David Serner, Director of International Studies
Who are you?
I am a child of God who answers to the name of David.
David Serner: father, brother, husband and “Daaaaaad!”.
Currently, I serve as the Director of International Studies at the Caspari Center and as Pastor of the Danish Church in Jerusalem.
Tell us about your family!
I am married to Elisabeth, the fantastic woman who brought forth our children. Nathanael is 12 and Naomi is 9. We are all very different personalities – so it is great fun!
Where are you originally from?
I am from Denmark.
What did you do prior to coming to the Caspari Center?
Before coming to Israel, I served as a co-pastor in Hillerød – a parish north of Copenhagen, in the Danish State Church.
What do you do at Caspari Center?
I work closely with another project coordinator, Sanna, on our “Discovering Jesus in His Jewish Context” courses – join us for our April 2021 course! I also partner with universities, churches, groups or individuals seeking to further their understanding of the Land, the Jewish roots of Christianity and/or the Messianic body of believers in Israel.
At the moment, my time is spent concluding our in-depth survey of the local Israeli Messianic body (the updated version of our Facts & Myths book, which we first published 20 years ago). We’re hoping to publish it by the end of this year.
How long have you been at Caspari Center?
Nearly 6 years; I began working here in September 2014.
What brought you to Caspari Center?
I was sent to pastor the Danish Church in Jerusalem, and to work part-time at the Caspari Center. The theological work at Caspari Center intrigued me as there are many opportunities to be challenged here and to widen my theological horizons.
What is the best part of your work?
The best part is definitely the people I work with, and the people I meet who visit the Center, and also the possibility of diving even more into the person of Yeshua.
What do you like to do when not working?
I enjoy movies, nature – and especially European football. I could spent all my time watching and playing football. I enjoy reading books: theological, philosophical and fiction. I also enjoy meeting new people and getting to know people. People are so interesting, and they can also be challenging – but what a great way to spend the time!
Do you have a favorite bible verse or other life motto?
No. Different bible verses speak to me at different times. At the moment, the following scriptures stand out:
“Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls a conspiracy; do not fear what they fear,
and do not dread it. The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear,
he is the one you are to dread.” Isaiah 8:12-13 (NIV)
Especially at this time, let us not fear, but fix our eyes on the Holy One and trust Him.