Dr. Gary Hartke is the general secretary for the Church of the Nazarene. An elected denominational officer, Gary is responsible for the corporate affairs of the Church of the Nazarene that spans 162 world areas, 30,000 local churches, and 2.5 million members. His responsibilities include denominational research, records, risk management, archives, and legal affairs. Additionally, he coordinates the logistics and legislation for the annual meeting of the General Board and quadrennial meeting of the General Assembly, the two highest denominational governing bodies.
Gary is a 21-year employee of the Global Ministry Center for the Church of the Nazarene located in Lenexa, Kansas, USA, where he serves on the senior leadership team, Global Mission team, secretary of the General Board for the Church of the Nazarene, Inc., and secretary of the USA National Board.
Prior to this assignment, he served 15 years as a youth pastor, 2.5 years as the candidate coordinator in the World Mission Department, and 18.5 years as the denominational youth ministries director. In the past 20 years, his responsibilities resulted in traveling to 56 countries.
Gary’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Christian education from Mount Vernon Nazarene University, a master’s in church management from Olivet Nazarene University, and a doctorate in ethical leadership from Olivet Nazarene University.
He has co-authored “101 Ways To Be Family Friendly in Youth Ministry.” Gary and his wife, Joy, have two grown children and one granddaughter.
