After nearly 20 years, Dustin Daniels steps down as executive director of Dare Challenge

By on August 26, 2026

Dustin Daniels (left) passes the Bible and keys to his Dare Challenge successor, Chris Warrick.

On Aug. 25, Dustin Daniels, announced he is passing the torch as the executive director of the Outer Banks Dare Challenge, the residential “Christ-centered, residential discipleship program” serving individuals over 18 struggling with drug or alcohol addiction or other self-abusive behaviors. Outer Banks Dare Challenge

His successor as executive director is Dare Challenge On-Site Director Chris Warrick. In an email to the Voice, Daniels said he has gotten “into the place in my life where I’m ready to sit back and relax, moving boats on the water…I am confident that Chris Warwick is the guy that will take Dare Challenge to the next level.”

Here is the message, Daniels posted on Facebook.

Today was my last board meeting as executive director of Outer Banks Dare Challenge. After almost 20 years, I’ve officially stepped down. I’m leaving it in good hands.

When I took over, we didn’t have much. Not much money, not much property. I had no idea how far this ministry would go. All we had was faith, a desire to help people and a belief that God would provide.

There were good days and some real hard days. But through all of it, God was faithful.

Today there’s a men’s center and a women’s center. But more than any building, there are lives that got changed. Families that got put back together. People who found hope when they didn’t think there was any left.

I’m thankful for everyone who believed in this ministry and helped along the way. Too many to name, but God knows who you are. I couldn’t have done this without you.

Pulling out of that parking lot today, I looked in my rearview mirror and thought about how little we had when we started and all that stands there now.

All I could say was, “Look what the Lord has done.”

Serving this ministry and this community has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I’m leaving with a thankful heart. I know Dare Challenge is in good hands, and I believe its best days are still ahead.

“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.”

1 Corinthians 3:6

*****

 

Comments

  • Ben Kiser

    Great job! May the Lord be with you!

    August 27, 2026 @ 9:03 pm

  • BeachGirl

    Dare Challenge Thrift Store has come a long way and the mission stays the same!
    Bless You for staying so long and mentoring the men through the program!
    God Bless You in your new endeavours.
    🙏

    August 29, 2026 @ 3:12 pm

  • JF

    Thank you so very much, Dustin, for all the years and all the men you have counseled, mentored, and helped heal in your program. You have made such a difference in so many lives; it’s exponential.
    I thank you personally for the love, tough love, direction, and God-first ministry you provided to my son. I have no doubt he’s alive today and still alive in his faith because of you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
    Dare Challenge changes lives and hearts. Sometimes not right away, but the impact is real, and the experience is life-changing and affirming.
    May God continue to bless you in your retirement and in your next ventures.

    August 31, 2026 @ 1:10 pm
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