This is My Story, This is My Song

Dr. Gary, in concert, singing his original songs and telling the stories behind them.

  • "Dr. Gary Mathena is a talented and Spirit-led artist whose ministry draws people into a deeper, authentic place of worship through his original, God-inspired songs that truly resonate with the heart of the congregation. Gary’s music reflects a life fully surrendered to God, creating moments where the Holy Spirit is felt and embraced. Beyond his musical talent, Gary’s genuine compassion for people and humility shine through in every aspect of his ministry. As a teacher, he communicates truth with clarity and grace, helping believers grow in their faith while always pointing them to Christ. Faithfully allowing God to lead him in all things, Dr. Mathena serves as a powerful vessel for Spirit-filled worship and Kingdom impact. I am honored to call this man my friend and brother in Christ and highly recommend you include Gary as a valuable part of your programming and services.”

    —Rev. Terry W. Carroll, Minister Senior Adults (Retired), First Baptist Church, Roanoke, Virginia

  • Use the “Learn More” button below to email Dr. Gary directly, to schedule events, and learn more!

inspire the choir weekend retreats

A weekend retreat with Dr. Gary, with music of your choice.

  • “Dr. Gary was our guest at Trinity Baptist in Cayce, SC. He delivered a concert of beautiful music and uplifting stories. The next morning, he led our choir in worship, singing songs about God’s protection and provision. Later, he gave an outstanding teaching on worshiping God through life's storms. We spent the rest of the morning and afternoon rehearsing Christmas music, and Gary was an exceptional choral clinician, always sensing the room’s mood and adding humor and physical activity when needed. I don’t know many men who can be an artist, a worship leader, a teacher, and a choral clinician, and excel at all of them. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Gary and encourage you to invite him to your church. Your people will be blessed!”

    —Marty Hamby, Minister of Music, First Baptist Church, Cayce, South Carolina

  • Friday

    6:30 p.m.         Banquet and concert with Dr. Gary Mathena

    Saturday

    8:00 a.m.         Continental Breakfast and Fellowship Time

    9:00 a.m.         Worship Time and Teaching from God’s Word with Dr. Gary

    9:50 a.m.         Break

    10:00 a.m.       Rehearsal Session #1

    10:50 a.m.       Break

    11:00 a.m.       Rehearsal Session #2

    Noon               Lunch

    1:00 p.m.         Rehearsal Session #3

    2:00 p.m.         Dismiss

     Sunday           

    Special Music with Dr. Gary and Choir in the a.m. Worship Service

  • Use the “Learn More” button below to email Dr. Gary directly, to schedule events, and learn more!

Conference and Workshop Keynote Speaker

Dr. Gary has spoken on various topics related to worship and ministry at conferences, seminars, universities, and seminaries throughout America and around the world, including Russia, Germany, Romania, Tanzania, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Nicaragua, Peru, and Israel.

  • “I am glad to offer my wholehearted endorsement of Dr. Gary Mathena’s preaching and workshop speaking ministry. For many years, he has served in Germany with great effectiveness, making a lasting contribution to churches, Christian leaders, and musicians through biblically grounded preaching, thoughtful teaching, and practical wisdom. Dr. Mathena communicates with clarity, spiritual depth, and pastoral sensitivity, and his ministry has consistently strengthened and encouraged those who have had the opportunity to hear him. I am deeply grateful for his faithful service and gladly recommend him with full confidence.”

    —Dr. Johannes Schöder, Practical Theology, Director of the Institute for Theology and Music, Bible Seminary, Bonn, Germany

    1. One Thing Needful: The Purpose and Practice of Worship (Luke 10:38-42)

    2. The Pattern of Worship: Exploring the Mosaic, Davidic, and Pauline Schools of Worship Studies

    3. The Power of Praise in Worship (2 Chronicles 20)

    4. Lifestyle Worship (Romans 12:1)

    5. The Secret Place of Prayer (James 5:13-18)

    6. Worshiping Jesus Through the Storms of Life (Matthew 14:22-33)

    7. The Conditions, the Call, and the Character of Corporate Worship (Hebrews 10:19-25)

    8. The Heart of the Worship Leader: His Call, Character, and Conduct (Luke 3:4-5)

    9. The Horizontal Dynamic of Vertical Worship: The Worship Leader and His Relationships (Mark 12:28-31)

    10. Weary in Well-Doing: The Keys to Preventing Ministry Burnout (1 Kings 19:1-8)

    11. The Three Stages of Conflict Management in Ministry (Acts 6:1-7)

    12. How to Be Relentlessly Resourceful

    13. Principles on Leading with Confidence (Joshua 3:7-17)

    14. When God Calls You Out: How to Discern God’s Call to Ministry

    15. God’s Ultimate Priority: The Priority and Pursuit of God’s Glory (Matthew 28:16-20)

    16. Standing Firm in the Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18)

    17. The Three Foundations of Genuine Worship

    18. Worship and Knowing the Will of God for Your Life (Romans 12:1-8)

    19. Worship in Eternity (Revelation 4-5)

    20. Praise from the Pit (Psalm 40:1-3)

    21. The Bestseller: A Study of the Most Powerful Book of All Time

    22. Relentless Forward Progress: Life Lessons Learned on the Run (Philippians 3:10-16)

  • Use the “Learn More” button below to email Dr. Gary directly, to schedule events, and learn more!

What People Are Saying

“Dr. Gary Mathena is not only a trusted ministry leader and servant, but also a dear friend whom I have had the privilege of knowing and working alongside for many years—including his role as our Minister of Worship. I have personally been blessed and encouraged by Gary’s life, his music, and his preaching and teaching ministry. As his pastor, I have seen firsthand his faithfulness as a preacher and teacher of God’s Word, always pointing people to Jesus Christ. His many years of experience, remarkable talent, and biblical knowledge are only matched by his genuine love for the Lord and His Church. With full confidence, I recommend Gary and his ministry to you for your prayerful consideration as a preacher you can trust!”

— Dr. Bryan E. Smith, Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church, Roanoke, Virginia

“Having had the privilege of ministering alongside Dr. Gary Mathena, I have seen firsthand his heart for Christ and his passion for leading others in worship. Gary serves as a spirit-led worship leader, creating an atmosphere that encourages people to respond to the Gospel. His musical excellence and genuine love for the Lord guide congregations into meaningful, Christ-centered worship. I am grateful for his ministry and happily recommend him to any church seeking a faithful and anointed worship leader committed to transforming lives through Jesus Christ.”

–Dr. Stephen Rummage, Executive Director-Treasurer, Florida Baptist Convention

"Gary is a gifted musician who ministers with both excellence and a deep sensitivity to the needs of a congregation. Having worked with him personally, I can confidently say his music is Christ-honoring, professionally presented, and a true support to the preaching ministry. Any church would be blessed by his ministry."

-Phil Waldrep, Phil Waldrep Ministries, Decatur, Alabama