Dirk is the youngest of a family of eight who emigrated to Australia from the Netherlands. He attended the Melbourne Bible Institute (now the Melbourne College of Theology), before embarking on a career in teaching. He became the founding principal of Emmanuel Christian School where he oversaw the growth of the school to year ten and over three hundred students. He was involved in the commencement of Northern Christian School where he was principal for two periods. Since retiring from the Christian school movement Dirk pastored the Howrah Church of Christ for seven years. After his wife died he married Beth in 2010 and together they have been involved at the Hobart City Church serving as associate and interim pastor.