The Texas Conference executive secretary maintains corporate and church-related records regarding the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. This position also serves as the Religious Liberty and Public Affairs director working closely with the Southwestern Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists and General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists regarding all Sabbath observance issues, as necessary.

David Matthew Runnels is the executive secretary for the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists in Alvarado, Texas. He has a bachelor’s degree from Oakwood College (now Oakwood University) in Huntsville, Alabama, and a master’s degree from City University of New York in Social Work. 

During his 20 years as a social worker, Runnels was called by Christ to begin ministry in Oklahoma for 10 years. In November 2012, Runnels accepted an official pastoral position in San Antonio, Texas, and in October 2019, he and his family moved to the Dallas/Fort Worth area to serve as a field secretary.

Runnels enjoys fellowshipping with people, walking, bowling, watching and playing sports, preferably basketball, baseball and football. 

Runnels has been married to Aleta for more than 31 years. They have two daughters and two sons. 

One of Runnels’ favorite Bible scriptures is Romans 8:1, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” I am assured of salvation thanks to Jesus’ gift of love to me!