Dana has been such a blessing to MVF Church, as well as to me personally in my ministry. He came to Utah with a heart to serve and be where God would use him, and specifically where God could use him at MVF Church. And that’s exactly what he’s done. He’s been a big help to us over the past few years in whatever capacity we’ve needed. He served as our interim campus pastor at our Kamas campus during a difficult transition time, and then he was able to fill the pulpit for me while I was on my sabbatical. That was such a blessing to know that would be taken care of and that our main campus would have good preaching by someone who loved them. I want to thank Dana for being that servant that he has been to everyone. Mark 9:35 says, “Anyone who would be first must be a servant of all.” That’s exactly what Dana has been. He’s been a servant of all. Dana, I appreciate you. You have been a blessing! Shane Finley, Lead Pastor, MVF Church.
“Dana is a humble and generous ministry partner who genuinely seeks out opportunities to serve the Church. He’s creative, strategic, and fun to be around. He’s a great mentor with many years and experiences under his belt, and he offers insight (only when asked!) in a kind and straightforward manner. If you have Dana on your team, you’re some of the luckiest people in ministry!” Shay Paulson, Communications Director, Interim Worship Leader at MVF Church.
“Thank you so very much for leading our worship team! It was such a relief to be out of the country and confident that things would run smoothly at Sego. We’ve been so blessed and encouraged by your heart for us as pastors and people. You truly are something special!” Chris & Hannah Bechtel, Lead Pastors at Sego Church
“Thank you, thank you, thank you! God’s love operating through you both changed my life! Thank you for leaving the comforts and benefits of an established church to begin a brand new church here in the Charlotte area. I never knew how lost I was until I was set free. I was so lost to the core of my being, now I am filled with joy and thankfulness. Walking through the church doors of that new church, God began His work on me. The warmth of God’s embrace and love was so powerful, I felt the chains around me breaking…my life is changed!” Thank you for living for Jesus from the inside out. I see the Jesus of the Bible in you both, and that’s the one I want to know more and more! Sherry M
“Dana and Dayna have accomplished a lot to advance the Kingdom of God by touching many lives in the past, but as personal friends and Pastors I know that their most significant days of impacting this world are ahead of them. They have been tested, tried, refined and matured for such a time as this!” Josh Schilling, Men’s & Business Pastor- Destiny Worship Center, Destin, FL
“I had the privilege of working with Pastor Dana at Faith Community and witnessed firsthand his heart for God and passion for people. Dana brings a vast wealth of experience, knowledge and leadership coupled with a great sense of humor.” Dennis Frey, Adjunct Faculty at Concordia University, Irvine, CA, and, Former Administrator at Faith Community Christian School, San Diego.
“I first met Dana in the fall of 1984. We both had moved to Flagstaff to start new works – his, Canyon Chapel, began in the spring of 1984 on the east side and mine, Christ’s Church of Flagstaff in the fall on the west side. Dana was a gifted leader and pastor and within a few years Canyon Chapel became a significant ministry serving the extremely unchurched community of Flagstaff. During his pastoral tenure, Canyon Chapel continued to grow and thrive and remains a vital ministry in Flagstaff today—- I am aware Dana is sensing God’s call to work with and encourage church planters and local congregations who are ministering to the Utah community. I believe any pastor or church would find his experience, encouragement and guidance extremely helpful. I pray God pours out His Spirit in a powerful way over the state of Utah and the city of Salt Lake as you work together to bring His Kingdom into the hearts and lives of those your ministries are striving to touch.” Dr. Jim Dorman, Founding Pastor, Christ’s Church of Flagstaff
Pastor Dana and his wife Dayna are two of the most faithful and faith-filled people we have had the honor of knowing. Both their personal lives and their work in ministry have been incredible examples of integrity, humility, and discernment, seasoned with grace, forgiveness and open-hearted hospitality. They never seem to tire of doing right and expect so little in return for their service and devotion. In the eight years in which I have known them, I have seen them serve their own community and ministries abroad in many different capacities. The traits that mark Pastor Dana and his family in my mind are his authenticity, discernment, integrity, and grace. As a pastor, he served tirelessly, but was able to balance and model correct priorities in his ministry and family life. He never seemed to be overwhelmed or overcome by any challenge or trial and could extend grace to others in even the most trying circumstances. He was an inspiration to those who worked for or served under him, and never set a standard for another that he was not faithfully keeping himself. It was the faith of Pastor Dana that led to the rescue of our orphanage in South India and the 160 children who find safety in our home. He had both the wisdom and the trust in God to make a tremendous effort and a great step of faith that resulted in our “miracle” in India. There are no words to express our gratitude to Pastor Dana and his family. Crystal & Prayer – Directors, Children’s School and Home in India.
Dana and Dayna are incredible leaders. I have known them for over 15 years. They are the type of leaders who you can trust. They are thoughtful, caring and always see the best in people. Serving with them was a pleasure. They are “real” people, who go through ups and downs, but lean on the Lord in every season of their lives. They are really “good people” and I am very blessed to have them in my life. No matter how much time has gone by, we can always pick right back up where we left off. They are the type of people who you want speaking into your lives and the lives of your families. Kathy Baden, Former Leadership & Staff Team at Lakeshore Christian Fellowship and current Children’s Pastor, Grace Church Houston Campus (Mega Church)
“Loves the Word and works hard to explain it simply so newcomers cannot miss its message…encourages and mentors his staff, inspires volunteers, never takes himself too seriously and has the gift of a good sense of humor, with a Proverbs 31 wife who has given herself to the ministry so selflessly effectively and graciously.” Don & Muriel Stillwell, Retired Missionaries- SIM International
“Dana and Dayna have played an integral part in my husband’s and my missions work in East-Asia over the past decade. They went out of their way individually and as leaders within our church to fund and highlight the work that we did overseas. Because of their commitment to missions, lives were changed.” Brooke & Rich Grangard, active missionaries
“Dana is a visionary in the Kingdom, he listens to the Lord, and when he sees the Lord opening a door, he responds with a full commitment. I have worked with him on multiple Kingdom projects, which have required hundreds of hours of labor, and had significant requirements of capital. In each case, he has seen the project through to its completion.” Don Ricedorff, Real Estate Broker, #1 Top Performer and award winner.
