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He worked as an undertaker, an undercover narcotics detective, and a homicide investigator. For the past 15 years, he has served as pastor at St. Mark, Leesburg, Fla.
The story of David Rosenau’s surprising path to pastoral ministry is the subject of Salty Earth Pictures’ most recent movie, One By One.
The inspiration for the movie came from a presentation Rosenau gave at the 2020 WELS National Conference on Lutheran Leadership.
While the movie is about one man’s journey to ministry, it has a larger focus. Rosenau explains, “I was beyond hesitant to say yes to . . . making this movie. But the story is not as much about me as it is the story of how God works in our lives. And that whether we can see it at the time or not, he is guiding and shaping our lives for our good and for his purposes.”
Steve Zambo, president of Salty Earth Pictures and director of One By One, details his vision for the movie: “It is our goal to share a story that will encourage second-career individuals to consider both the preaching and teaching ministry as a vocation; reignite those who currently serve by helping to refocus them on their ministry; empower laypeople to take an active part in sharing the hope that we have in Christ; and reach those who are searching for more in their lives than what the world has to offer.”
While the movie is currently available on DVD or Blu-ray, there are plans to release the movie internationally on various platforms and channels later this year. Salty Earth Pictures has also received a grant to help congregations interested in placing the movie in local theaters.
As he thinks of plans for distributing the movie, Rosenau notes, “I pray the Lord will use this movie for his glory and the building up of his kingdom in a way that only he can. That one by one, one more person might have the peace that can only come by his grace through the gift of faith. And that this might help give someone the encouragement to see how simple it can be to share the life-changing message of Jesus and his love.”

Read more about Dave Rosenau’s journey at forwardinchrist.net/a-former-detective-turned-pastor. Learn more about Salty Earth Pictures at saltyearthpictures.com.
Author: FIC
Volume 112, Number 02
Issue: February 2025