Gary received his Master's Degree in English and American Literature from Northern Illinois University and his M.Div in theology from Luther Seminary. He has served as a congregational pastor for over 25 years. He is currently serving in Columbia, South Carolina at Ebenezer Lutheran Church. He is also the Campus Pastor of the Columbia Campus of Lenoir-Rhyne University (including Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary). As Campus Pastor he is also Director of Chapel and Director of the Spiritual Direction Certification Program.