Who is Wilkerson David?
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Update at: Apr 4, 2026David Wilkerson — Public Profile
David Wilkerson (born May 19, 1931 in Hammond, Indiana) was a prominent American evangelical minister, author, and founder of Teen Challenge, a pioneering faith-based addiction-recovery network. He is widely known for his 1963 memoir The Cross and the Switchblade, which documented his outreach to New York City street gangs and helped launch a broader movement of urban evangelism and compassionate ministry.
Early life
Raised in a Pentecostal-leaning Christian home, Wilkerson pursued ministry as his vocation. His passion for reaching marginalized youth led to the establishment of Teen Challenge in 1958, a program designed to aid individuals struggling with addiction through faith, community, and structured support.
Ministry and impact
As the founder of Teen Challenge, Wilkerson helped build a global network of rehabilitation centers that operate in many countries. He also led World Challenge, a mission organization aimed at mobilizing Christians to meet needs around the world. His emphasis on repentance, transformation, and social outreach left a lasting imprint on evangelical ministry and addiction recovery efforts.
Notable works
- The Cross and the Switchblade (1963) — a best-selling autobiographical account of his ministry among urban youth.
- Various sermons and teachings compiled by his ministries, distributed through affiliated organizations and media channels.
Death and legacy
David Wilkerson died on April 27, 2011, in Lindale, Texas, while traveling to a church conference. His legacy continues through the ongoing work of Teen Challenge and World Challenge, along with sermon archives, teaching materials, and outreach initiatives inspired by his life and message.
News and legacy
Since his passing, Wilkerson’s influence has been the subject of numerous tributes and retrospective coverage that highlight his role in shaping faith-based approaches to addiction recovery and urban evangelism. The ministries he helped establish continue to publish sermons, training resources, and inspirational testimonies that reflect his vision of grace, repentance, and service to others.
Recent projects
Following Wilkerson’s death, recent projects generally refer to posthumous publications, updated sermon compilations, and ongoing mission and outreach efforts from the organizations he founded or inspired. These efforts aim to extend his teachings on redemption, mercy, and practical faith into contemporary programs and communities.
Which Raj Yogas are in Wilkerson David's birth chart?
1 FOUNDWilkerson David's chart shows 1 Raj Yoga, including Gaja Kesari Yoga.
Which dasha periods did Wilkerson David live through?
VIMSHOTTARIVimshottari dasha periods recorded for Wilkerson David, in order.
What do Wilkerson David's numerology numbers say?
Wilkerson David's core numbers are Life Path 11, Destiny 5, Soul Urge 6, Personality 8, Kabbalah Number 4, Birth 1.
Chaldean Life Path 11 is a master vibration of heightened intuition and spiritual sensitivity. It indicates inspired leadership when grounded and practical.
Chaldean Destiny 5 indicates dynamic progress through change and versatility. It supports travel, sales, communication roles, and fast adaptation.
Chaldean Soul 6 desires love, belonging, and responsibility. It seeks harmony at home and fulfillment through care and service.
Chaldean Personality 8 appears strong, ambitious, and authoritative. Others often see business sense, leadership, and control.
Kabbalah Number 4 reflects an inner spiritual code of structure and stability. It supports discipline, grounded effort, and dependable progress.
Birth Number 1 in Vedic Astrology: discover personality traits, career strengths, challenges, and remedies to harmonize destiny for a confident, purpose-driven life.
Life Events & Planetary Transits
Key events mapped against the active Dasha and planetary transits at the time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this profile's Vedic astrology, birth chart, and numerology — answered by our astrologers.
How does astrology reveal Wilkerson David's deeper spiritual calling and life purpose?
Wilkerson David's chart shows a Life Path 11, a master number associated with spiritual insight and enlightenment. His Scorpio ascendant deepens his connection to transformation and hidden truths, while his Gemini moon fuels his gift for communication. Combined with his role as a spiritual leader and missionary, these placements indicate a soul drawn to bridge the material and divine worlds, using words and faith to guide others toward redemption.
Where was Wilkerson David born and what is his exact date of birth?
Wilkerson David was born on May 19, 1931, in Hammond, United States. This Taurus sun placement in spring gave him the grounded, determined nature characteristic of the sign, while his birthplace in the American heartland became the foundation for his later influential work as a writer, speaker, and spiritual guide.
What yogas and planetary alignments in Wilkerson David's birth chart explain his widespread influence and success?
Wilkerson David possesses Gaja Kesari Yoga, a powerful combination that grants wisdom, influence, and the ability to command respect. This yoga, combined with his Life Path 11 and Personality Number 8, positioned him for significant public recognition. His Taurus sun provided the persistence needed to complete his landmark work, while his chart's spiritual indicators ensured his message resonated deeply with audiences seeking transformation and hope.
How does Wilkerson David's Scorpio rising sign shape the way the world perceives him?
Wilkerson David's Scorpio ascendant projects an air of intensity, mystery, and spiritual depth that drew people to his message. Scorpio risings are natural investigators of truth and transformers of souls, qualities that made him a compelling public speaker and missionary. This lagna gave him the magnetic, penetrating presence that allowed him to connect authentically with those seeking spiritual guidance and redemption.
What does Wilkerson David's astrological chart reveal about his core personality and greatest strengths?
Wilkerson David was a Taurus sun with a Gemini moon, blending steadfast determination with intellectual curiosity and eloquence. His Personality Number 8 amplified his authority and organizational ability, while his Soul Number 6 revealed a compassionate heart drawn to service. These elements created a man of conviction who could articulate profound spiritual truths with clarity, making him both a persuasive writer and an inspiring speaker.
Which numbers in numerology carry special significance and favor in Wilkerson David's life?
Wilkerson David's Life Path 11 is a master number symbolizing intuition, inspiration, and spiritual awakening. His Birth Number 1 reinforces leadership and pioneering spirit, while his Destiny Number 5 indicates a life path of change, communication, and reaching diverse audiences. Together, these numbers suggest a man whose greatest power lay in channeling higher wisdom and spreading transformative messages to the world.












Social media and official channels
Publicly accessible profiles and channels associated with David Wilkerson and his ministries exist. Official ministry sites and social media pages tied to Teen Challenge, World Challenge, and related entities regularly share sermons, updates, and resources connected to his legacy. For the most accurate information, consult the official sites of his ministries and their verified social media accounts.