Gregg's Story
Childhood
Gregg was born on a military base in North Carolina to Michael and Trinidad Garner. He was raised in Fillmore, California, spending some of his childhood in the Philippines, his mother’s native country, as his parents served as missionaries.
College Years
While at Azusa Pacific as a college student, Gregg led worship and Bible Study events for thousands of young people in Southern California. He began several community-service initiatives, including food and clothing distribution, athletic camps, and music performances.Gregg joined APU mission teams, traveling to Mexico and Kenya.
At the encouragement of Don Rogers, the founder of Empowering Lives International, Gregg began leading trips himself. It was during these early trips that Gregg made friends who would serve with him through the formative years of founding G.O.D. International. These included Jason Roufs and Robert Munoz, and his wife, Tara (Bishop) Garner. 20+ years and counting, they continue their friendship and work together.Gregg's college mission experiences, combined with his childhood in the Philippines, ignited a passion for seeing missions done right.
In working with and researching hundreds of other organizations, he saw an overwhelming number of missionaries retiring early because of a lack of preparation, a lack of education, and a failure to get along with other missionaries. Frustrated with the "best efforts" he saw, Gregg began G.O.D. (Global Outreach Developments), a formal 501-c-3 nonprofit. G.O.D. carried out biblical service to the marginalized stateside and continuing in Mexico and Kenya.
A Family with a Missionary Calling
Of all Gregg's accomplishments and achievements, it takes only a moment with him before you realize the thing he is most proud of is his family. Gregg and Tara Garner met while studying at Azusa Pacific University. Tara's positivity and love for the Lord drew Gregg to her immediately.
Gregg and Tara married (1999) and committed to serving God in Kenya, raising $3500 a month for three years to further the work of G.O.D. God interrupted their plans, waking Gregg with the word, "Go to Nashville instead, and I'll send many more in your place." Gregg and Tara had never been to Nashville, knew no one in the city, and had no jobs lined up but obeyed, even when their support dwindled to $150 for three months. Gregg began teaching Bible and Math at a local high school as Tara worked as a social worker. Gregg started a band called UnNamed Servant, which toured and led thousands of young people in worship. These high school students and youth who came to hear UnNamed Servant play became the first Institute students in 2004. Gregg's father served as the initial Academic Dean of the school. Together they authored and taught a majority of the courses at the Institute. From the start, the college's mission was to teach God's Word and prepare students to serve God on the mission field. The Institute has graduated -- students, 98% of them still being active in missions today.
Today, Gregg and Tara continue living out their ministry efforts in Nashville, TN and the Lord has blessed them with 5 kids.
A Multi-Talent
As an artist, Gregg's songwriting led to UnNamed Servant releasing four full-length studio albums between 2002 and 2010. He continues to lead worship for G.O.D. community gatherings and Institute chapels and events. Gregg is also a sought-after playwright. He has written, directed, and produced seven original plays and two full-length musicals. His first original musical, ALIEN, a story about immigration, was performed at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center and part of the Chancellor's Lecture Series at Vanderbilt University. Institute students and staff appear regularly in his plays.
Gregg's keen insights have enabled him to direct and produce hundreds of videos, podcasts, and publications. His most recent podcast, "Thoughts: Theological Considerations During Covid," is currently available on Apple's iTunes or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
