A Little History
David William was born the fifth of five children to Dale and JoAnn Loftis on April 10, 1961. His dad was a music minister for ten years before beginning church planting missions for the next forty years. David's passion for ministry began when his family left the US and moved to the mission field of Jamaica when he was seven years old. God used this special time in David's life to connect with him, and plant seeds that would develop into his future life calling.
Outgoing and enthusiastic, David enjoyed his childhood singing in his mom’s children's choirs, leading singing in Sunday school and passing out hymnals before church for dad. It was during this time that the most important decision of David’s life was settled, when after knowing the truth for years, he saw it lived out in the life of a quiet deacon in his dad’s church, and came face to face with God’s call to Him to join His forever family. On a hot summer night, he confronted the LORD of His life and gave his heart to Him for eternity. Then came spiritual growth, and as he grew spiritually, he also matured musically. David became an important contributor to his parents' ministry as he taught and led children's church classes, led the church choir and led in his father's pulpits both in Jamaica and Australia as worship leader and occasional preacher. After completing high school and then spending 18 months in Australia with his missionary parents, David headed to Tennessee Temple University. It was there that his doctrinal foundations and passion for evangelism and discipleship were established. Musical talents were developed as he arranged, composed and performed with traveling music groups representing the school for the next seven years.
During college, one freshman highlight that particularly shaped David's future was a chance meeting of a special young woman on campus. He says he was smitten by her blue eyes and southern charm, which he later learned was a disguised Southern California wit and sensibility. David chased her until their sophomore year, when Carol Ankrom "caught him." They found a special connection in their love of music and ministry, as they both came from 2nd generation ministry families. Another highlight of his college years occurred during his junior year at TTU when David felt God's hand drawing him to ministry intentionally. It was a call that confirmed his previous desire to dedicate his life in service to God. In 1983, David graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Bible, minor in Music: vocal performance and later completed his Master of Religious Education at Temple Baptist Seminary.
A teaching worship pastor
Equipped with a first-hand view of missions, a strong biblical education, and the love of his life, David followed his calling to serve the Lord and served 21 years in Georgia and Wisconsin before coming home to North Carolina in 2003.
Now, after almost twenty eight years of church ministry, David's reputation as a loving and inspirational shepherd, leadership trainer and worship leader is evident to all who know him. David cites Colossians 3 as his focal point for Christian fellowship, "Let the Word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns & spiritual songs; singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God." It is his desire to assist the unification of a "body of believers who are devoted to worshipping God personally and celebrating Him together wholeheartedly before a watching world, with the desire that many will put their trust in the Lord."
Putting his philosophy into action, he spends time focusing hearts often dedicates a portion of rehearsals to specific prayer requests, teaching special verses, and sharing testimonies that relate to the message in the music. Team members are reminded they are the leaders of worship and must believe what they are singing in order to allow those listening to hear the message effectively. David feels, "Choir is not simply a training ground for music; it is a place of nourishment for growing believers who are encouraged by one another as we connect together."
David's involvement in the churches he has served has also brought an expanded vision of worship ministries to them. His work ethic and his staff have kept him afloat as he adapts to the fast-paced schedule of his busy week. David brings vision and a "new infusion of energy" to the ministry. One co-worker comments, "He is a great motivator, and I have seen more people get on board to be a part of the work and vision he has brought. He connects with the needs and brings people along musically." In addition, she says he has a great sense humor and is lots of fun to work with. This ministry has also been expanded through to four countries and several states, as David leads training seminars on worship theology, music ministry and offers “hands on” training for music ministry participants. Meet the Family!
The Loftis family is known for their love for music, while their passion for ministry is obvious. Carol has served by David’s side from day one as choir member, praise team singer, drama and special event director, and children’s choir leader for twenty seven years. She is the anchor for the energy in David’s life – keeping his feet on the floor rather than in the clouds!
Then there are the children. Jessie, at 27, currently teaches music at Sterling Montessori in Morrisville, North Carolina and serves with her husband Tyler Olson as lay worship leaders at the Northwest Community Church. She is currently a graduate student in Education at Liberty University, after completing a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and vocal performance. J. D. is twenty four, married to Rachel Crone and preparing for seminary, while they serve together at Treasuring Christ Church as a part of the lay worship team . Josiah is 21, having just returned from El Salvador where he served the Lord for six months. He'll be attending Lee University this Fall to study Music & Spanish. David loves ministering with his family, "They are so much fun to be with, and have developed and incredible 'can do' flexibility for whatever God throws our way." 