Winebrenner Theological Seminary proudly recognized Dr. David Datema (MDiv, ’97) as the recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award, honoring a lifetime of faithful ministry, global leadership in missions, and significant contributions to the advancement of God’s kingdom.
The award was presented during Winebrenner’s 2026 Commencement Ceremony by Pastor Lance Finley, member of the Board of Trustees and Executive Director of the Churches of God, General Conference, and Dr. Brent C. Sleasman, President of Winebrenner. In his introduction, Finley highlighted Dr. Datema’s remarkable ministry journey and decades-long influence in the field of missiology.
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, and raised in part as a missionary kid in both Jamaica and Sierra Leone, Dr. Datema developed an early awareness of God’s work among the nations. Following his upbringing and education in west Michigan, he attended Huntington College (now Huntington University), earning a bachelor’s degree in Bible and Religion. His ministry path then led him to Findlay, where he served alongside Dan and Marilyn Young at First United Brethren Church before becoming senior pastor of Bethel United Brethren Church near Fremont, Ohio.
While serving in pastoral ministry, Dr. Datema enrolled at Winebrenner Theological Seminary and completed his Master of Divinity degree, laying the theological foundation that would support a lifetime of service both locally and globally.
In 1999, Dr. Datema and his wife, Cathie, relocated to Pasadena, California, to join the U.S. Center for World Mission, now known as Frontier Ventures. Over the past 27 years, he has served in a variety of leadership roles within the organization, helping equip missionaries and church leaders while advancing efforts to reach unreached peoples around the world. During this season of ministry, he also completed a Ph.D. at Fuller Theological Seminary. Today, he serves as Content Coordinator for the Ralph D. Winter Research Center and remains an ordained pastor in the Church of the United Brethren in Christ.
In presenting the award, Finley also noted Dr. Datema’s significant leadership at one of North America’s premier missionary training organizations and celebrated the global impact of his work. The award recognizes not only Dr. Datema’s scholarly contributions and leadership in missiology, but also his enduring commitment to helping the Church engage faithfully in God’s mission among the nations.
“His passion for and expertise in reaching the unreached is a great gift to the church today,” Finley said, expressing gratitude for Dr. Datema’s “good and faithful work to advance the kingdom of God.”
In addition to receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award, Dr. Datema delivered the Seminary’s commencement address. Speaking to graduates preparing to enter a rapidly changing ministry landscape, he reflected on the tension between God’s unchanging character and Scripture’s declaration that God is continually “doing a new thing.” Drawing from Isaiah 43, he reminded graduates that while the message of the gospel remains unchanged, each generation is called to apply its timeless truth within new cultural contexts.
Dr. Datema encouraged graduates to view themselves as faithful “applicators” of the gospel, entrusted with bringing ancient biblical truths to bear on the unique challenges and opportunities of the twenty-first century. He emphasized that ministry is not about inventing new theology but about faithfully weaving one’s own story into the ongoing tapestry of God’s work throughout history.
As Winebrenner Seminary celebrates the Class of 2026, the Seminary also celebrates alumni like Dr. David Datema whose lives demonstrate the lasting impact of theological education, faithful service, and a steadfast commitment to God’s mission in the world. Through decades of ministry, scholarship, and leadership, Dr. Datema has embodied the values of Winebrenner Seminary and continues to inspire future generations of Christian leaders.
Congratulations to Dr. David Datema, recipient of the 2026 Winebrenner Theological Seminary Distinguished Alumni Award.