It is an undeserved privilege to pastorally serve Mercy Gate Church! 

My pastoral responsibilities at Mercy Gate Church are preaching, vision and small groups. 

Here are some fun facts about me: I can’t get enough of the outdoors! From camping to canoeing, from fresh open air to being huddled around a smoky bonfire, it’s all heaven to me. Other than the outdoors, a good game of basketball with the kids is always a welcomed activity. Anything reminiscent of the 1990s Chicago Bulls is well worth my time. Another tattoo is always a welcomed consideration. Other than an occasional IPA, a black cup of coffee is my drink of choice. And my family would say that I can often be lost in my own world worshipping away with a guitar in hand (more about my family below).

There are several books that have deeply influenced my life: The Cross of Christ by John Stott expanded my view of the glories of Christ and his cross. Let the Nations Be Glad by John Piper clarified the intersection between worship and mission. And Joy Unspeakable by Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Power Healing by John Wimber and Practicing the Power by Sam Storms all significantly shaped my understanding of the Spirit-filled life.

As a pastor there’s no greater joy than to have a small part in seeing the presence and power of God produce change in the hearts of His people. To that end, it’s my deep privilege to serve you in any way I can!

-DAN BIRKHOLZ

 OUR FAMILY STORY

Jodi and I are both Midwesterners, but we met on the East Coast. I was finishing up an M.Div. at Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary in Lansdale, PA, and she “happened” to visit her sister who was working at Calvary. And it was all history from there! We were married in 2007. And while I finished up an M.Div., Jodi worked in pharmaceuticals. 

During this time, we began attending Grace City Church of the Northeast. The church had recently been replanted, and there was a fresh excitement and zeal for the Gospel that was deeply attractive to Jodi and me. We learned and grew so much in those early years. 

It was clear after a few years that God was giving us a desire to plant a church. While we initially intended to move back to the Midwest, God made it clear that we were to start a church in Philly. We spent a few years gaining some training and ministry experience in the city. We worked with the addicted and organized a ministry team to serve them. We also spent a year at the Sovereign Grace Pastors College for further mentorship and preparation. 

In 2013 God provided us a building for a buck in the Wissinoming neighborhood of NE Philly. And by the spring of 2013, we began what is now known as Mercy Gate Church. 

What an adventure it has been! There have been high peaks of experiencing the presence of God and then sudden tragic losses. While we love the high peaks, God has consistently proven his goodness in the low times as well. He is always good. 

In 2017 Jodi and I had a growing desire to serve as foster parents. We had previously received prophetic words that stirred our faith to serve in this capacity. And now since 2018 we’ve cared for eight amazing children. We’ve found it to be incredibly rewarding and yet at times emotionally devastating. But that’s the nature of love, and it continues to teach us so much about God’s love for us.

Jodi and I have two kids — Trinity and Judson. As a family it’s our aim to keep the adventure alive — to have no limits to what the Spirit can ask of us!