Northeast district superintendent
By Ted Johnston
Northeast district superintendent
Daniel J. Bierer, 55, longtime WCG pastor, was born March 10, 1949 and died unexpectedly and prematurely on Aug. 5.
Throughout those 55 years, Dan lived a full life marked by the accomplishments listed here. But no list can adequately express the vibrancy, love and passion of the dearly loved husband of Alice, father of Stephen, Jacquelyn and Philip, pastor of WCG congregations, leader of numerous WCG and interdenominational ministry programs, and brother in Christ to thousands.
Aug. 5 was Dan’s day of homecoming. At lunch discussing plans with a ministry associate for the future of the Manhattan congregation, he experienced breathing difficulties, lost consciousness and was rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead from congestive heart failure.
On that day, Dan shed his earthly tent and is now at home with his Savior. For us the days following are tinged with sorrow—but we also celebrate a life well spent and look forward to our homecoming when, because of Christ, we will hear Dan’s infectious laugh and see his endearing smile again.
Early years
Dan was born and grew up in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. As a teen, he attended the WCG in Pittsburgh, where he was active in the choir. Concerning those formative years, Dan often mentioned the positive influence of his pastor, Jimmy Friddle.
In 1966, Dan entered Ambassador College in Pasadena. During his time there he was baptized, served as sophomore class president, and spent a year between his junior and senior years as a ministerial trainee in Kansas City, Missouri, and Miami, Florida.
In 1971 Dan graduated and married Alice Dix. Alice grew up in Caswell County, North Carolina, and attended Ambassador for two years following college elsewhere.
After their wedding, Dan and Alice began a 33-year journey serving together in pastoral ministry. They moved first to the Northeast, where Dan was a ministerial trainee in Concord, New Hampshire, and Montpelier, Vermont, and then he served as associate pastor in Boston and Springfield, Massachusetts. During these years son Stephen was born.
In 1973 the family moved to Buffalo, New York, where Dan pastored for eight years. During those years, Jacquelyn and Philip were born.
One of Dan’s greatest legacies is his children, whose achievements reflect Dan and Alice’s devoted parenting. Dan could often be overheard celebrating his children’s many achievements. Stephen has an undergraduate degree from Wharton School of Business and an MBA from Columbia University. He is married and works as a banker in Chicago. Jacquelyn attended Ambassador and received her bachelor’s degree from Black Hills State University. She is married and works in Orlando, Florida. Phillip received his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and now works for Post Bank in Bonn, Germany.
In 1982 the family moved to Florida, where Dan pastored the Sarasota and Fort Myers congregations. In 1988 they moved to Rapid City, South Dakota, to pastor the congregation there, in Chadron, Nebraska, and later the one in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.
In 1994 they transferred back to the Northeast, where Dan first served as pastor in Union and Jersey City, New Jersey, and then as pastor in Middletown, New York, and Montvale, New Jersey.
Then, until his death, he pastored the Manhattan Community Church, the Westchester Family Fellowship in White Plains, New York, and the Westchester WCG congregation in Armonk, New York.
Caring pastor
Dan was known as a warm, friendly and caring pastor who loved his Lord and his congregants. He was also known for his concern for children and teens—he served as a regional and district youth coordinator and was active in other ways in advancing youth ministry.
Dan’s final years saw him emerge as a significant force for change within the WCG and the broader Christian community in New York City area. As a chapter leader of the Office of Reconciliation Ministries, he led initiatives related to racial and interdenominational healing. He was also active in interdenominational prayer initiatives, particularly following the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001. He was also one of 300 New York City pastors to gather on the steps of City Hall this spring to pray in defense of marriage.
Copyright © Grace Communion International, 2004