Pastor David Defoe, is married to the former Denise Lynnette Tolbert, of San Diego, CA, who is a Hospice Social Worker.  David & Denise have one daughter, Dayna Imara, who is a perfect combination of them both.  Pastor Defoe and his family began their tenure here at New Life on February 1, 2014.  Since that time, his progressive thinking, out of the box ministry, and creative preaching has been a blessing to our church.

Pastor Defoe has a BA in English and Communications from Andrews University, and a Master of Divinity degree (M.Div) in Pastoral Ministry from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary. He also has a Master’s of Science degree in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Family Counseling from Bowie State University in Bowie, Maryland.  At the present moment, Pastor Defoe is enrolled at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, working on a Doctor of Ministry degree with an emphasis in Family Ministries. His dissertation addresses martial conflict, and the impact that marital enrichment programs have on the expressed levels of marital satisfaction in couples.

Pastor Defoe is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC),  National Certified Counselor (NCC), Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, Certified Prepare/Enrich Marital/Pre-Marital Facilitator, and Family Life Educator.

Pastor Defoe, having been born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, is an avid lover of all Boston Sports teams, including the Red Sox, Patriots, and Celtics. He enjoys reading, writing, and playing golf.