Dr. David M. Nelson is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is a first generational Pastor and preacher, and comes from a great Christian heritage. At the age of 19, Dr. Nelson accepted his "Call into the Ministry.” He was licensed and ordained as a Preacher of the Gospel under the late Rev. Boyd E. Rodgers.

Dr. Nelson is a graduate of St. Joseph's University as a recipient of The Scholar Academic Scholarship, where he received a Bachelors of Science Degree in Sociology. Determined to advance his education, Dr. Nelson obtained a Master's of Education Degree from Lincoln University. His Master's research received the Most Outstanding Thesis Award. Thereafter, he obtained his Master's of Divinity in Practical Theology from Ashland Theological Seminary, and his Doctoral of Ministry in Transformational Leadership from United Theological Seminary.

Dr. Nelson united with the Union Baptist Temple Church in Bridgeton, NJ and served as Associate Minister under the Pastorate of Rev. Albert Morgan “the Mailman” until 2007, when he was called as the Senior Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church at the age of 29 years old.

Dr. Nelson currently serves as Senior Pastor of New Hope Baptist located in Akron, Ohio, and has been serving as the Pastor since 2007. Since his tenure, numerous people have joined the fellowship each year, of which half are new believers. In addition, he has strengthened established ministries and created new ministries. His vision of Serving Christ, Serving the Congregation, and Serving the Community continues to impact the church and the Akron area. ​

Overall, as Senior Pastor, souls have been saved, people have been changed and transformed, church has grown, and the community has been impacted for their good and for the glory of God. He is active in the community, through the NAACP, and Habitat for Humanity, Interfaith Justice Alliance. He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated.

He also serves as Executive Director of Progressive Alliance CDC. He has received numerous community proclamations, and awards from the State of Ohio, Summit County, and City of Akron. He additionally, has been honored as a keynote speaker, and workshop facilitator for various ministries and community organizations. He continues to proclaim and study the Word of God: to equip the saints for the work of ministry, which will result in the building up of the body of Christ.

Dr. Nelson is a diehard Philadelphia Eagles Fan. He is the proud Father of two children, Andrew, and Ava. "To God Be the Glory for the Great Things He's Doing! “No eye hath seen, no ear has heard nor entered into the hearts of men the things God has prepared for them who love the Lord.” – 1 Cor. 2:9 ​

He has lead New Hope through the global pandemic of COVID-19 and the church has been faithful and has responded to his leadership and the leading of the Holy Spirit to remain connected and united. As of 2020 we have launched our streaming services on Facebook Live and You Tube Live to expand our ministry to reach those locally and globally.