Mike Hartle
Men’s Ministries Coordinator

What do you do at Grace? I am a lay leader at Grace that has been given the charge to challenge the men of our church in a variety of ways and in multiple forums. My challenge to them is to pursue God’s best for their lives and to assume responsibility for the mantle of leadership that has been entrusted to them within their families, the church, and their communities. I work closely with the senior pastor in leading the men’s ministry team and overseeing men’s ministry programming and events.

How long have you been at Grace? My wife and I have been attending Grace since October of 2002.

Family Information: Wife: Sheila
Children: Gabriel

Education:
BS in Sports Administration from Ohio University
Health and Physical Education Teacher Certification from Edinboro University of PA
M.Ed. in Middle and Secondary Instruction from Edinboro University of PA

Fun Stuff:
If you were an animal, what would you be (why)? I’m not sure I like this question…. but if I have to give an answer I would say a horse (some type of trusted steed) so that I could still ride into battle with mankind against the forces of evil.

Favorite color: Various types of Camouflage

Favorite Food: Ayers Rock Strip Steak from Outback Steakhouse

Pet Peeve(s): People who are always late to everything. It shows a lack of respect for those running a class or event.

Hobbies: Hunting, camping, hiking, shooting trap and sporting clays, watching action movies, spending time with my wife and son, and defeating the forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

If you had 24 hours to live, what three things would you do?
First, I would get a second opinion.
Second, I would entrust my son with any last knowledge concerning the faithfulness of God and show him how to properly clean the shotgun.
Lastly, I would take my wife out for one last date. Hopefully Rambo IV will be in theaters by then so that I can die in peace.

Tell us about a few influential (or favorite) books you’ve read:
Wild at Heart by John Eldridge
The Barbarian Way by Erwin McManus
Maximized Manhood by Edwin Louis Cole

Spiritual Stuff:
Tell us a little bit about your spiritual journey: I asked Jesus Christ into my life, and received the gift of salvation during my sophomore year in college (1995). I was involved with a campus ministry called Athletes in Action while at Ohio University, and I actually met my wife during a summer leadership project for AIA in Ft. Collins Colorado during the summer of 1997.

My life as a Christian is surrounded by God’s faithfulness as He has always provided a spiritual mentor that has helped me to grow and understand my gifts and potential as a man living for Christ. My best friend growing up (since kindergarten) was the man who shared the gospel with me for the first time. I have since been divinely appointed many friends and warriors for the Lord who have encouraged me on in the faith. My spiritual journey continues to reflect a God who is passionate about His people.

What did you do before you started working at Grace? As a lay leader at Grace, I am able to continue working as a Professor of Health and Physical Education at Edinboro University of PA.

Why are you passionate about church and ministry? I am passionate about knowing God more, and making Him known to others. My life has never been the same because one man chose to share the message of hope with me, and many other men took the time to build a foundation of the power of God in my life. For that reason, God has now given me the desire to pursue lost and wounded men who have been given the mantle of leadership in their homes, communities, and here at Grace. I see this Christian walk as more of a battlefield on which we can choose to fight, or lay down and surrender to the enemy. My passion is to charge in with other faithful men, rescue our fallen brothers, and march into God’s glory through the victory already achieved in Christ Jesus.

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