Invite David to help you, your organization, or church
David connects with audiences from college to those living in senior living. With captivating stories, biblical insight, and leadership experience, most audiences find that if they hear him, they’ve been both inspired and educated.
How David can help
David is a scholar, a teacher, a pastor, and a professional who doesn’t take himself too seriously.
One-time teaching event Bible Study leader at conference or camp Specialized topic to speak on monthly or weekly at churches, schools, nonprofits, or other
Consulting
Educational institutions | Leadership Teams | Church staff | Nonprofits
Experience
Speaking
Churches
Bayside Galt
Bayside Granite Bay
Bridgeway Christian (Roseville)
Community Covenant (Rocklin)
Covenant Community Presbyterian (Vacaville)
First Covenant (Turlock)
Fullerton Presbyterian
Foothill Covenant (Los Altos)
Fremont Presbyterian (Sacramento)
Harbor Church (Folsom)
Hillside Covenant (Walnut Creek)
Lincoln Presbyterian (Stockton)
Modesto Covenant
Monte Vista Chapel (Turlock)
Pasadena Covenant
Peninsula Covenant (Redwood City)
Simi Valley Covenant
St. Lukes Episcopal (Auburn)
University Covenant (Davis)
Camps
Hume Lake
Mission Springs
Forest Home
Alpine
Zephyr Point Tahoe
Mt. Hermon
Teaching
Classes Taught
New Testament
Gospel of John
Paul and his thought
First-Century Rome
The History of Christianity
Ancient History
Renaissance and Reformation
Ancient Greece
Systematic Theology
Specialties
New Testament
First Century Rome
First Century Christianity
The History of Christianity
First Century Judaism
Jesus and his message
Gospel of John
Understanding Paul
Josephus
Renaissance
Reformation
The interplay of Christianity and Culture
Modernism and Post-Modernism
The interplay of Christianity and Culture
How are we to live as Christians in this world?
Schools
North Park University
UC Davis
Fuller Seminary
Western Seminary
William Jessup University
Consultant
Types
Strategic Planning
Conflict Resolution
Mentoring
Leadership Development
with
Organizations
Churches
Nonprofits
Schools
Church Denominations
Businesses
Civic Organizations
Other Experience
Provost, Senior Vice President
Biola University
VP Academic Affairs
William Jessup University
Professor, Department Chair
North Park University
Professor
Western Seminary North Park Theological Seminary
Videos
Philosophy of Teaching
at Western Seminary
2024
Three Parables
at Hillside Covenant Church
2023
Strange Grace
at Hillside Covenant Church
2023
History, Theology and Context of Women in Ministry
at Midtown Church
2023
Actions Motivated by God
at Biola University
2014
Ovid
at Biola University
2014
Education
PhD
University of California, Davis
Research Fields:
New Testament, Roman Social History;
Major FIeld:
The Ancient World, Rome;
Teaching Field:
Renaissance and Reformation, Early Modern Europe.
Director of Research
Professor Lincoln D. Hurst
MDiv
Fuller Seminary
Publications
Books and Monographs
A Youth Worker’s Commentary on James, Grand Rapids, Zondervan. 2013. Co-authored with Les Christie.
A Youth Worker’s Commentary on John, Volume Two, Grand Rapids, Zondervan, 2012. Co-authored with Les Christie.
A Youth Worker’s Commentary on John, Volume One, Grand Rapids, Zondervan. 2011. Co-authored with Les Christie.
The History of Christianity: An Introduction, San Francisco, McGraw-Hill, 2004. Co-authored with Bradley P. Nystrom.
James: A Commentary, NIV Application Commentary, Grand Rapids, Zondervan, 1997.
Articles:
“We have No King But Caesar: Roman Imperial Ideology and the Imperial Cult,” Scot McKnight and Joseph B. Modica (eds.), Jesus is Lord, Caesar is Not, Downers Grove, Inter-Varsity Press. 2013.
James the Greater,” Holy People of the World: A Cross-Cultural Encyclopedia, ed. Phyllis Jestice, ABC-CLIO, Oxford & Santa Barbara, 2004.
“James the Brother of Jesus,” Holy People of the World: A Cross-Cultural Encyclopedia, ed. Phyllis Jestice, ABC-CLIO, Oxford & Santa Barbara, 2004.
“John the Baptist,” Holy People of the World: A Cross-Cultural Encyclopedia, ed. Phyllis Jestice, ABC-CLIO, Oxford & Santa Barbara, 2004.
“John the Evangelist,” Holy People of the World: A Cross-Cultural Encyclopedia, ed. Phyllis Jestice, ABC-CLIO, Oxford & Santa Barbara, 2004.
“Martha,” Holy People of the World: A Cross-Cultural Encyclopedia, ed. Phyllis Jestice, ABC-CLIO, Oxford & Santa Barbara, 2004.
“Mary,” Holy People of the World: A Cross-Cultural Encyclopedia, ed. Phyllis Jestice, ABC-CLIO, Oxford & Santa Barbara, 2004.
“Paul,” Holy People of the World: A Cross-Cultural Encyclopedia, ed. Phyllis Jestice, ABC-CLIO, Oxford & Santa Barbara, 2004.
“Thomas,” Holy People of the World: A Cross-Cultural Encyclopedia, ed. Phyllis Jestice, ABC-CLIO, Oxford & Santa Barbara, 2004.
“Josephus,” The Dictionary of the Later New Testament and its Developments, eds. Ralph P. Martin and Peter H. Davids, IVP, 1997.
Awards
Honors and Distinctions
Zenos Hawkinson Award for Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership, North Park University, 1994.
Outstanding Graduate Student Award, University of California, Davis, 1990.
Departmental Citation in History, University of California, Davis, 1981.
Phi Beta Kappa, University of California, Davis, 1981.
Pastor, New Hope Christian Fellowship, Carmichael, CA
❞
Mark Meeks
Pastor, City Church Sacramento
❞
David Nystrom is my congregation’s favorite guest preacher. He invites us to engage with scripture by asking thoughtful questions, deepens our understanding through sharing cultural background, and uses his unique blend of humor and humility to help us apply the passage to our lives.
Nancy Duff
Retired Associate Pastor, Centerpoint Church
“The Christian life is a matter of heart and mind and hands. God calls us to strive to understand the faith and to allow that understanding to shape our hearts and minds.”
– David Nystrom
FAQs
Is there a minimum number of audience needed for David to come?
At least one. While David has been known to talk to David, it is probably better that he has others to share his wisdom.
I’ve heard he is good at birthday parties. Is that true?
It’s actually a joke David uses. New Testament scholar and expert on Ancient Roman History is not usually a great topic for birthday parties. But if there’s free cake and good coffee, David may just show up!
Did David make this website?
Ha! First of all, David would never want anyone to promote him. Second, his technological ability is like that of a … well, just ask him. He probably has some great metaphor to describe it.
How much does David charge?
How much you got? David works with you to create an amount that helps you get what you need, as well as ensure he has enough to fund the big tractor he is saving up for.
How far in advance do I need to book David?
He may be free for lunch or coffee later today or tomorrow. But you’re probably not asking about that. His availability varies.
