David A. Seamands

February, 06, 1922 - July, 29, 2006

Dr. David Seamands,84, was born in India to Methodist missionary parents and spent much of his boyhood there. He graduated from Asbury College, Drew Theological Seminary and the Hartford Seminary Foundation. He also received honorary degrees from both Asbury College and Asbury Theological Semninary.

He and his wife, Helen, served as United Methodist Missionaries in India from 1946 until 1962. From 1962 until 1984 he was the senior pastor of the United Methodist Church in Wilmore. His ministry influenced the lives of thousands of students attending Asbury College and Asbury Theological Seminary, which are located there. From 1984-1992 he was Professor of Pastoral Ministries at the seminary, and in 1990 was also appointed Dean of the Chapel.

Seamands was a leader in evangelical renewal movements within the United Methodist Church. Five times, from 1980 until 1996, he served as a delegate to the denomination’s General Conference. He was also a founder of the Mission Society for United Methodists.

He was a pioneer in the field of Christian counseling and was recognized as such at the 1992 Congress of Christian Counseling where, together with James Dobson, Larry Crabb and Gary Collins, he received the special ‘Paraklesis’ Award. His book, Healing for Damaged Emotions, has sold over a million copies and has been translated into over thirty languages. He also authored numerous other books.. He and Helen were pioneers in the Marriage Enrichment and Engaged Discovery movements and led over 2200 couples through these special weekend experiences.

Dr. Seamands is survived by his wife, Helen, three children Sharon Irvine and husband Peter, OK, Stephen Seamands, and wife Carol, Wilmore, and Deborah Mostad and husband Keith, nine grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son David Seamands, Jr. and a brother J. T. Seamands. Services 2 PM Tues, Aug. 1, at Wilmore United Methodist Church, burial Wilmore Cemetery. Grandson and grandsons in law will be pallbearers. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 PM at the church.

Funeral Information

6 to 9 PM Mon., July 31, Wilmore United Methodist Church

2 PM Tues., Aug. 1, Wilmore United Methodist Church

Wilmore Cemetery