Dan Milford is grateful that the Good News of God’s love and forgiveness is for all people. Communicating that reality, particularly to people who have historically been made to feel unwelcome in the church, is important to Dan. He aspires to fully welcome people with mental health concerns, those who are from other cultures or countries, those who identify as LGBTQ+, and anyone else who has felt alienated or disillusioned with the church.

Dan began as the pastor of Covenant Presbyterian in May 2011. Previously, he had served as Associate Pastor at Lake Murray Presbyterian Church in Chapin, SC for five years and then as pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Sand Springs, OK for twelve years. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University in College Station, TX and Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA (Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry).

Dan is happily married to Nadia Rosales, his wife of 31 years, and the proud father of their three children—Austin, Joshua, and Alexis—who are all in their mid-20’s. They enjoy traveling, camping, hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and other outdoor activities as a family when they are together.

A favorite part of ministry for Dan is teaching confirmation classes, adult newcomer classes, and talking with anyone who is seeking to grow in faith or who is simply curious about the claims of Christianity. He enjoys science and helping people discover ways in which science and faith can be in productive dialogue. In ministry, he is also drawn to any activity that allows him to join with others in putting Christian faith into action in service or witness.

Mental health ministry became a passion for Dan about eight years ago. The “Beautiful Minds: A Mental Health Ministry” leads the effort at Covenant, and Dan worked for many years on creating a nationwide emphasis on mental health in the Presbyterian Church. He and Covenant are grateful to have the opportunity to learn from peers, families, professionals, and other congregations to grow in the ability to integrate mental health ministry into their congregational life. This work in mental health ministry led Columbia Theological Seminary to present Dan with its Distinguished Service Award in February of 2020, a witness to the yearning within the church for growth in this area of ministry and to the dedication of the “Beautiful Minds Coalition” at Covenant.

You may read here Dan’s Journey of Faith and Statement of Faith.