Daniel Overdorf grew up in the mountains of eastern Tennessee and southern West Virginia, where he experienced the value of the blue-collar work ethic, the wonder of Appalachian storytelling, and the joy of being raised in the home of a preacher who loves the church with all his heart.

These early influences continue to shape his perspectives of life and faith. He graduated from Johnson University, then spent the next ten years ministering with churches in Illinois and Georgia. In the meantime, he earned a Master of Divinity from Lincoln Christian Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. At Gordon-Conwell, he had the joy of studying for four years under Haddon Robinson, a patriarch in the field of preaching. Robinson's influence significantly shaped Overdorf's philosophy and approach to preaching, both as a preacher and as a professor.

Since 2005, Daniel has taught at Johnson University in Knoxville, Tennessee, where his current position is Professor of Pastoral Ministries and Director of Preaching Programs. He loves the campus atmosphere and the relationships that he shares with students and colleagues.

He has been married to his lovely and gifted wife, Carrie, for twenty-five years. They have two sons and a daughter. He enjoys watching college sports, hiking, playing golf, and, most of all, cheering for his kids at their softball and basketball games and choir performances.