Dale Warren

Pastor Dale's life took unexpected turns, leading him to a full and meaningful life as a Vietnam War-era veteran, businessman, pastor, and author. After being drafted into the United States Army, he served as an instructor at the Army Intelligence and Electronic Warfare School and a tour overseas. These experiences inspired his book “I Won a Life in the Lottery – The Vietnam War Draft Lottery”. His life was planned, but when his birthday was the number one pick in the Vietnam War Draft Lottery, all those plans changed. He married his sixteen-year-old sweetheart and served in the military while earning a Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland and a Master of Science from the University of Northern Colorado. His army career was a rollercoaster, from the highs of winning “Soldier of the Year,” and being awarded a copper letter as an honorary citizen of Tucson to the lows of medical emergencies and being involved with drug smugglers in Germany.

Upon his Honorable Discharge, Pastor Dale's life took another unexpected turn. He returned home to Goose Creek, SC, and had a successful career in business, obtaining his dream home, great vacations, sports cars, etc. He was then called into the ministry, resigned from his corporate position, sold the family’s home, and moved his family to seminary, where he graduated with a Master of Divinity and Christian Education from Southeastern Baptist Seminary in Wake Forest, NC. He then spent over thirty years pastoring churches in Pennsylvania and South Carolina, his home state. His current book chronicles these years, filled with humorous and dramatic experiences. Ministering to the Lizardman, serving members that were “certified” crazy, holding the hands of many close friends during their most difficult hours, and dealing with fifty inches of snow his first week north of the Mason Dixon, are just a few of these experiences that will entertain you. He has also published several novellas chronicling several of the blessed Christmases.

He has received many awards and honors. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Maryland, received a copper letter naming him an honorary citizen of Tucson, was awarded the Paul Harris Award from Rotary International, and was appointed by Pennsylvania governor Tom Ridge to serve his community in Greene County. He and his wife Jane have six grown children (three by birth and three by marriage) and six grandchildren living in the low country of South Carolina.