For Danielle Berumen, ministry wasn’t part of her original plan. As a college student pursuing pre-medicine, she envisioned a career in the medical field working with children. But in the midst of long nights studying science and excelling in her religious studies courses at La Sierra University, she began to sense God leading her down an unexpected path.
“One night I finally asked God, ‘What is Your will for my life?’” She recalled. “I felt this still, small voice say, I’ve been showing you all along.” From teaching youth Sabbath school classes in high school to preaching when invited by her academy chaplain, Berumen realized that God had been preparing her for pastoral ministry long before she recognized it.
Her journey since then has taken her through several Southeastern California Conference (SECC) churches, serving at Azure Hills, Palm Springs, and Calimesa in roles ranging from youth and children’s pastor to interim sole pastor. Along the way, she was mentored and impacted by the ministry of too many pastors and professors to name them all, but she feels very grateful for the ways she has been supported and poured into over the course of her ministry. Each mentor reminded her that “people always come before the task,” a value that continues to shape her leadership today.
Now, as Associate Ministerial Director for the SECC, Berumen steps into a new chapter, one that allows her to pastor pastors. “God was so clear in calling me here,” she said. “I know He’s doing something special in this season.”
In her new role, Berumen will serve all the pastors of our Conference territory, while intentionally supporting young pastors, female pastors, and students of the Growing Young Leaders program. She hopes to create meaningful opportunities for fellowship and renewal through gatherings like Pastors Connect, where ministers can encourage one another and simply enjoy being together.
Reflecting on Berumen’s appointment, Will Penick, ministerial director, shared, “Danielle brings a heart for people and a deep passion for encouraging pastors in their calling. Her ability to listen, empathize, and build genuine community will be a tremendous blessing to our ministerial team and the churches we serve.”
When asked to summarize her ministry philosophy, she chose three words: service, presence, and encouragement. “I never imagined being a pastor,” she reflected, “but God knew this would bring me joy. My prayer is to stay responsive to the Spirit’s leading, and to help our pastors and churches reflect more of God’s kingdom here in Southeastern California.”
