Dave Pound Honored As 2011 Seminary Alumnus Of The Year

Bethel Seminary’s 2011 Alumnus of the Year, Rev. David Pound ’70, S’74 was recently honored at an event at the church he pastors, Berean Baptist, in Mansfield, Ohio.

The Bethel Seminary Alumni Council unanimously recommended Pound for the award. He was recognized by his nominators for his leadership, character, influence, and family life as outstanding, godly, loving, generous, faithful, and Christ-centered. “Dave truly models the mission, vision, and values of Bethel Seminary,” says Ralph Gustafson, Bethel’s vice president for constituent relations.

Pound was the planting pastor of Berean and has served as lead pastor there for more than 30 years. Under his capable leadership and the guidance of the Spirit, the church has grown to more than 1,200 people and is the mother church to two church plants. Berean plays a significant role in the Mansfield community, upper Ohio, the MidAtlantic district of Converge Worldwide, and the entire Converge Worldwide organization. Pound and his wife Sher have served as leaders with various religious and community organizations.

The presentation was a surprise for Pound. When he entered the sanctuary, the 500+ crowd erupted in applause and a standing ovation. The staff even went as far as creating a fake bulletin to keep the weekend’s festivities a secret.