Dr. Gary Mathena began his ministry as a music minister at just 15 years old—the same year he recorded his first album and released his first song. Since then, he has faithfully served in music ministry at several prominent churches across the United States, including First Southern Baptist Church of Del City, Oklahoma, under the leadership of Dr. Bailey Smith and Dr. Tom Elliff. He also served for 23 years at Valley Baptist Church in Bakersfield, California, and most recently at First Baptist Church of Roanoke, Virginia, before launching a full-time international ministry focused on educating, equipping, encouraging, and edifying worship leaders.

In addition to his church ministry, Gary has invested deeply in academic and global training. He served as Director of Practica and Resident Adjunct Professor of Worship Studies at Liberty University’s School of Music in Lynchburg, Virginia, and continues to teach internationally in Africa, Russia, Romania, Germany, and Central America. He is also a Visiting Professor at Emanuel University of Oradea in Romania.

Gary is a worship leader, published songwriter, author, recording artist, conference speaker, and consultant. He frequently lectures at colleges and seminaries around the world on church music and worship. His book, One Thing Needful: An Invitation to the Study of Worship, is widely used in universities and seminaries and has been translated into German, Romanian, and Russian.

His songs have been arranged for choirs and recorded by numerous artists. Notably, his song “Lean On Me” was recognized by Brentwood-Benson Publishing Company as one of America’s 101 Favorite Gospel Songs.

Gary and his wife, Donnita, have two married daughters, eight grandchildren (including two who are married), and two beautiful great-granddaughters.”

His life verse is Psalm 40:3: “He has put a new song in my mouth—praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord.”