Dane became the Senior Pastor at Liberty Evangelical Free in July of 2006. Prior to that, he served for 14 years as the first Senior Pastor at Harvest Evangelical Free Church in Story City, Iowa, a church plant. Dane was also the boys track coach at Roland-Story High School during that time. Dane is a graduate of Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State), and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, earning his “doctorate” in mistake management during his first few years of ministry. Dane is responsible for the ministry of the Word at Liberty E-Free. He also works with leadership, oversees staff, and assists with the general shepherding of the flock.

Dane is very thankful for our glorious, all-satisfying God. He and his wife Donna, have been married for 31 years. Donna is presently a teacher at Monroe Elementary. They have four children: Kaitlyn, Karissa and Kollin are out of the home, and Kara is in college.

Dane’s favorite movies include; National Treasure, The Incredibles, The Ultimate Gift, The Chronicles of Narnia, the Bourne trilogy, anything with John Wayne, The Grinch, and watching an occasional “chick flick” with his wife. He enjoys eating at Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria in Chicago, Hickory Park in Ames and any good BBQ restaurant.

Dane’s music choices vary from any of the Passion CD’s by various artists, Chris Tomlin, David Crowder Band, Third Day, Casting Crowns, Newsboys, Steven Curtis Chapman,  and Christmas music, including Handel’s Messiah.

A few his favorite authors include; John Piper, Joe White, Joseph Stowell, D.A. Carson, Dennis Rainey, Charles Swindoll, Jerry Bridges and Warren Wiersbe.

Dane enjoys jogging, riding bikes, reading, taking walks with his wife, attending high school/college sporting events, working on the house, creating memorable moments with his children, interacting with and encouraging other Pastors. He hopes to someday take each of his children on an overseas missions trip (two to go) and go on a Canadian fishing trip and to be a better husband.

Dane’s favorite verse: 1 Timothy 4:12b-13  “…set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity…  devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.”