Matthew 17:20 could easily be a motto for Fort Dodge-area pastor Daniel Altman.

While he and his family’s faith is much larger than that proverbial mustard seed that Jesus mentions as part of the Bible’s first book of the New Testament, the message behind it — being able to move mountains even with the littlest of faith if you follow the Lord — speaks volumes to what he, his wife, Danielle, and their children have achieved.

“Hey, I was in a situation after high school where I was headed down the wrong road, even after being raised in a Christian home,” he said. “I had a group of mentoring men come from different parts of my life and say, ‘Daniel, you need to think about where you’re going. It isn’t a good route.”

That small faith led to a stint working in the gypsum mills to get himself away from questionable influences. From there, Altman kept having the thought of going into the ministry.

-Submitted photo
Daniel Altman is pictured here with his family. In front, from left, are his children: Israel, Noel, Leia and AnnaMae. In back are Danielle and Daniel Altman.

“I started my education online, deciding on an internship in Kansas City for a year and winding up doing two.” he said. “Through all of that, I kept working online at university, eventually gaining my master’s degree.”

Altman’s pastoral career started in West Des Moines. However, he felt God’s strong call to come home.

“I just wanted to help in Fort Dodge,” he said. “I empathize with young men who are struggling and have a fire to work with individuals like that.”

While he continues to develop a plan for that long-term goal, he found a small church called Mission Community Church located south of Fort Dodge in Harcourt and became its pastor in September 2022.

“The church sort of wanted to rebrand itself,” he said.

“That rise has nothing to do with me, honestly,” he added. “It’s all about God’s word and ability to work in this community. I’m just a person — no better than anyone else — who wants to help and share the Gospel.”

That humility and selflessness caught the eye of many community members, leading to an ask to be on the Fort Dodge Community School District Board of Education.

“I have been working with the school from time to time assisting with at-risk kids who have suspension issues, may get expelled, and so forth,” he said. “Being on the board allows me to continue to build on that and give the district an idea of what it needs to be successful in that area.

“I’m always learning — every meeting — about the behind-the-scenes steps the board takes in so many different areas,” he added. “If there is a chance for me to be a role model to struggling youth by what I’m doing with my work on the board, I’ll take that in a heartbeat.”