Bio
Dave Abernethy has served as director for credentialing for EFCA’s North Central District since 2023, and as director for pastoral counseling since 2025. He came to saving faith in Jesus Christ during the summer of 1998 while a student at the University of Missouri-Columbia where he earned a B.A. in English Literature. He also holds a Master of Divinity degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL. He served for two years as Assistant Pastor at Village Church of Lincolnshire in Lake Forest, IL, and is currently serving as the Lead Pastor at Mound Free Church since 2005. Most recently, he worked for Fieldstone Counseling out of northwest Ohio for a number of years as a part-time remote contract counselor with a focus on serving pastors, missionaries, and Christian leaders. He is married to Melissa and has two children, Caleb, and Mia. Dave enjoys reading theology, listening to music, and running on the Dakota Trail. He is grateful to serve alongside our district team as we serve pastors, church leaders, and churches.
Credentialing & Pastoral Counseling
As District Director for Credentialing, his ministry focuses on overseeing district credentialing ministry, developing and maintaining our District Credentialing Network, and working with and connecting the NCD to our National Board of Ministerial Standing.
As District Director for Pastoral Counseling, he offers counseling to NCD pastors and church leaders as well as seeks to spread a passion for soul care throughout our family of churches, encouraging and equipping others in the personal ministry of the Word.