Daniel Mielke

Pastor Dan grew up in southern Minnesota where his father pastored First Baptist Church in Adrian. Growing up in a pastor’s home gave him a front-row seat to ministry—not just from the pulpit, but around the dinner table, in everyday life, and through seeing firsthand the joys of following Christ. As a young boy, God graciously opened Dan’s eyes to his need for a Savior, and he placed his faith in Christ.

While in junior high, Dan surrendered his life to serve God full-time. There was just one small condition attached to that surrender: anything but being a pastor. As God often does, He had different plans.

In 1998 Dan’s family moved to Milltown, Wisconsin, where he continued serving alongside his family before attending and graduating from Pillsbury Baptist Bible College. During that time, he met Christa Schofield, who would become not only his wife but also his closest ministry partner and greatest encouragement. Together they served, traveling throughout the United States and Canada in churches, camps, and youth ministries. Those years created many memories and deepened their love for serving people together.

In 2009 Dan and Christa moved to Albert Lea, Minnesota, to serve at Faith Baptist Church. It was during those years that Dan learned God’s will does not leave much room for exemption clauses. The “I’ll do anything except pastor” plan slowly disappeared as God continued directing his steps. Eventually the Lord led the Mielke family back to Milltown, Wisconsin, where Dan served as associate pastor for eight years.

Those years of ministry were filled with all kinds of opportunities: coaching basketball, teaching apologetics, working in addiction and jail ministries, directing evangelism and fair ministries, speaking at camps, teaching in schools, investing in youth, and raising three energetic children all at the same time. Working with hurting individuals and families also fueled a desire to grow in biblical counseling, leading Dan to earn a Master’s degree in Biblical Counseling from Maranatha Baptist University. In 2020, he completed a PhD in Christian Apologetics from Trinity Theological Seminary.

Even with education and years of ministry experience, Dan will quickly tell you that his greatest source of wisdom and joy has been Christa. She also grew up in a pastor’s home and has faithfully served alongside him every step of the journey. Together they enjoy family adventures and raising their three children—Marcus, Matthias, and Katiyanna. Christa enjoys in-depth Bible study, life-on-life discipleship, historical fiction, jogging, and has maintained a loyal appreciation for Domino’s pizza.

In December of 2017, God brought the Mielke family to Austin, Minnesota, where they have enjoyed serving and building disciples together. Pastor Dan also enjoys serving in the community, including involvement in the Police Department Chaplaincy program, teaching through the Pastoral Training Institute, and opportunities to serve overseas.

A Conversation with Pastor Dan

What are your hobbies and interests?
I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, coaching improvisational comedy, exercising, motorcycling, writing, outdoor activities, remodeling projects, and strategy games.

What are you passionate about?
I love working with men. Whether it’s with a hammer and drill, loading a truck, or spending time on the court, there is something special about shoulder-to-shoulder time together.

Where would you want to visit?
Somewhere hands-on and adventurous. Trekking through the brush in Australia or exploring Alaska on an ATV sounds pretty good.

Most influential authors?
I’m indebted to Dr. Constable and John MacArthur for their biblical and well-researched commentaries. Randy Alcorn has challenged me to live with eternity in view. Arthur Pink has expanded my understanding of the greatness of God, and Paul Tripp and Ed Welch have helped me apply those truths practically.

Most influential book outside the Bible?
Transforming Grace by Jerry Bridges. It does a wonderful job helping believers get off the performance treadmill and understand the freedom of God’s grace.

Favorite book of the Bible?
Jonah. I see myself in the story—a man who has received God’s grace and yet often struggles to extend that same grace to others.

Describe a perfect day.
A full day outdoors with my children ending on the couch with my wife, a good book, and a cup of tea.

What would you choose for your last meal?
Bacon.