Rev. Dr. Daniel Park

Daniel Park was born in New Jersey and grew up in New York City. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Vassar College (Poughkeepsie, NY), and Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Drew Theological School (Madison, NJ). Daniel's D.Min cohort was "Pastoral Identity, Prophetic Fire in Fluid Culture, and focused his research and dissertation on "Training Laity for Divine Healing Prayer." He was ordained in 2008 and is an elder in full connection of the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church. 

Daniel is currently on the pastoral team at Floris-Restoration UMC as the Pastor of Restoration Church in Reston, and the Director of Restoration Sites. He is the lead dreamer and visionary of Restoration Church. Daniel is a champion for Floris-Restoration's commitment to "1Church4All," which is the inclusion of all abilities, all ethnicities, all orientations and identities. He is a mouthpiece and an advocate to make the goodness and grace of God visible. He is the lead mobilizer for the people of Restoration Church to be involved in the well-being of Reston and beyond.

To that end, Restoration Church has built partnerships with community organizations such as CORE Foundation, Cornerstones, the South Lakes High School PTSA Food Pantry, South Lakes High School Terraset Elementary School, and Forest Edge Elementary School. Daniel believes that transforming communities for good is never a solo act, but involves partnerships, friendships, and many other relationships that are organic and authentic. This vital work is accomplished through a matrix of understanding salvation as wholeness and healing.

Daniel's particular interest in the area of "The Healing Church" rises from a holistic understanding of salvation found in the ministry of Jesus, and the early Methodists. He believes the local church is the primary means through which God's salvation as healing can be experienced today. This healing is for communities, churches, families, and individuals and is found in a myriad of experiences such as physical, emotional, mental, communal, and spiritual healing.

When he is not involved in the church or community work, Daniel loves to spend time with his family. Daniel and his wife, Rev. Isaiah Park, are blessed with four children. There is never a dull (or quiet) moment in their home. He writes and plays music, is a coffee lover, avid reader, likes to play volleyball, go hiking, and indulges in all things Apple, Legos, Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, and Lord of the Rings.