Path to Ministry

Gared grew up in Kansas on a cattle farm and went to college at Kansas State twice. The first time he earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture education, and the second time a Master’s degree in Agronomy. During that time, Gared went overseas with the Navigators to serve on the mission field in the Middle East for 1 year. After marrying Emily, Gared worked for South Dakota State University in Agronomy. Emily was a 5th grade teacher and currently homeschools.

Called to Solid Rock

Before being called to vocational ministry, Gared and Emily were living in South Dakota with their four children, Emma (5), Adalyn (4), Lily (2), and Wyatt (6 months). They attended a solid Southern Baptist church in South Dakota that encouraged Gared in his call to ministry. “They helped me pursue theological education through the online program Southern Seminary in Kentucky,” said Pastor Gared. “As I approached the end of my degree, I started looking for a full-time ministry position and applying at multiple churches. In August of 2021, I connected with Solid Rock Baptist Church in Wapello. The process went pretty smoothly, and I was voted in.”

Solid Rock’s previous pastor, Dan Doolin recently retired. Pastor Dan led the congregation in the construction of their building and was vitally involved in BCI ministry for many years. He also worked a full-time job outside of his role as pastor, whereas Pastor Gared will be serving full-time as pastor, a potential source of differing expectations.

Truth & Unity

As Pastor Gared begins his role at Solid Rock, he desires his ministry and the church to be characterized by truth and unity. This is especially important as the pastor and congregation get to know each other and those differences arise. “I pray that we will let the truth triumph over our emotions whenever different expectations arise about preaching, worship, or the role of pastor, so that our unity will be based on the Solid Rock of Christ.”