Gary Harder was a Mennonite pastor for over fifty years, as a full-time pastor and most recently as a part-time interim pastor together with his wife, Lydia. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminaries (Elkhart, Indiana) and a Doctor of Ministry degree from St. Stephen's College (Edmonton, Alberta). As a reluctant pastor whose youthful longings leaned toward music and sports and whose introverted personality did not suggest a career in leadership, Harder struggled with the vocation to church ministry. He has served in various church leadership positions, mentored other pastors and student interns, and taught courses on church and ministry. His life is enriched through his relationship with his three children and their spouses and his nine grandchildren. He loves to garden, sing in choirs, and play hockey.
Harder's previous book, Dancing through Thistles in Bare Feet: A Pastoral Journey, was published by Herald Press in 2008. He has also published several booklets, as well as articles and stories in various magazines and journals.
