Rev. Dr. Daniel Christian Jessen

Dan was born on June 14, 1936, to a clergy couple in Circleville, New York, where his father served as pastor of the Circleville Presbyterian Church. His early years in this tiny village shaped his lifelong commitment to faith and service.

Dan pursued higher education with dedication, earning a B.A. (1957) and M.A. (1963) from Wheaton College in Illinois, a Master of Divinity (1961) from Gordon Divinity School (now Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary), and a Doctor of Education (1978) from Northern Illinois University.

His professional life reflected his commitment to faith and service, including editorial and publishing work at Christian Service Brigade, Inc. (Wheaton, IL) and teaching positions at Northern Illinois University, Wheaton Graduate School, and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He also served as a guest lecturer throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Answering a call to missionary service in his late 50s, Dan along with Nancy, devoted over 25 years to ministry with United World Mission, The Evangelical Free Church Mission, and Ripe for Harvest World Outreach Mission.

Dan's life embodied his belief that what counted most was living out his Christian life through service and teaching. He fulfilled his desire to finish life's course well, using the abilities, gifts, strength, and opportunities God gave him.

Dan is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Nancy, his three children, Karen, Kristen and Kevin, his eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, and his brothers Charles and Timothy. Beyond his immediate family, Dan and Nancy are also blessed to have many spiritual children worldwide, as a result of their extensive missionary work.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you consider a memorial donation in Dan’s honor to the HELP Pregnancy Center in Marvin, North Carolina (https://giving.myamplify.io//app/giving/eGiving-477385). Dan was instrumental in establishing this center, which provides support to women facing unplanned pregnancies.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on June 14, 2025 (this would have been Dan’s 89th birthday), at 2:00 PM at Banks Presbyterian Church located at 10012 New Town Road in Waxhaw, NC.