The Rev. David Luckes serves at the intersection between St. Francis and the individuals and communities who are our neighbors. In his vocation as Deacon, David invites, encourages, and walks with our parishioners as we lean into our shared commitment to serve as Jesus did. He facilitates our Service and Justice Leadership team and collaborates with Rev. Anzilotti in assisting with worship and pastoral care.
Deacon David came to St. Francis as an intern in 2021 while finishing his ministry training through the Episcopal School of Ministry, which previously served as our Diocese’s local educational program for ministry. He was formed and supported in his discernment at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion in University City. He was ordained in June 2023.
David’s undergraduate studies were at Northwestern University, where he majored in Philosophy, and later received his MBA from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern. He has had a 40-year career working in and around the civic sector in philanthropy. He came to St. Louis in 2001 to become the President and CEO of the St. Louis Community Foundation. He currently leads an investment practice serving nonprofits and leading civic organizations within our region and across the county.
David just concluded a 12-year tenure on Eden Theological Seminary’s Board of Trustees as the Board’s chair. He led the seminary’s strategic planning process, which concluded in January 2025 with a refreshed mission and sharpened focus. That focus is to make theological education more accessible to all types of leaders seeking to develop their theological imagination and cultivate faithful resilience as they join with God in God’s loving and liberating work in the world.