“Creative, compassionate, committed, charismatic personality, calm in the storm, strong work ethic, with great leadership skills and a great sense of humor, filled with wisdom and insight, talented musician and anointed worship leader. But what stands out to me about Dana the most is his deep and enduring love for God and his passion for ministry, in whatever form that may take.” Laurie Irvin, Leadership Team-Grace Chapel
“You and Dayna do things with such care, thoughtfulness, careful planning, hard work and inspirational leadership. Since we’ve watched you from your earliest years, had part in your wedding and dedication of your children and your early placement in ministry, you can understand why we have some unusually strong feelings of affection for you as we hear the testimonies from those in your congregation and feel the vibrant life of the congregation. We’re so glad that you’re doing what you’re doing!” Dr. John Holland – President, International Church of the Foursquare Gospel.
“A man of excellent spirit” Dr. Jack Hayford, Former Pastor of Church on the Way, Author, Song Writer (Majesty), Former President, International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, Chancellor Emeritus of The King’s University.
“Dana is a Friend and faithful Servant-Leader! Over the years I’ve appreciated his commitment to the calling and anointing on his life… God has used him to touch so many lives. His sensitivity to the Spirit of God and willingness to step out of the box in obedience continues to be a source of encouragement to me. His dedication and determination, to his Lord and those he serves, keeps him on the cutting edge of recognizing the challenge and fulfilling the vision. I’m grateful for Dana’s Ministry!” Raymond M. Dunton – President/Founder WINGS of Freedom
“Thanks for being a man of your word. Your integrity and authenticity are greatly appreciated!” Kim Holzworth, Director – Lakeshore Christian Fellowship Preschool
“Dana & Dayna have been instrumental in advising and mentoring many church planters and pastors over the last many years. Their experience is vast and wisdom plentiful. They would be a valuable resource to anyone in ministry.” Steve & Ginny McPherson, Lead Pastors – Redmond, OR
“You are a great man of God, and there aren’t any words to express the kind of impact you’ve had.” Wes Taylor- Worship Leader, Staff Team
“The only pastor that I have ever really liked…we grew so much spiritually under your guidance!! …so genuine, sincere, without a sense of arrogance and pride.” Cheryl B.
“We love you and Dayna. You have had a great lifetime of ministry to us and so many others We fervently believe that God will continue to use you both to touch many lives for Jesus and his Kingdom and that your most impactful ministry lies in front you.” Don and Molly McAlvaney, Editor, McAlvaney Intelligence Advisor, also Founder & President, Asian Pacific Children’s Fund,
“Dana is a man who has a keen sense of God-given purpose and destiny. He understands the miracle of God’s grace and freely extends it to all those around him. He has a heart for his fellow pastors and deeply cares for those who are in ministry. He desires other churches around him to succeed – realizing that we are all on the same team! He has un-paralleled administrative and executive giftings. He is a great communicator of God’s Word in the pulpit and enjoys helping people apply the Bible to their daily lives.” Sherie Brown, Staff Team
“I have had the pleasure of knowing Pastor Dana for nine years and he was my pastor for the last eight. He is definitely anointed and lives his life for God. You see it in everything he does and says. Dana cares about people but more importantly, living for God. He is an honorable man with much to give, and someone I highly respect whom God uses in mighty ways.” Linda M., Owner/Operator The UPS Store.
“Proud to say you began ministry in my church. It’s been a joy to watch how God has continued to develop and use you over the past decades as an effective church pastor, worship pastor, and ministry leader. I still love listening to your messages. Keep pressing on to new ministry possibilities. Rev. M. Kitchell, Lead Pastor, Boulder City, NV
“Thank you so very much for being the leader that you are. I am a part of a very lucky group of people to have you as a pastor and the church home that we have. What I have learned about God, his love, and his mission I have learned from you and your teachings. When I sit in class and listen to my seminary professors, so many of them remind me of you. Thank you for being a true leader in God and for helping teach me the true mission of God. (so that every Nation will confess that He is God).” Kristen Strait, Seminary Student
“I have known Pastor Dana for 30 years. I had never led worship before and as my Senior Pastor he “tricked” me into leading worship. As terrified as I was, he led me through it, and I (and the congregation) survived. Since, I have served as the main worship leader in 4 churches, one with a congregation of 2000. He hears from God, is led by God, and will grow those who follow him in obedience and greater maturity in God. Ed Benitez, Worship Leader and Lead Pastor
“Pastor Dana provided enormous support and encouragement as we responded to the Lord’s call to open a Christian Bookstore. His friendship and support in promoting our store within our community will forever be appreciated.” Dave & Jan Hedlund
“Thanks for the many hours you spent listening, coaching, and imparting wisdom. I definitely grew as a leader and a pastor.” Pastor Paul Ward
“Dana is an excellent husband, father, pastor, and church planter. He has been faithful in all these areas of life and ministry. Anyone would be blessed to learn from his wisdom.” Mark Posthuma, Lead Pastor- Cheney Faith Center