1. Rev. Dr. Linda S.
Dr. David Oliver served as my spiritual director for seven years. During that time, he challenged me in my thinking, encouraged the development of a disciplined spiritual life and helped me to find peace in my spirit during many chaotic life events. David saw me through the my first year of pastoral ministry and without his support I would have given up! David never allowed me to wallow in my own self pity but constantly asked me what God might be trying to show me in the storms and strains of life. His counsel was wise, his promptings, Spirit-directed and his presence, one of hospitality to me and to the Holy Spirit. I would gladly recommend David as a coach/mentor/spiritual director.

3. Rev. Dr. Nancy C.:
I met David Oliver in 1984 when he was appointed as our associate pastor at Church of the Savior UMC in Canton. Throughout the last 23 years he has challenged me, encouraged me, taught me, supported me in tough times, and loved me with the love of Christ. His teaching of Disciple Bible Study put my faith journey on "fast forward." If there is a human being responsible for my call to ministry (or making me receptive to that) it would be David. I have taken my most challenging theological questions to David and always received a well-thought out answer.

5. Rev. Gary N.
David Oliver served as my mentor in the 2006-2007 Pastors of Excellence cohort. David created a safe environment for us to be real with each other. He guided us into deeper insight into ourselves through the Spirit-guided expertise he brought to the various assessment tools. David was a flexible leader in our group work responding to the needs of the moment while still keeping us on track with the assignments. But the highlight for me was his prayer leadership, as he prayed for us and with us, modeling formational prayer and bringing us into the healing presence of Christ.

7. Leila A.
Rev. David Oliver was our church pastor for three years. I cannot speak highly enough of the Christian commitment he gave to us during this time.

He was involved in all aspects of the church. His messages where well considered, biblically based; they instructed and challenged us in our Christian lives. He encouraged all of the congregation’s involvement and commitment to the work of the church. We had new programs and services, and we had growth.

When there were difficulties, he sought forgiveness and understanding and compassion for one another. We were encouraged to always look to God’s plan and to keep our trust there.

He was always available when help was needed and for individual or family counseling. On a personal note, when my family was having problems because of my nephew’s drug use, he readily agreed to meet with my sister and me. He listened, advised, and prayed with us. And when my nephew was ready, he gave this same attention to him. I cannot tell you how meaningful this has been to my family and me.

9. Debbie V.
I was on staff during Dr. Oliver’s tenure at our church. I was witness to his steadfast faith in the midst of both the joyous and painful times of ministry. He was a good supervisor and encourager to our staff of eight persons. David has a passion for the spiritual life and the gift of leading others closer to Christ. He challenges others to walk more closely with the Lord by his own example. Rev. Oliver is also administratively gifted, calling forth excellence from staff and church leaders. Working with this man of God was truly inspirational and life changing for me. He was a tremendous source for spiritual, intellectual, personal support and renewal.

11. Daniel Y.
I have been asked to give a recommendation for Dr. David Oliver. I have known David and Janie for four years. He was my Pastor at Avon United Methodist Church (AUMC) in Avon, Ohio from 2004 thru July of 2007.

As a pastor, David is an outstanding representative of Christ. His sole mission while Pastor was to enable all members to realize the power Christ can have on our lives and to build relationships that lead to greater faith. I feel that David is a true believer not only by his words, but by his actions. I was at a crossroads when I first met him after leaving the only church I attended my entire life. I had just experienced a series of events that caused me to leave the church. The hurt I felt by the way I was treated had to be worked thru, so that I could heal and move on to a better position in my faith. David embraced me with the love of Christ, with sincere compassion of how hurt I felt. We spent many an hour talking and working thru the hurt and resentment I felt toward the other party. The sincerity and caring that he showed me was simply overwhelming. I was at a pretty low place for a long time. He never wavered in his support for me. This has lead to a friendship and brotherhood. We have developed a friendship thru the last couple years that has meaningful depth. David is sincere, straightforward and truthful to the tee! There is no hidden meaning or agenda with him, just the true love that he has for Christ Jesus! He is an honorable man on a mission to serve humanity thru Jesus Christ.

After working thru this crisis and then joining the church, David always encouraged me to stretch myself and to be a leader in the church. I am the Chairman of the Board of Trustees and also lead a Men's Ministry at AUMC. A large part of my life is lived thru the Church. My Spiritual life is rich with meaning and constantly growing. I give much credit to David for keeping the faith in me and for the encouragement he provided.

Thank you for this opportunity to give an endorsement of David Oliver. He is an outstanding Pastor and an even better friend.

13. Pastor Jim H.
It is my deep pleasure to recommend Dr. David Oliver to ministry professionals who are seeking a coach or a spiritual director. David has been my coach over the past several months and he continues in that capacity. He has been of invaluable support and assistance to me as I have evaluated my present position and am developing long term goals and objectives for my future service to the body of Christ.

David is a consummate professional and my valued brother in the Lord. Anyone taking advantage of the services he offers through Living Waters Ministries will be very blessed.