Since 2006, David has served as the pastor of  The Fountains, a United Methodist Church in Fountain Hills, Arizona.

Although David is a full-time pastor, he also tries to stay connected to his roots as a musician. You'll often find him playing in a variety of worship and concert settings, including on a number of CDs by Roman Catholic musicians like Norbert Zwickl, Paul Hillebrand, and Tim & Julie Smith. He's also played with Peter Torsiello, Ken Medema, James Ward, Jaime Cortez, and in his brother's Washington-based big band,  The Eric Felten Orchestra. Most recently, David played on some of the tracks of Barb Catlin's "Living the Questions" CD, "The Summons".

Active in the Desert Southwest Conference of the United Methodist Church, David chaired the Conference worship design team for many years, assembling a diverse and creative team that produced innovative and engaging multi-sensory worship. He has also served on both the Board of Ordained Ministry and the Board of Education, focusing on Adult Education offerings. David has especially enjoyed the opportunity LtQ has given him to hone his writing and curriculum-development skills.

A co-founder of the  Arizona Foundation for Contemporary Theology, David works with a gifted ecumenical group of the theologically curious, hosting speakers and workshops that counter Biblical illiteracy and challenge the prevailing conventional wisdom in many churches. David is also a founding member of  No Longer Silent: Clergy for Justice, an outspoken voice for GLBT rights both in the church and in the community at large.

David has been a guest on a number of local TV and radio programs and has enjoyed becoming something of a regular on KTAR radio’s “The God Show” with host Pat McMahon.

David, his wife Laura, an administrator for a large Arizona public school, and their three children live in Phoenix.