Pastor Daniel Bavaro
Senior Associate Pastor
Pastor Daniel V. Bavaro was born in the Bronx, New York on January 25, 1956. He and his two siblings, Stephen and Esther, were raised in a ministry home, as his parents served as pastors of a bilingual, Pentecostal church in the “Little Italy” section of the Bronx. Although he was raised in a Christian home, he did not make a personal commitment to serve Jesus Christ until he was thirteen years old.
Pastor Bavaro graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School in 1973. He was awarded a New York State Regents Scholarship and continued his education at Herbert H. Lehman College in New York from which he graduated in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. He worked in the business world in the New York metropolitan area from 1977 to 1992 holding various positions including Accountant, Systems Consultant and Director of Management Information Systems.
From a young age, Pastor Bavaro sought to bring people into the presence of God through the ministry of music. From 1974 to 1992, he administered the overall music program of his home church, including worship, orchestra and special events. He served as his father’s personal assistant in all aspects of the pastorate, and held the elected position of Church Treasurer until leaving New York to enter the full-time ministry.
It was during this time that he also formed the vocal/instrumental ensemble known as The Vessels of Praise. Comprised of his siblings, their spouses and other friends and family, this evangelistic ministry spanned 18 years, and traveled thousands of miles, covering the northeastern states, parts of the south and north into Canada. Through crusades, church services and concerts, their ministry saw many people saved, healed, delivered, uplifted and brought into a new dimension of life in Christ through worship. He served as the team ministry leader, business manager, vocalist, pianist, and as producer and engineer in the Vessel’s recording studio.
1991 became a pivotal year as Pastor Bavaro seriously considered leaving New York to fulfill his calling and dream of fulltime ministry. He was still single and praying about two different ministry opportunities which were set before him. In the midst of this, he was introduced to Norina Carosello of Montreal, Canada on Christmas Day, 1991. He thought he couldn’t handle the complication of a long-distance relationship while seeking the Lord for direction in ministry. The Lord had other plans and they were married on October 3, 1992 in Montreal after a ten-month courtship and large telephone bills! During this period, in July of 1992, his dream became a reality when he accepted the position of Music Pastor/Church Administrator at Boston Christian Assembly in Boston, MA. (Pastored by Norina’s cousin - the one responsible for their meeting). Norina joined him in Boston after their wedding and they happily served there until 1994.
In September 1993, Pastor Bavaro was Ordained with the Christian Church of North America, his lifelong denominational covering. He has served as their General Council organist, orchestra director and floor manager. He currently serves as the Secretary/Treasurer and Presbyter in the Eastern District of the CCNA.
In February 1994, the Lord opened the door for Pastor “B” and Norina to serve at Zion Bible Institute in Barrington, Rhode Island. Pastor Bavaro served as the Senior Music Director as well as the Director of the Fine Arts and Audio Visual Departments. He concurrently served as the Music Pastor, Worship Leader and Organist at Zion Gospel Temple. He also restructured the church’s accounting into a computerized fund accounting system. It was during this time that their son, Daniel James (D.J.) was born (May 7, 1994).
The Bavaros began their ministry at Bethel Assembly of God, Littlestown, PA, in June 1996, where he serves as the Sr. Associate Pastor. Their daughter, Milena was born on May 28, 1997 and their family was complete. Pastor Bavaro covers Bethel’s Platform Ministries, as well as the financial areas where he functions as its’ Chief Financial Officer. Pastor “B” is passionate about hosting the presence of God in worship and leading people into a deeper relationship with the Lord.
