Two years ago, I was preparing to preach my last sermon as senior pastor at Fremont Presbyterian Church, on Christmas Eve 2023 (the picture is from that very day!).  For 25 years, all I had trained for and worked in was that kind of work: being a pastor in a ministry or local church.  I had felt a longing to help those who were doing that kind of work, knowing very well what it was like.  I hoped to be “a pastor to pastors.” I know the challenges, joys, times of loneliness, having a sense of purpose and receiving affirmation, and much more. Two years ago, I didn’t know exactly what that work would look like, or who would want or need it.  

I see things differently now!  I am reminded of the words of Paul in his letter to the Ephesians:  

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…”

As we come to the end of 2025, I want to THANK YOU for considering supporting me in helping make my work possible.  You know I can’t share names, details, or photos of the people I’m caring for and coaching.  The confidentiality is important.  But the stories I hear are tragic, joyful, bewildering, inspiring, and hopeful. I often hear phrases like this:

“You’re the first person I’ve told this to…”

“I’ve never said this to anyone before.”

“I didn’t know who I could trust.”

I am now meeting on at least a monthly basis with: 

30 leaders, in 9 U.S. states and 4 countries.

They are:

10 associate pastors

9 senior or lead pastors

1 church planter

3 work in the marketplace

7 work in parachurch or other non-profit

I often receive calls from pastors, just needing to talk, run a leadership challenge by me, or celebrate a new development.

I check-in monthly with an additional sixteen leaders who serve with Standing Stone, in a new role as an Area Leader.  

I help lead two cohorts that meet monthly for encouragement and training.  One is a group of local pastors, and the other is a group of younger leaders who serve in various leadership roles in local non-profits. 

I am assisting an organization called The Barnabas Group vet new non-profits, both locally and internationally, that receive support and organizational problem-solving from local business leaders.  I also facilitate “ideation sessions,” where 8-10 business leaders help the executive directors of these non-profits move their organization forward in its mission.

Looking ahead to 2026!

Would you consider helping this work in 2026?  In order to keep up with what I’m doing, I have a goal of 10 new monthly donors in 2026.  

I understand that some people like to give one-time a year, and I would welcome annual giving as well!

If you serve an organization that can give matching gifts, would you consider asking?

If you serve a church with a budget to give towards new ministry, would you consider adding Standing Stone as a partner?  

If you’ve been blessed with a surplus in 2025, perhaps part of it could help support this work?

Please go to my giving page:

Burke, David

Look for a new Christmas picture of our whole family sometime soon!  We are traveling out to visit Hudson, my mom, and brother in the Washington, D.C. area for Christmas this year, and will take a new picture then!

Merry Christmas!

On this Giving Tuesday, I want to ask for your help. Help me continue this work I am doing in providing confidential care and coaching for pastors, ministry and marketplace leaders.

I currently meet with 30 leaders on a regular basis.

• They live in 9 U.S. states
• 4 international countries
• 10 are associate pastors in local churches
• 9 are senior or lead pastors in local churches
• 1 is planting a church
• 7 work in organizations outside the local church
• 3 work in the marketplace

Two years ago, a spiritual director said to me, “It sounds as if you are longing for the hidden work of deeper discipleship.” I have never forgotten those words. Two years later, I can say that these one-on-one and small-group conversations I get to have are hidden, but fruitful. I can’t show you the pictures of everyone I meet. But I get to offer what I do to these leaders who otherwise may not seek out this kind of help for FREE. It is the generosity of 96 people over those two years that have made that possible. Would you consider joining this team of ministry partners?

As the year comes to an end, I have a goal of raising $10,000 in one-time gifts, and $750 in new monthly giving. All gifts are tax-deductible. Click on the link below, and then on the button marked “Donate” to make a gift.

[By the way, in the picture above, there is some wildlife hidden. Can you see them? One happens to be looking right at the camera. Hopefully the resolution is good enough to see them…]

I am serving with a ministry called Standing Stone, which has aimed for over twenty years to provide a space for free, confidential coaching and care for pastors, ministry leaders, and leaders of every sphere. Standing Stone believes that healthy leaders need companions on their leadership journey, and that healthy leaders will lead healthy organizations that help transform their communities. You can learn more here: https://standingstoneministry.org/shepherd/burke-david/