David Kannard

            David Kannard is intentional about everything he does at Riverside Community Church in Pittsburgh, PA.  No assumptions are made in any facet of the service. They explain every biblical term, person, city, custom, etc. as though their congregation has never heard it before. This is so that they are not missing anyone. They don’t want to push anyone away or make anyone feel lesser because of a few terms. Their members understand this approach, so they don’t complain about the repetitiveness. He and the other pastors wear normal-guy, every day clothes to preach, etc., because they’ve found that people are not impressed with tradition or anything that looks like a show, but they want real and they want Jesus.

            Riverside uses the Engle Scale as the backbone of their small groups system. With the high majority of their attendees involved in small groups, leaders keep in perspective the fact that not everyone in their group is at the same level in their walk with Christ/may not have made a commitment to Christ yet.  Because of this, Riverside Community Church uses their topic and interest based small groups as evangelistic tools, as well as the regular accountability/support groups for Christians.  The most effective (Consistent number of commitments made to Christ) small group in their collection is their softball group. What is so inviting about these groups that nearly everyone is involved? It’s sharing real life together.  

            Kannard is passionate about people. It is evident in the way he talks about ministry, about church, and about life. I think that this is a huge contributing factor to the small group and overall health of his church. It’s not about the programs or the traditions, but about the people in the church and the surrounding community. Because of this, I think that Kannard would be a great guy to serve with and to learn from. I think more pastors need his mindset.