Education

University of Wisconsin Superior | Superior, WI | August 2027
Masters of Science Education - Marriage & Family Therapy

Trinity Evangelical Divinity School | Deerfield, IL | May 2013
Master of Divinity 
Cumulative GPA: 3.70

Taylor University | Upland, IN | May 2010 
B.A. in Philosophy and Biblical Literature | Minor in Youth Ministry
Cumulative GPA: 3.59

Ordained to Word and Sacrament | Evangelical Covenant Church | June 2024
Licensed Minister of the Gospel | Evangelical Free Church of America | April 2016

References

Matt Ashworth - Elder

"​As a former pastor and current board member, I was really excited that our young church had the opportunity to work with a young man as well educated and charismatic as Dan. In the area of youth, the students immediately took to him, and his philosophy of ministry was excellent. When it comes to worship, he's really grown incredibly into the role, and I honestly believe that the quality and tone of worship at Cornerstone has been a major factor in our growth as a church, and the overall worshipful attitude during our Sunday morning services. 

When looking back on the three years he's served our church, it occurs to me that he was given a difficult task in taking over a floundering youth program as well as a worship director role simultaneously. In the end, BOTH programs are light years ahead of where they were when Dan landed, and we'll be hiring two people to replace him! And those folks will have healthy, vibrant ministries to take over from him- for which we are grateful, and are a testimony to his skills. 

Dan's absolute high skill at this time is worship- working with the band, attracting and acquiring talent to put around him, and leading the congregation in something far better than mediocre, but far less than a concert. It's a truly impressive balance, and we'll likely have a difficult time replacing him with anyone that can hold a candle to his skills in this area. This also is a testimony to the Lord's work in Dan's life and our church, and he came in pretty green in this area, and has grown quickly. 

With the youth, the students have solidified, identified, and engaged with the program. In this area Dan has also grown through the years, and he's an incredible asset there too. I think the thing I like best about Dan with the youth and in general is that he is a true student of the word and of doctrine. He has high respect for church history and Scripture, and brings that to the students. 

In general, Dan will be a true asset to the work wherever he lands. He's still relatively young but has shown an impressive learning curve, so I think he'll benefit from a place where he can spread his wings, but also be mentored and taught as he goes. 

We're sad to see his calling move elsewhere, but we're really proud of him, and HIGHLY recommend Dan to any church looking for budding talent and a love of Jesus. 10/10 would hire again."

Jeremy Lind - Sr. Pastor

"Dan served our church for three years both leading worship and shepherding our youth, and did an excellent job at both! Dan connects well with the people he minsters to, as well as the teams he leads. He is theologically deep, relationally wise, and is a man of great integrity. To be able to do two major areas of ministry at the same time and do them well was an incredible blessing, and it says a great deal about Dan's dedication, gifts, and call to ministry! I would highly recommend Dan for ministry and look forward to what God is going to do through him for years to come"

Glenn Borchert - Volunteer

"I have worked with Dan over the last 3 years. Dan is the Youth Pastor and I am one of the volunteer youth leaders. I have been a youth leader for many years under many different youth pastors. Dan is truly the best with whom I have worked. He cares about each of the kids, relates to them well, and guides them on their spiritual journey. Dan has gone above and beyond the role of Youth Pastor many times. Dan and Bethany have opened their home when kids needed a place to stay. He takes a personal interest in each of the youth and contacts them frequently outside of the normal Wednesdays and Sundays. 

As far as being a Worship Leader, he has improved our Worship Team immeasurably. The changes in music and worship have been great. I don't think you will find one person in our church who hasn't noticed the change and doesn't appreciate how good it has become. 

Whatever church gets Dan and Bethany next will make a tremendous addition to their team."

Emily Norris - Children's Director

"I first met Dan six years ago, when he was pursuing his MDIV at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. We ended up working together at The Village Presbyterian Church, where he served as a Youth Ministry Intern. During his time there, he lead worship, taught in both large and small group settings, lead small groups, mentored and discipled many individuals, participated in Bible studies, coordinated youth events, served in Children’s Ministry, and helped lead several summer service trips. 

Dan is very well-rounded and incredibly gifted, but I believe what sets him apart from others are his superb relational skills. Dan is extremely approachable and can converse with people of all ages and backgrounds. He knows the importance of being a good listener, but can also speak into people’s lives when necessary. Helping other people maneuver through conflict, process a situation that they are in, or articulate their thoughts about something, are just some of the ways that Dan shepherds those he comes into contact with. 

Dan takes God’s command to love others very seriously, and would do well in any ministry context where he has the opportunity to mentor, disciple, or lead others"