Highland Park Presbyterian Church Welcomes Rev. Dr. Thomas Daniel as Next Senior Pastor

With great joy and anticipation, we are pleased to announce that Rev. Dr. Thomas Daniel has been called to serve as the next Senior Pastor of Highland Park Presbyterian Church.

Dr. Daniel shared, “I am deeply honored and humbled by this calling. As Beth and I met with the Pastor Nominating Committee, prayed over this opportunity, and sought wisdom from trusted mentors and friends, it became clear that God is leading us to join the HP Pres family. We are filled with gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead.”

The connection between Dr. Daniel and our church runs deep. He has held our congregation in prayer since the passing of Rev. Bryan Dunagan, his dear friend of nearly 20 years. Their friendship began when both served as Associate Pastors in Atlanta, and Dr. Daniel expresses a profound respect for the opportunity to continue Bryan’s legacy.

“Following in Bryan’s footsteps is a sacred responsibility,” he reflected. “He was not only a beloved pastor but also a cherished friend.”

Throughout the discernment process, Dr. Daniel felt a strong alignment between his own sense of mission and the vision of HP Pres.

“God has made it clear that we share a passion for the Gospel, a commitment to the Church, and a vision for reaching the next generation. My journey of faith began after college, through the ministry of a missionary church in Japan. That experience opened my heart to the life-changing power of the Gospel. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of planting a church, walking with people through seasons of transformation, and seeing how the Holy Spirit moves when we embrace creativity and boldness in ministry.”

For the past twelve years, Dr. Daniel has served as Senior Pastor at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Austin, Texas, a vibrant and growing multigenerational congregation. Beth Daniel is a gifted pastor in her own right, serving with The Ministry Collaborative, a national leadership initiative that supports pastors across denominations. Their daughters, Miriam Grace and Hannah Joy, are both students at Baylor University and were each baptized as teenagers at Covenant.

“Beth, Miriam, Hannah, and I are thrilled to be stepping into this next chapter with you. As HP Pres approaches its centennial, we’re excited to be part of a community with such a rich legacy and a bold vision for the future. This church is known for its deep love of the Gospel, commitment to mission, and vibrant intergenerational life. We can’t wait to begin this journey with you.”

Please join us in warmly welcoming Rev. Dr. Thomas Daniel and his family to Dallas and to Highland Park Presbyterian Church.