GARY STRIPLING has been leading others for over 30 years as a worship leader, conference speaker, associate pastor, business administrator, road manager, consultant, office manager, and corporate development administrator. Gary graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism/English Literature in 1981 and went on to graduate school, attending The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. He graduated in 1985 with a Master of Divinity in Christian Education/Church Business Administration.

Gary has served numerous churches and ministries across the country as business administrator and/or worship leader, Minister of Music. Prior to founding The Management Agency in 2005, Gary was personal manager for Paul Wilbur (recording artist with Integrity Music) in Jacksonville, FL.

As a conference speaker, Gary utilizes his years of experience in the church and business worlds to help others develop a mature understanding of their calling. Gary regularly consults with touring artists and bands providing career counseling and developing customized management plans that are strategically implemented to help take their ministries to new levels. Gary is available as a conference speaker addressing topics including leadership issues, career development, and ministry planning and development. He also works with individual churches and ministries in setting up their offices, administrative systems, and team & leadership development.

Gary has worked closely with some of the leading figures in the contemporary worship field including Ron Kenoly, Paul Wilbur, Alvin Slaughter, Steve Fry, Nick Coetzee, Carl & Leann Albrecht and many others. He has served as personal manager for Paul Wilbur (Integrity Music), Lynn DeShazo (Integrity Music), Bob Fitts (Maranatha & Integrity Music), Michael Gungor (co-wrote Dove nominated & ASCAP Song of the Year "Friend of God"), Meredith Andrews (now with Word Music), and many other independent artists nation-wide.

As worship leader for Dan Duke (Fire & Glory), Gary traveled with Dan and his team all over the southeast USA leading others in dynamic, Holy-Spirit infused services of worship and word.

As a Music Industry Conference Speaker, Gary covers the following important areas every touring artist needs to address:

Internationally, Gary has ministered in nations including Israel, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Nigeria, Ghana West Africa, the U.K., El Salvador, Mexico, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Canada. His specialized understanding of the music ministry coupled with formal training in church business and ministry administration provides him with the ability to help others see the Kingdom of God come in power on the earth through their own ministries!

Gary and Laura, his wife of 30 years, live in Jacksonville, FL with their son Elliott. They attend Celebration Church in Jacksonville. Their daughter, Emily, resides in New York City where she is pursuing a career in the arts and has a successful wedding planning business.