Gary Knerr grew up in suburban Reading, PA at West Lawn UMC, where his parents, younger sister, and he were actively involved. Graduating with a degree in philosophy and psychology from Albright College, he worked with special needs youth and adults before heading to grad school. At Princeton Theological Seminary, he concentrated in preaching and earned a Master of Divinity degree. He jokes that after nearly 40 years of ministry, he still has not mastered the Divine!
Pastor Gary began serving churches in the four counties surrounding Philadelphia in 1985 and was ordained an elder in 1990. Over the years, he chaired the re-building efforts of Midtown Parish UMC in North Philadelphia and served as the chairman of the Board of Ordained Ministry. He co-teaches a popular class on baptism and holy communion for clergy and laity.
Gary and his wife, Deb, a certified American Sign Language interpreter and adjunct professor, have two adult daughters adopted from India. Gary was active in the volunteer fire service across four decades, is an automotive enthusiast, enjoys pipe organs, and history. He is excited about what the Holy Spirit is doing in our ministry together in Thorndale!
