A Simple, Beautiful Memorial

On Friday, June 19, 2026, hundreds of people gathered in the sanctuary of Fellowship Missionary Church in Fort Wayne, IN, to remember and celebrate the life and legacy of Dave DeSelm. Every individual in that room had a unique reason for being there, a story all their own of how their lives were changed by having met Dave.

I loved hearing those stories from folks who waited in long lines so they could tell them. “Dave married us.” “I am a different pastor because of Dave.” “I grew deeply in my faith because of his teaching.” “I gave my life to Christ because of Dave.” Hearing these stories over the course of the hours of visitation left me feeling like Mary in Luke 2. I knew I would “treasure up” all these stories and “ponder them” in my heart.

The service was a simple and beautiful time of stories from family and friends, singing Dave’s favorite hymn, laughter, tears, and even a word from Dave himself. We ended the service with an old worship song, one that Dave loved and would return to often through the years whenever he needed to refresh his soul. The words he once sang with longing are now his full reality.

If you were not able to be with us in person, the video of the service is now available on the Dave DeSelm Ministries YouTube channel. It begins with the prelude and slideshow. Unfortunately, there are some gaps in the audio during the prelude. (Glitches happen, right?!) The service itself begins at about the 15-minute mark. You can download the printed program HERE.

The Dave DeSelm Memorial Fund

We are honored that the tribe Dave served for nearly 50 years, the Missionary Church, has created a special memorial fund in his honor.

Dave gave his life to the conviction that the local church changes everything. As a church planter, pastor, and coach, he invested in people with a teacher’s clarity and a mentor’s guiding hand. The Missionary Church’s new Dave DeSelm Memorial Fund carries that investment forward by providing coaching fees and scholarships for church planters in the early stages of their work. Every gift funds a relationship—a seasoned voice speaking into the life of a planter that is navigating uncertainty, failure, and hope. Dave believed that one life invested well multiplies across generations. This fund is how his legacy keeps planting.

Memorial contributions in Dave’s honor may be made to the Missionary Church, Inc., at mcusa.org/giving. Select “MEM693-Memorial of Dave DeSelm” from the dropdown menu.

Thank you

Thank you, dear friends, for your messages, love, and prayers during these days. I feel buoyed by them.

I miss Dave… SO much….so much. But I’m counting on this: I’ll see you later, Babe. I’ll see you later.