A people person

Change sharpens focus of young alumnus: community key

David Toogood is learning life can take unexpected twists and turns. Here’s his story. After graduating with a ministry and theology degree in 2015, David accepted a call to pastor as an associate at Gold Coast Central Seventh-day Adventist Church. Four year later, he moved to Cooroy as pastor of the church there and chaplain at Noosa Christian College. His reputation as a disciple maker preceded him—the church at La Sierra University (Riverside, California, USA) wanted him to serve as its youth pastor. Then came COVID and an extended lockdown.

Confined mostly to his apartment, David could minister only online, connecting and building relationships with young adults he had never met. He lasted eight months before returning home to protect his mental health and reconnect with family. He now considers the decision a personal and professional accomplishment. While the sudden change “brought new questions and doubts, what I’m realising is there’s beauty to be found in pausing long enough to be truly present.”

Perhaps some of David’s resilience came from the sense of belonging he experienced at Avondale. “My best friends are those I met during my years of study.” He also appreciated the availability of lecturers. “They understood and encouraged me and became mentors.” Building community is now central to what David wants to do in ministry. “When I think about my most joyful moments, it’s all about bringing people together and creating spaces for meaningful relationships.”

David created his own space while walking the historic Camino de Santiago—a pilgrimage to the burial site of the apostle James—through France and Spain.

Avondale Alumni honours David for prioritising people—including himself—while confronting the challenge of change in ministry.