About Pastor Dan

Dan Smith is a Specialist for Creative Evangelism at the Southeastern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists in Riverside, California.

One of his major goals is to win the next generation to Christ.  The major themes of his ministry include exploring the character of God, gaining a deeper understanding of Grace, developing small group ministries, and fostering passion for God, the Church, and mission.

His belief in mission has led him to active involvement in many countries including Ghana, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, and Zimbabwe.

Pastor Dan was previously Senior Pastor at the La Sierra University Church for over 14 years. He also served as Senior Pastor at the Hinsdale Hospital Church in Illinois and the Newbury Park Church in Southern California, was a district pastor for the Williams and Cave Junction churches in Oregon, and Youth Pastor at the Stone Tower Church in Oregon.

Pastor Dan grew up in Thailand, son of missionary parents, and attended Far Eastern Academy from 1967-70. He graduated in 1974 from Pacific Union College, in Angwin, California, with a BA in Theology. He earned his Masters of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Andrews University Theological Seminary in Berrien Springs, Michigan.

His wife, Hilda, is a nurse and a librarian. They have two teenage sons, Alex and Eric.