David Matthew Runnels, MSW, serves as executive secretary of the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, headquartered in Alvarado, Texas. In this role, he works closely with conference leadership to support the mission and administration of more than 350 churches and ministries across Texas. He has a deep passion for connecting with people and strengthening the church’s mission.
Runnels earned a bachelor’s degree from Oakwood College (now Oakwood University) in Huntsville, Alabama, and later completed a Master of Social Work from City University of New York. Before entering full-time pastoral ministry, he worked for 20 years as a social worker, dedicating his life to helping individuals and families in crisis. During that time, he sensed God’s call to gospel ministry and began serving as a pastor in Oklahoma, where he ministered for 10 years.
In November 2012, Runnels accepted a pastoral position in San Antonio, Texas, where he faithfully served his church and community. In October 2019, he and his family relocated to the Dallas–Fort Worth area after being elected as a field secretary in the Texas Conference.
In July 2024, the Executive Committee voted to appoint Runnels as executive secretary, a position he still holds. In this role, he maintains corporate and ecclesiastical records for the Texas Conference and supports its governance and administrative operations. In consultation with the executive president and executive treasurer, Runnels prepares and records Administrative Committee (AdCom) agendas and minutes. In addition, as chair of the Personnel Committee, he reports personnel actions, membership statistics, church attendance, and baptisms to the Executive Committee (EXCOM).
His responsibilities include overseeing conference membership and statistical records, maintaining employee service records, processing ministerial licenses and credentials, coordinating retirement processes, and supporting church clerks through eAdventist training in collaboration with the Texas Conference membership clerk and executive administrative assistant. In addition, he participates in conference-wide ministry initiatives and assists the conference undersecretary with pastor transitions, including interviewing and installing pastors, officiating special services, preaching in churches and schools, and assisting churches and institutions with conflict resolution and organizational support when needed.
As the Religious Liberty and Public Affairs director for the Texas Conference, Runnels collaborates with the Southwestern Union Conference, the North American Division, and the General Conference on matters related to religious liberty and Sabbath observance.
He has been married to his wife, Aleta, for more than 32 years, and together they are blessed with two daughters and two sons. Outside of ministry, Runnels enjoys walking, bowling, and watching or playing sports—particularly basketball, baseball, and football.
One of his favorite Bible promises is Romans 8:1 KJV: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.” This assurance of grace through Jesus Christ continues to shape his faith, his ministry, and his commitment to serve God and His people.
