In 1999, after almost 15 years ministering with Campus Crusade for Christ in Southern California, Gary and his wife Violet moved back to Waupaca, Wisconsin. Gary and Violet grew up in Waupaca and were childhood sweethearts! Gary now serves as Pastor of Discipleship at Faith Community Church and is a Board Certified Pastoral Counselor with the International Board of Christian Counselors.
In 1979, Gary and Violet each sensed God's calling into the ministry. Over the years, Gary earned certification in biblical studies through the Institute of Biblical Studies (International School of Theology), earned a Master of Divinity at Bethel Theological Seminary in San Diego, California, and entered the Doctor of Ministry Program at Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota (Congregational and Family Care, including Family Systems and Counseling), completing all of the classes and projects.
Gary is specially gifted in "Shepherding, Exhortation, and Faith," with a strong passion for teaching, mentoring, and counseling. Gary says, "It is my life's commitment to help others grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus Christ. It is my life's passion to help steer followers of Jesus beyond an acquaintance level with Christ and His Body--to one of intimate fellowship, manifested by a yielded, transformed life and a life of service (Philippians 3:8-10; Ephesians 4:11-13; 2 Peter 3:18). On a more personal level, Gary is dedicated as a journeying Christian and as a leader, and to his own continued transformation toward a wholeness and holiness.
Gary and Violet have two sons, Jim (Debbie) and Jeff (Elle), two lovely daughters-in-law, and two sweet granddaughters, Olive and Lila. Gary and Violet reside close to Waupaca. Together, they enjoy family activities, reading, watching FoxNews and good movies in the quiet of their home. Gary also enjoys good conversation when dining out with Violet, lunch with close friends, or breakfast with men from church.