From music to ministry: Dan Damon’s lifelong journey of faith and song

Published: December 17, 2024

Author: Liz Dowell

A soft melody blends into a jazz-like tune as Dan Damon plays his rendition of I Saw Three Ships from his recently released Christmas album. Dan, a pianist and a pastor, has said that music is his first language. It shows.

Dan graduated in 1977 from Greenville College, now known as Greenville University. Since then, he has spent his life seamlessly weaving together music, ministry, and the complexities of faith.

Dan began his journey in Rapid City, South Dakota, where he grew up playing piano in his local church. He learned to play hymns from the pastor’s wife.

Three factors influenced his decision to attend Greenville College (now University) as a music education major focusing on voice performance. His desire for a Christian liberal arts education, the appeal of a campus near St. Louis, and the encouragement of his Free Methodist grandfather.

"I wanted to get out from under my older brother’s shadow and experience something different," Dan shared. "Greenville offered that opportunity and so much more."

A FOUNDATION OF LEARNING AND FAITH

Dan's passion for music deepened during his time at GU, and his faith expanded. He sang in the choir, honed his skills in music theory, and studied under professors who challenged his understanding of music and theology. One of his most vivid memories was a course called Christ and Culture, where the lecture "Doubt your Doubts" left a lasting impact.

“That idea—that doubt is part of faith but doesn’t have to define it—was transformative for me,” Dan recalled.

Dan credits Greenville College for nurturing his creativity. The supportive yet challenging environment helped him evolve from a pianist who improvised hymns to a skilled musician capable of blending genres and styles and finding a market for them. A theory assignment in college once led to the composition of a hymn tune later published by Hope Publishing Company. The company has since published many of Dan’s hymns.

A CAREER OF HARMONY: MUSIC AND MINISTRY

After graduating, Dan embarked on a career in music education, teaching band and choir at a high school in South Dakota before moving to California to pursue piano playing professionally.

“Music has always been my first language,” Dan said. “But after playing gigs for a few years, I still felt a deeper purpose calling me to ministry. It wasn’t an easy journey. My grandfather once said being a minister is the highest calling, which scared me, but a conversation with a pastor gave me the courage to go to seminary and answer God’s call."

For years, Dan balanced a dual identity as a musician playing jazz and blues in restaurants on Saturday nights and delivering the gospel in church on Sunday mornings as a United Methodist pastor. Combining his musical talents with his sermons, creating hymns and music that reflected his faith journey, Dan became known over 33 years of ministry for his thoughtful hymn texts and creative services, such as a jazz-inspired Christmas Eve service that became a community favorite.

“Music has always been about connection for me,” Dan noted. “Whether playing gigs or leading packed Christmas Eve services, I try to create a sense of joy and community.”

NEVER RETIRED FROM MUSIC

Since retiring from parish ministry, Dan has stayed active as a musician, releasing multiple albums and performing regularly. His unique style—a blend of jazz, gospel, country, and blues—speaks to his rich personal and professional history. His most recent recording, a Christmas album called I Saw Three Ships, features his collaboration with musicians he’s worked with for years.

“You never retire from music,” Dan said with a smile. “I’m still playing gigs, recording albums, and even learning to accept the country-gospel roots in my music. It’s all part of who I am.”

As he reflects on his journey, Dan also is writing a memoir with the working title, We Can Help It a Little: The Journey of a Doubting Pastor, a nod to his father's modest philosophy as a bicycle repairman.

“I hope to share my story of faith, doubt, and making music in a way that resonates with others,” Dan said. “It’s been a winding road, but every step has brought me closer to understanding my purpose. God has been with me all the way.”