Long before Dr. G became a colleague, he first heard about Dave's reputation from a fellow seminary student who insisted that no theology class he had taken since Multnomah could compare to what he experienced under Dr. Needham's teaching. Years later, Dr. G would discover that this was a common sentiment among generations of students.

Dave Needham's classes were among the most sought-after on campus. Students rearranged schedules, changed jobs, and searched for every possible way to secure a seat in his section. His popularity wasn't based on personality alone—it was rooted in a rare ability to make theology come alive. Churches, conferences, and retreat organizers sought him out as a speaker, and his influence extended far beyond the classroom. In recognition of his extraordinary contribution to the school, Multnomah created special "Classic Sections" and designated him as the institution's first "Classic Professor," honoring the lasting value of his teaching ministry. What made Dr. Needham unique was not simply his ability to explain theology, but his ability to inspire worship through theology. When he taught about the attributes of God, students were not merely learning definitions or theological concepts. They were being drawn into a deeper vision of God's holiness, majesty, and glory. Through his passion, conviction, and love for Scripture, Dr. Needham helped countless students move beyond academic knowledge and toward a genuine awe of the God they were studying. For many who sat in his classroom, theology became an encounter with worship.

In This Video
• Dr. G's first introduction to the remarkable reputation of Dave Needham
• Why former students considered his theology classes unmatched
• The intense demand for seats in Dr. Needham's courses
• Stories of students rearranging schedules just to get into his section
• His reputation as one of the most sought-after speakers in Christian ministry
• The creation of Multnomah's "Classic Sections" in recognition of his teaching excellence
• Why he became the school's first "Classic Professor"
• His unique approach to teaching the attributes of God
• How theology became an experience of worship in his classroom
• The lasting impact of his teaching on generations of students
• Dr. G's reflections on a professor who pointed students beyond himself and toward the greatness of God

About This Series
This video is part of a collection celebrating the story, ministry, and legacy of Dr. Garry Friesen (Dr. G), honoring the heritage of Multnomah School of the Bible / Multnomah University and the continuing work God is doing through new ministries around the world. Stay Connected If these stories encourage you, feel free to like, subscribe, and share with others who knew and loved Multnomah — and with believers growing in faith in Rwanda and beyond.

Stay Connected
If these reflections resonate with you, consider liking, subscribing, and sharing with others who care deeply about Bible education and the legacy of Multnomah.

Donate
The production of these videos was provided by the Multnomah Family Team, if you would like to help sponsor more videos like this, please contact us here.