Dan grew up on a fruit and vegetable farm
near Leamington, Ontario, where he learned to
enjoy the outdoors and hard work at an early
age. Because farming is a difficult way to earn
a living, and because of his love for things
biblical and theological, he decided to pursue
higher education and attend Canadian Mennonite
Bible College after high school.
Dan has a Ph.D. from the University of St. Michael’s College, 1994 (Old Testament); an M.A. from the University of Manitoba 1981, (Biblical Studies, Theology); a B.A. from the University of Manitoba, 1977 (History); and a B.Th. from Canadian Mennonite Bible College, 1976.
After finishing his Masters degree Dan worked as interim pastor at Charleswood Mennonite Church in Winnipeg for two years (1980–1981), after which he and Esther had the opportunity to serve as Mennonite Central Committee country representatives in the Philippines from 1982–1986. Living in a context of poverty and social injustice profoundly shaped his worldview, and deepened his commitment to a Christian lifestyle that promotes simplicity and justice.
Upon return to Canada, Dan began his doctoral studies in Toronto, while also being involved in raising a family and teaching courses at Conrad Grebel College, Wilfrid Laurier University, McMaster University, Knox College, and Waterloo Lutheran Seminary. From 1996–1998 he worked half-time as pastor at First Mennonite Church in Kitchener, Ontario while he continued his part-time teaching. Since the fall of 1998 he has been a faculty member at CMBC and CMU. He feels immensely privileged to do the work he does and frequently tells people that he has the best job in the world.
Dan is a member of the Canadian Society of Biblical Studies and the Society of Biblical Literature. Over the years he has written numerous articles and book reviews in journals like Vision and Direction and magazines like The Christian Century, Sojourners, Canadian Mennonite, The Mennonite, and others. He has been co-editor of Vision: A Journal for Church and Theology, since 2003, with a one-year break during his sabbatical. Dan is one of the contributing writers for the Second Mile adult Sunday school curriculum, and is also author of Hope and Prayer in the New Millennium: A five-week Worship, Prayer and Study Guide, commissioned by Mennonite Church Canada.
Dan is frequently invited to preach or teach in congregations or at special conferences and events. He has a passion for making the fruits of biblical scholarship available to the church, and for making the message of the Bible come alive for ordinary Christians. Having had a son who struggled with physical and mental disabilities, and who died of cancer, he is often invited to speak on topics related to disability, healing, pastoral care, and experiencing the grace of God during difficult times.
When not at work, Dan enjoys reading, running, biking, walking, gardening, bird-watching, and the occasional sporting event on television.
Dan and his wife, Esther, have three sons, Mark, Chris, and Tim (who died of cancer some years ago). They are members of Charleswood Mennonite Church in Winnipeg.
