Pastor Dan’s journey is one marked by faith, perseverance, and a deep desire to help others overcome life’s challenges through Christ.
His passion is teaching God’s Word and equipping people to live victorious lives through the power of the Holy Spirit—and he considers gratitude the key to lasting joy.
In 1998, Pastor Dan founded the Ojai Valley Bible Study, which grew into Calvary Chapel Ojai Valley. Known for his in-depth, verse-by-verse Bible teaching, Dan has published hundreds of articles in the Ojai Valley News and reaches wider audiences through The Heart Matter Bible teaching broadcast (theHeartMatter.org) and his Wisdom Day one-minute devotionals in Proverbs, available on YouTube (WisdomDay.org).
With a strong background in business, marketing, and broadcasting, Dan has served in on-air roles, production, and station management. As general manager of K-Life radio, he partnered with churches across Ventura County and beyond to host concerts and outreach events that shared the hope of the Gospel.
Dan’s heart for missions has led him on many journeys to the Middle East, where he’s encouraged Christian leaders and taught in Egypt, Iraq, Jerusalem, and Nazareth. He has also led numerous groups on faith-deepening pilgrimages through the biblical lands of the Old and New Testaments.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in International Business Management, two master’s degrees—one in Organizational Leadership and another in Human Development—a graduate certificate in Christian Apologetics, and a PhD in Human & Organizational Systems. His doctoral research focused on social media use and religious tolerance in Egypt.
Dan came to faith in Jesus at age four and recommitted his life to Christ as a teenager at a summer camp—where he also met his future wife, Shelley. They married six years later in Ventura and recently celebrated their 35th anniversary. Together they have four children—Andrew (Bridgett), Aubrielle, Aaron (Cassidy), and Karenna (Andrew)—and one beloved grandchild, Izzy.
When he’s not teaching or traveling, Dan enjoys spending time outdoors—especially at the beach, on his bike, or out on the trail. He’s also an animal lover, music enthusiast, robotics hobbyist, and shares life with his dog, Sheba.
