Rev. Dr. David Bruner
Co-Pastor
Hi there! My name is David Bruner, and I’m glad to serve as the co-pastor at Knox Presbyterian Church.
I grew up not far from Naperville, down the road in Oak Park. But I have spent a lot of time on the east coast: I went to college out east at Yale University, worked as a social worker in New York City, and earned not one but two degrees from Princeton Seminary in New Jersey. (I guess I’m a glutton for punishment?) I earned my M.Div there in 2007, and I have served in ministry in Bloomington, Illinois, and Paoli, Pennsylvania. I also earned my PhD from Princeton in 2018. I’ve taught theology and biblical studies at numerous institutions, have published articles on theology, and have a book coming out in 2022 on a German theologian named Eberhard Jüngel. (Don’t worry, most people haven’t heard of him either.)
I love being a pastor. It’s an enormous privilege to proclaim the good news of Jesus, to come alongside people in their highs and lows, and lead the body of Christ in its mission. As you might imagine, teaching is also an important part of my vocation. I love introducing people to the Bible, unfolding the riches of the Christian tradition, and tackling tough questions together. I’m rarely happier than when I’m in the classroom, talking one-on-one with people about faith, or curled up with a good book.
I met my wife, Becca, in the cafeteria at Princeton Seminary, where we were both students. We've been married for 15 years now, and I'm delighted to partner with her as the pastors of Knox. We have three wonderful kids: Eleanor is 11, Ben is 7, and Margaret is 4. They fill my life with laughter, love, and chaos. In my ‘spare’ time, I enjoy cooking, playing guitar, listening to comedy, and trying to beat my son at Super Smash Brothers.
I grew up not far from Naperville, down the road in Oak Park. But I have spent a lot of time on the east coast: I went to college out east at Yale University, worked as a social worker in New York City, and earned not one but two degrees from Princeton Seminary in New Jersey. (I guess I’m a glutton for punishment?) I earned my M.Div there in 2007, and I have served in ministry in Bloomington, Illinois, and Paoli, Pennsylvania. I also earned my PhD from Princeton in 2018. I’ve taught theology and biblical studies at numerous institutions, have published articles on theology, and have a book coming out in 2022 on a German theologian named Eberhard Jüngel. (Don’t worry, most people haven’t heard of him either.)
I love being a pastor. It’s an enormous privilege to proclaim the good news of Jesus, to come alongside people in their highs and lows, and lead the body of Christ in its mission. As you might imagine, teaching is also an important part of my vocation. I love introducing people to the Bible, unfolding the riches of the Christian tradition, and tackling tough questions together. I’m rarely happier than when I’m in the classroom, talking one-on-one with people about faith, or curled up with a good book.
I met my wife, Becca, in the cafeteria at Princeton Seminary, where we were both students. We've been married for 15 years now, and I'm delighted to partner with her as the pastors of Knox. We have three wonderful kids: Eleanor is 11, Ben is 7, and Margaret is 4. They fill my life with laughter, love, and chaos. In my ‘spare’ time, I enjoy cooking, playing guitar, listening to comedy, and trying to beat my son at Super Smash Brothers.