Rev. Burnside has been the pastor of Denton First for over 25 years (since May 1984). Before coming to DFCN, he served as youth minister (four years) in Chicago, Illinois and pastor (5 ½ years) in Dubuque, Iowa.

Rev. Burnside received a BA from Olivet Nazarene University in pastoral ministry in 1975 and an MA in Theology in 1980. After completing a relocation and  building program at Denton First, he enrolled in graduate school at the University of North Texas. In 1998, Dr. Burnside was awarded a Ph.D. from UNT in the education and counseling of adults.

Dr. Burnside is currently leading Denton First for the second time through a relocation and building program.  The church is relocating to a 13 acre site and building the first phase of a new multi-use facility. 

Peggy Burnside, Minister of Music

Peggy is also a graduate of Olivet Nazarene University. She graduated with a BA in music education and is certified to teach K-12. After teaching several years in the public school system, Peggy devoted her musical abilities to the church. She is a pioneer in arranging Praise and Worship music and is unquestionably one of the most talented Worship leaders anywhere.

Peggy is devoted to serving the Lord at all times. Her first ministry responsibilities are to her pastor-husband and their children. In addition to serving her family, Peggy has served DFCN as the Music and Worship Leader (part-time) for over 25 years. Peggy is also employed as the Administrative Director for the Texas Municipal Clerks Association at the University of North Texas where she has worked for over 20 years.

The Burnsides have three wonderful children - Ben, Kristen (daughter-in-law), and Tiffany - and two grandsons, Eli and Isaac.

Rev. Don Dakin, Associate Pastor of Christian Education

Don, wife Tara and two children, Ashley (21) and MacKenzie (16) come to us from the Tennessee District, where Don pastored Dyersburg First Church of the Nazarene.  He and his family pastored there for over nine years. Before Dyersburg, he served as an associate pastor in Woodlawn Tennessee. Don is a 2008 graduate of Nazarene Bible College, with a BA in Christian Education, and is an ordained elder.  He loves to spend time with his family, play golf, and talk about God.