Highland Park Presbyterian Church (HPPC) in Dallas has named Thomas Daniel as its new senior pastor, nearly two years after the sudden death of Pastor Bryan Dunagan. Dunagan died in October 2023 at age 44 from a fatal mix of prescribed pain and anxiety medications with alcohol. The medical examiner ruled his death an accident. He left behind a wife and three children.
Thomas Daniel Brings Decades of Pastoral Experience
Daniel, 50, an Atlanta native, has served in ministry for 25 years. Before joining HPPC, he led Covenant Presbyterian Church in Austin. HPPC’s pastoral nominating committee, after a 17-month search, unanimously recommended Daniel. The search process involved 25 focus groups and interviews with 100 candidates.
“Thomas loves Jesus and is passionate about sharing Scripture to the city and the world,” said Charles Davis, co-moderator of the committee.
A Personal and Spiritual Connection to the Church
Daniel and Dunagan were longtime friends, having started their ministries in Atlanta around the same time. “I understand the honor of following him,” Daniel said in an HPPC brochure. He expressed gratitude for the chance to lead the nearly 100-year-old church, which has about 5,600 members.
Daniel shared that his faith journey began while teaching English in Japan, where he was moved by a baptism in a missionary house church. That experience led to his conversion to Christianity at age 24.
Broad Support and Some Concerns from the Congregation
Supporters highlight Daniel’s deep spiritual grounding and relational leadership style. “It all flows out of that deep and abiding love for Jesus,” said committee member Kurt Alexander.
However, some congregants have raised concerns over whether Daniel can continue Dunagan’s dynamic legacy and keep HPPC’s large membership engaged. Others worry about maintaining theological direction and unity amid change.
A Church with a Distinct Denominational Identity
HPPC belongs to the Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians (ECO), a group formed in 2012 in response to theological and bureaucratic disputes within the Presbyterian Church (USA). Daniel’s alignment with ECO’s mission was seen as a strong fit by HPPC’s leadership.
Source:
Experienced Presbyterian Pastor Chosen for Dallas Megachurch to Replace Pastor Who Died at 44
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