Loving God, you, and the Bluff: Westwood Baptist’s new pastor embraces congregation

David Young used to want to be a medical doctor. Born and raised near Knoxville, Tennessee, he was 15 when he devoted his life to Jesus. He was 16 when he started preaching. By 17, Young preached his first revival. At 18, he had a faith-based radio program.

Now, Young is the new pastor at Westwood Baptist Church on County Road 5231.

“It was a pivotal moment,” he recalled of his conversion.

Young remembered always having a passion for public speaking and speeches. Having founded the David Young Evangelistic Association in 1994, his main focus throughout his time in ministry has been evangelism across more than 2,000 churches, 49 states, and nine countries.

He graduated from the Pensacola Theological Seminary in 2006, and Westwood Baptist is his first pastorate.

“It is amazing the worldwide impact of this ministry,” Young described. “It’s a very successful ministry.”

Throughout his time in evangelism, he has come across graduates of Westwood Baptist Academy all over the country. However, Young emphasized the church is more than just the school.

“We offer a Christian school, but we’re not a church school only church,” he added.

Young was asked several times to be the pastor with the retirement of Steve Proctor in late 2024. Initially hesitant, he felt God leading him to make a large change.

Young said he will continue the work of the evangelistic association during his tenure, including a podcast called “Keeping it Young” with his wife Bethlie.

During his time as pastor, he hopes to emulate the ministry of his father-in-law who led a congregation in Ohio for 47 years.

“My father-in-law was my best friend,” Young shared. “He was a man who believed in people. He just touched so many lives. A lot of the things I do as a pastor can be traced to him.”

He said his primary theological influences are Dr. John Rice, John MacArthur, and Charles Spurgeon.

“I was a big fan of the evangelist Billy Graham,” he added.

Young’s vision for Westwood Baptist and his ministry comes in the form of four goals: Serve the people of Westwood Baptist, be a positive influence of righteousness in the area, impact Poplar Bluff, and impact the world. One of the key ways he identified to help the city is the church’s drug addiction recovery program, Reformers Unanimous.

“There is victory and freedom available,” Young highlighted, “It’s not easy. I believe we can be an impact on Poplar Bluff for righteousness.”

Young said Poplar Bluff’s future growth will pose an interesting challenge to the congregation. Situated next to the future route of I-57, he noted the church’s key position physically and symbolically.

“I think Poplar Bluff will grow. I think our church will have to grow with it,” he stated.

Now in his 50s, Young said he will likely retire in this position. He noted the previous pastor led the church for more than 30 years. One of his primary goals is to set up Westwood Baptist for the next pastor who may take the reins for another three decades.

“The world is changing. We want to serve that well,” Young remarked.

Nevertheless, he maintained the church would not alter its core beliefs and methods.

“We are a traditional church, and I’m okay with that,” Young affirmed.

Regardless, he desires to work with other churches in the area despite any differences. Young expressed his ministry is an extension of his love for his family. He and his wife have five children. Two of his sons, Josh and Matthew, are youth pastors.

His son Jake is currently studying to be a youth pastor also. Young’s oldest daughter, Abigail, teaches at a Christian school on the West Coast.

Their youngest, Charity, is in high school. Young said his family has had full participation in his ministry.

“We serve God as a family,” he affirmed.

For 16 years, his family lived full-time in a recreational vehicle to travel around the country for evangelism.

“Ministry is my life,” Young described, “but really who I am is a husband to Bethlie and a daddy to my five kids.”

Proud of the legacy of Westwood Baptist, his message and new motto for the church is, “We love God, we love you, we love the Bluff.”