Leadership

David Harding, Pastor

Dave has served as pastor of SPPC since planting the church in 2002. Originally from Jacksonville, Dave came to saving faith in Jesus Christ during his high school years through the influence of his parents and his church.  After college, he worked in the financial planning field for several years before sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry. Dave attended Reformed Theological Seminary and then served churches in Georgia and Alabama, prior to planting SPPC. He completed his doctoral studies at Covenant Theological Seminary in 2013. Dave and his wife, Lynn, have two daughters, Lindsey, and her husband Sam and Sarah, and her husband, TJ. In his free time, Dave enjoys being with family and friends, and rarely turns down an opportunity to go hunting or surfing.

Alex Woods, Associate Pastor

Born and raised in Florida, Alex is thrilled to serve as a pastor in the St. Petersburg area. He came to faith late in high school and began to feel called to ministry as a student at the University of Florida. After completing his seminary training in 2013, he went on to serve in youth ministry for eight years in Atlanta. He is happily married to Shannon and a proud father to Casey and Sylvie. When not working, Alex enjoys spending time with friends and family, cheering on the local Tampa sports teams, and staying active. 

Bob Berry, Elder

Bob and his wife, Linda, moved to St. Petersburg in 2017 when Bob retired from advertising and publishing. They were married in 1971 and have two married children and six grandchildren. Linda and Bob both came to faith in Jesus Christ in 2001 at Windy Gap, a Young Life camp in North Carolina, after hearing the gospel proclaimed during the week of camp. Bob is a native Floridian, born in Vero Beach, and a graduate of the University of Florida College of Journalism. He previously served as a deacon at Orangewood Presbyterian Church in Orlando, and he is a children’s leader in Bible Study Fellowship.

Derik Jenkins, Elder

Originally from Denver, Derik has lived in Florida since his high school years, during which he met his wife, Laura. They were married in 2005 and have 4 children: Ben, Riley, Wesley and Eli. Derik came to saving faith in Christ in 2009 through the preaching of the gospel and seeing its transforming power in Laura’s life. Derik is a graduate of Trinity College with a degree in Advanced Theological Studies. When he’s not studying and writing about theology, Derik enjoys entertaining family and friends and boating.

John Howat, Deacon

Originally from Pittsburgh, John moved to St. Petersburg in 2002. He came to know Jesus as his Savior in 2004 through the Lord placing many people in his life to share the good news of Christ. In 2007 John served a year assisting with a church plant in London, England with a missions organization. Upon his return to St. Petersburg, he met his wife Mwende. They have been married since 2010 and have four wonderful children. He enjoys working on cars, woodworking, fishing, and any other outdoor adventures with his family. He has served as Deacon since 2022.

Robert Jones, Deacon

Robert and his wife Clare transferred to the St. Petersburg area from Tennessee in 2017 for his work and he later retired here.  They have been married for over 30 years and have lived in several states over that time. Robert and Clare have one daughter and son-in-law, and one grandchild with a second on the way! They became members at SPPC in 2018, and Robert has served as a Deacon since 2022.  

David Shadle, Deacon

Originally from Pennsylvania, a career change led David to move to St. Petersburg in 2014. He and his wife, Beth, have been married since 1983 and they have two grown children and 3 precious grandchildren. David attended Shippensburg University for Marketing, and came to know Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior in 1978 at a Campus Crusade ministry outreach event. He has served as Deacon at SPPC since 2017.

Debbie Wade, Administrative Assistant

Debbie is a native Floridian and has lived in St. Petersburg since second grade, which is when she accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior. She is a graduate of the University of South Florida’s School of Education. Debbie and her husband Ted have an adult daughter and two grandsons. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as reading.