Even though he heard the gospel most of his life, it was not until attending a Christian camp the summer after his freshman year of high school that the gospel “clicked” in Dan’s heart and mind. Despite the change of life he experienced after camp, he still struggled with assurance of salvation for several years. During his freshman year of college, Dan started to understand God’s sovereignty in salvation and his doubts fled away. Particularly helpful was a portion of a sermon by C. H. Spurgeon: “Remember, sinner, it is not thy hold of Christ that saves thee—it is Christ; it is not thy joy in Christ that saves thee—it is Christ; it is not even faith in Christ, though that is the instrument—it is Christ’s blood and merits; therefore, look not to thy hope, but to Christ, the source of thy hope; look not to thy faith; but to Christ, the author and finisher of thy faith.”
Shortly after his conversion, Dan felt a desire for pastoral ministry. After college, he and his wife, Beth, moved to the Twin Cities where Dan could attend seminary. He received a Master of Arts in Bible Exposition from Central Baptist Theological Seminary. Dan and his family began to help with the church plant of Grace Community Bible Church. In the fall of 2012, Dan was called and ordained as an elder at Grace Community Bible Church where he continues to serve as one of the pastors. In 2016, Dan received certification with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors. In 2020, Dan received a Master of Theology in Historical Theology from Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. In his spare time he enjoys mountain biking, downhill skiing, golfing, and Jeepin’ in his 1982 CJ7.
In 2016, Dan and several others traveled to Sierra Leone to participate in a survey trip to see what God might do through Grace Community Bible Church in Sierra Leone. On the trip, Dan met Rick Renniger who was in Sierra Leone training pastors. Rick invited Dan to return with him to train pastors. For the next several years, Dan went to Sierra Leone with Rick to train pastors. Dan saw the need and hunger of these pastors for training. After several years of prayer, God led Dan to partner with Equipping Leaders International as an Instructor.
Dan and Beth have been blessed with four children. Both Dan and Beth have a heart for reaching and teaching the nations. They are excited to be a part of what God is doing for his glory of all the peoples of the earth.