Grace and Peace

These essays are presented by the family, friends, and colleagues of David Worley of blessed memory. David Worley was an extraordinary man of many talents and interests. David was born and raised in Texas, and was educated at Abilene Christian and Yale. Upon receiving a PhD in New Testament, he and his growing family moved to Austin, Texas, where he lived until his untimely death by cancer. David's family owned a series of broadcasting stations. Over his lifetime he was interested in the media, venture capital investments, church life and music, and mission efforts in Russia, Africa, New Zealand, and elsewhere. He taught courses as an adjunct professor at various colleges and served as president of the Austin Graduate School of Theology and chairman of the board of the Institute of Theology and Christian Ministry, St. Petersburg, Russia. Even his close friends knew little of the magnitude of his activities. What was clear, however, was that he served one Lord--the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Nothing can be more challenging to a complacent life than these essays about the activities and commitments of David Worley.

""This collection of essays provides wonderful insights into the life and legacy of David Worley, a scholarly churchman fully devoted to God, family, the church, and the furthering of Christian education. Through these essays the reader can experience the joys and blessings of a life well lived before God. No one spending time with these essays will come away disappointed. Reading this book may even inspire careful listeners to hear more fully the call of God in their own lives.""
--Rick R. Marrs, Provost, Pepperdine University


""A tender and honest tribute to a man who embodied the best of a movement, and yet was sui generis. Someone so genuine, faithful, intelligent, and unconventional deserves testimonies from his beloved communities of what God has accomplished. May these same communities absorb this descriptively rich portrait of a man of God and, encouraged by the revealing, live to the glory 'of the Father above.'""
--David Fleer, Director, Lipscomb University

""In such a fragmented world, David Worley is one of the most spiritually complete men I know. Whether in a theologically deep conversation, a boardroom, church gathering, coffee shop, or among family, David exudes a uniquely holistic perspective on Kingdom of God matters. These essays illustrate David's absolute devotion to Jesus and scripture, and their manifestation in every aspect of his life. They will call you to think and act differently.""
--Steven Raine, President, South Pacific Bible College


Thomas H. Olbricht is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Religion, Pepperdine University. He was David Worley's professor at Abilene Christian. He served with David Worley on the board of the Institute of Theology and Christian Ministry, St. Petersburg, Russia, and taught courses there.

Stan Reid is President of the Austin Graduate School of Theology, Austin, Texas. He studied at Abilene Christian and Southern Methodist. He worked with David Worley in Austin and St. Petersburg.