Psalm 126:2 (New International Version)

 "Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them."

Dan has been pastor of St. Luke since May of 2009.   Prior to coming to St. Luke he served a congregation as Director of Christian Education and Church Growth in Bethesda MD.

His pastoral vision and congregational leadership style understands that these are challenging and unique times for the church, and for all related to the church.  When we face great challenges, more than ever, God needs persons of faith to keep witnessing to God's love, forgiveness and grace.   Dan is inspired by people of faith living Jesus' teachings of love for God and neighbor in our community.  

While ministering in Bethesda, he created a youth television show on teen faith.   He also created a weekly Bible study that met at a local Pub and was affectionately called, "Jesus On Tap".

Dan's preaching, worship and leadership is shaped by a belief in God's grace that compels us to love our neighbors, even if it means that we are taken out of our comfort zone.  This is what he calls, the "integration of Spirit and service".

Prior to ministry, Dan was a college teacher in film and media.  In 2001, he was called to combine pastoral ministry with teaching and new media. He graduated from San Francisco Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity in 2004.

He is married to his wonderful wife Laura Marquez Christian. They have a daughter Tessa and two dogs.  They are talking about getting a cat.  When Dan is not at church he is likely to be bicycling, hiking or walking the dogs.  He and Laura love being new parents.

Check out Rev. Dan's Ordination:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaXqToq5k5A