About this site

I didn't set out to become someone who thinks about artificial intelligence, care for creation, and the future of the church in the same breath. But here we are.

I'm David Cassady — an educator and entrepreneur who has spent the better part of three decades trying to help the church be its best self in a world that keeps changing faster than most institutions are comfortable with. I've learned to be comfortable with that speed. Most days, I even find it exciting.

Where I Come From

I hold degrees in theology, education, and philosophy — the kind of combination that makes you useful at dinner parties and occasionally insufferable in committee meetings. I was raised in Arkansas, which means I came to faith in a particular kind of church culture, and spent the rest of my life expanding what I thought faith could look like. That expansion never stopped.

My theological home is progressive and ecumenical. For years I've done my most meaningful work at the intersection of Black and White church traditions — two streams of Christian faith that have more to say to each other than American history has usually allowed. That work has shaped everything about how I think about leadership, community, and what the church is actually for.

What I Do

I serve as President of BSK Theological Seminary, a progressive ecumenical institution that takes seriously both the ancient roots of Christian faith and the urgent demands of the present moment. Leading a seminary means living permanently at the threshold — between tradition and innovation, between the academy and the congregation, between what theological education has always been and what it needs to become.

I'm also the co-founder of Faithlab, a communications and consulting firm that helps churches and faith-based organizations find their voice, tell their story, and build the digital infrastructure to do their work well. Faithlab exists because I believe good theology deserves good communication — and too many faithful communities are doing important work that nobody outside their walls ever hears about.

Why Threshold

Both of those roles require me to speak carefully and institutionally. Threshold is where I get to speak personally.

I created this publication because I have things I want to say that don't fit neatly into a seminary president's newsletter or a communication firm's blog. Things about AI and what it's doing to pastoral ministry and education. Things about creation care as a theological imperative that the church has been too quiet about for too long. Things about leadership — what it costs, what it requires, and what it looks like to do it with integrity over the long haul.

Threshold is where I think out loud. I hope it's useful to you.

A Few Other Things Worth Knowing

I live in Lexington, Kentucky. I smoke meats and veggies on a Kamado Joe with more enthusiasm than skill. I'm a budget audiophile who listens to classic rock and jazz, often louder than my wife prefers. I collect vintage Apple computers and devices, which my family tolerates with impressive grace. Whenever I can — I travel... internationally when possible, domestically when necessary, always with camera in hand. Serving on the Board of Commissioners for the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and on the book acquisitions team at Good Faith Media offers me the gift of extra perspective. Each week you can hear me (along with friends) on the Faithelement Conversations podcast.

I'm an introvert who ended up in very public roles, which means I do my best thinking in writing rather than in rooms. Threshold is, among other things, a natural habitat.

I really do believe we stand at a Threshold in terms of Christian history, and the choices we make in these days will matter for decades to come.

Connect

If something I write resonates — or if you want to push back — reply to any issue. I read everything.

If you're interested in what Faithlab does for churches and faith organizations, visit [faithlab.com].

If you want to know more about BSK Theological Seminary, visit [bsk.edu].

Subscribe below to receive Threshold in your inbox every few weeks. It's free.