PASTOR DAVE DECKER, JR
Outreach & Discipleship Pastor

We asked our staff to give us a peek into the 'behind the scenes' world of what makes them tick.  We hope that by letting you kind of 'hang out' in the offices here, and letting you know us a bit more that you will get a glimpse of the joy in our jobs, and most importantly, the joy we find in Christ.

1.)What do your friends call you, like your nickname or whatever?
My nickname in high school was Squeak.  People mostly call me Decker or Dad though these days.

2.)What was your FIRST connection with LifeLight Communications?
Well, my FIRST connection was from being a youth pastor here in Sioux Falls.  I have been involved in youth ministry for about 15 years now, and have been blessed by being part of the monthly youth pastor network training times.  
As for the LifeLight Festival, sometime in Late 2000 or early 2001, I got a call to help with bringing some 'youth oriented' bands to the Festival, and ever since then, I've been connected to the Souled Out stage.  As a volunteer, helping in various ways over the years, the last 5 or so booking bands and running the stage during the weekend with the help of some great friends!
 
3.)What have you been reading lately?
I have been reading Simple Spirituality by Chris Heuertz,  Sex God by Rob Bell, Contemplative Youth Ministry by Mark Yaconelli, daily devotionals by AW Tozer, and I just started listening to The Man who Knew too Much by GK Chesterton.  Also, sadly, i've been spending some time with the exciting IRS Guide to Filing for 501c3 Status pamphlet (my wife and I have started a non-profit LiveLightsOut.org- yay paperwork!)  Here's a little known fact: I love to read, but have trouble finishing books because I feel like it is leaving a good friend, and I don't like to say goodbye - sniffle.  
 
4.) What is the toughest lesson you’re glad you learned?
Lately I'm learning that out of chaos, the beauty of creation emerges.  God puts a purpose onto our pain, what man means for evil, God will use for good.  He is making something holy from our hurt, and teaching me a NEW song to sing!

5.) Do you have any pets?  How are you most like your pet?
We have a miniature schnauzer named Shively.  I am most like him in that everytime someone walks past, he thinks he has to say 'hi' to them and get to know them, I also like to chat and all about healthy relationships- don't worry though, my new year's resolution is to stop licking faces when I meet people.  I also have a Koi Pond in the back yard and love the peaceful sound and swimming, it's a great place to sit in the sun.  Unfortunately, my fish die like it's going out of style, so... thank the good Lord he didn't make you a fish in my pond!  i'm most like those fish in that much of my life is lived in sort of a 'fishbowl'- which I love at times, but there are also times I truly enjoy hiding out in the weeds.

6.) If you had 48 hours and $500 to do anything, what would you do?
Depends on the time of year, but right now I'd drive to the Black Hills with my family and go snowboarding for a couple days, stay in a cabin, start a fire and play some games.