MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
David Muselman
If humans could be identified by an emoji or by punctuation, David Muselman would be either the biggest-grinning smiley face with heart eyes or a series of exclamation points. He’s just that guy.
“If your baseline is the Lord,” he said, “then whatever happens during the day, you’re good. It’s all about the baseline, the foundation, the rock. It’s about perspective too. You never know what the Lord is going to do with a ‘yes’!”
David has seen third world countries, going on mission trips around the globe, serving in whatever capacity God has called him. From a young age, he was exposed to weekend retreats, political events, and mission trips. “I saw the poorest of poor and the wealthiest of wealthy,” he said. And that’s how he came to value faith and relationship.
When David’s great grandfather arrived at Ellis Island from Germany at age 15 with no money and significant language barriers, he was determined to make a life for himself. Living in Pennsylvania as an indentured servant, the elder Muselman eventually made his way to Berne, Indiana, where he started a printing company, which David’s family operates three generations later.
Proud of his heritage, David has also become a businessman who calls Indiana his home. He began buying real estate when he was very young. “One thing led to another,” he said, “and I scaled up to just over 200 apartments.” He then built storage facilities in Rochester, Indiana, and Greenville, Ohio, and is looking forward to following in his dad and brother’s footsteps by developing apartment communities.
Working at Kanakuk Summer Camps, David learned that the guys who are on fire for the Lord when they return the following summer versus those who aren’t, are those who seek mentors. With his dad and older brother already guiding him, he was determined to get a faith mentor. While in college, he asked Kyle Martin, a family friend, fellow Taylor University grad, and founder of “Time to Revive,” to disciple him.
From that mentoring relationship, Bible study groups have grown throughout Indianapolis. “We’re going to get deep and talk about things that matter, which in turn will foster fantastic community,” he said. David was drawn to Citizen 7 by his love for people and his high regard for mentors and mentees. He seeks wisdom and wants to share the joy, peace, and hope of Jesus with everyone he encounters.
“Our ministry field is the 15 feet around us every day,” he said. He appreciates mission trips and the experience of being exposed to a variety of cultures, sharing the Good News with people all over the world. “But if you're not sharing the Gospel in the grocery store,” he said, “what's the point of flying to Africa?”
David believes people of faith can experience a mindset shift of doing ministry in whatever field we’re called into, becoming every day everywhere Kingdom laborers. His heart for evangelism has him sharing the Gospel with Uber drivers, waitresses, and whomever God puts in his path. “Nobody is perfect and we all make mistakes,” he said, “but we can be sharing good news with everyone we meet.”
And that’s where his joy comes in. David loves people. “The best part of Indianapolis,” he said, “is the community.” His admiration for Don Palmer and Greg Enas, the founders of Citizen 7, is evident. “It’s a sacrifice to keep this group going,” he said. “Some people who come to these events might think they appear out of magic and thin air, but it's a sacrifice for Greg and Don. I want to make sure they know how thankful I am for them. And it's not just me. I'm speaking on behalf of all the young guys and really, everybody in general; lives are enhanced and faith is strengthened.”
Though what helps David find success is his love for the Lord and saying yes, he believes success also comes down to work ethic, having a plan, and having vision. “If you don't know what you want, you're not going to get it,” he said. Referring to scripture, he said where there's no vision, the people perish. “If we really focus on the Lord, focus on people, and not take ourselves too seriously,” he believes we will live fun, successful, joy-filled lives.
Q & A
What are your favorite hobbies?
Golf, snow skiing, and wake surfing
Where is your favorite place to eat?
La Piedad
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Going on dates, dinner with friends, Pacers Games, traveling
What advice would you give to others?
Say YES! Go on mission trips. Outwork everyone.
