Rev. Dr. Dan Poffenberger

Dan is the Lead Pastor of Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church in Prior Lake Minnesota. It is a progressive, vibrant larger-membership congregation and its values of Open Hearts, Open Minds, and Open Table have been compelling and central to Pastor Dan’s calling. Prior to his call at SOLLC, Dan served four other ELCA congregations, including serving as mission developer in Chicago.

Dan has served as Director of Leadership on the Way, a Lilly funded grant that has served to come alongside over 50 clergy to prepare them for leadership in complex, larger systems.  He also served for 15 years on the Board of Gustavus Adolphus College, including three terms as Chair. 

Dan lives with his wife Gretchen in a little corner of the woods surrounded by wildlife. They have two adult sons, two daughters-in-law, and a wonderful grandson who lights up their lives.

Dan is excited to serve Church Anew, and looks forward to its continued rise as a positive, innovative and life-giving movement.