Gary is originally from Lurgan, Northern Ireland, and his wife Claudia is from Neumünster in Germany. They met while studying theology together in Germany and married shortly after graduation. They eventually settled in N. Ireland where Gary served for six years as a Baptist pastor and their two sons, Joel and David were born.
In 2007 the family relocated to south-west Germany where Gary served for eight years with the Christian mission agency 'CEF Europe' – initially providing resources and training for ministry to teenagers, progressing to leader of the training department for Western Europe and in the final two years working internationally to develop a leadership training programme for leaders in 190 countries.
In 2016, being convinced of the importance of making disciples through planting churches, Gary commenced a new full-time ministry with Acts 29 as Assessment and Training Coordinator for Europe.
Gary is fluent in German and was previously fluent in Swiss-German, although it's a little rusty now. In his leisure time, he enjoys running and exploring the trails of the Black Forest, spending time with the family and reading (mostly practical theology). He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in ‘Intercultural Leadership’.
As a volunteer he serves on the boards of the FES Lörrach (one of the biggest Christian schools in Germany), the ACEW (Assisting Children's Evangelists Worldwide) as well as regular preaching and involvement in their local church. Recently he became a volunteer firefighter.
