Shortly after graduating from Trinity Baptist College in 1994, he began his ministry at Kerwin Baptist Church and served for six years as Your Director. He also served as Assistant Pastor, Music Director and Bus Director. In 2000, he began his ministry in full-time evangelism. He married Julie Smith in 2003, and God has blessed them with three boys. He returned to Kerwin in 2009 to succeed Joe Myers as Pastor. Dan Hawtree became the head pastor of Kerwin Baptist Church on March 11, 2012.