Meet David Gushee | Christian ethics professor, writer, pastor

We had the good fortune of connecting with David Gushee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi David, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I grew up in Vienna, Virginia, in a happy family led by my parents Dave and Jay Gushee. I was the oldest of four kids and the only boy. I was raised with love, high standards, and yet compassion. My parents provided a secure foundation for me to form as a human being and to know what a good life looks like. I owe so much to them. I wouldn’t be where I am without them. No way.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a professor of Christian ethics at Mercer University in Atlanta/Macon and Free University in Amsterdam. I think of my life in terms of “calling,” that is, divine calling: first to become a follower of Jesus, then to become a pastor, and finally to become a Christian ethics scholar. This calling has grown over time and I could never have anticipated all that has developed. It wasn’t easy — to stay on the path of faith, to stay committed to churches that so often disappoint, to get a PhD, to get a job, to write that first book, to write the next books, to overcome conflicted professional and religious environments…but my sense of calling has kept me grounded: serve Jesus, serve the church, serve my students, try to serve the world with my writing and speaking. I’ve learned that with a clear sense of calling, you can face each day’s challenges and seize each day’s opportunities. I’ve learned never to get too far ahead of this day and what it brings.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My best Atlanta visit would happen in the summer with the Braves at home at Truist Park: we would go to each night’s Braves game, hanging out beforehand in the Battery and soaking up the energy. During the day we would play tennis and swim at our local tennis club.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Here’s a shoutout to my late parents, Dave and Jay Gushee, who I hope that I am still making proud.

Website: www.davidpgushee.com

Instagram: @dpgushee

Twitter: @dpgushee

Facebook: @dpgushee