Dr. Mike Harder is a pastor, Bible teacher, speaker, and author based in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Mike was born in Bogotá, Colombia as a missionary kid, and he has a heart for preaching the Word of God, loving people, and connecting people to Jesus. Mike is married to Tabitha, and they have three daughters and a son. 

If you would like to learn more about Pastor Mike and Tabitha Harder, check out the After Church Podcast here.

Dr. Mike Harder serves as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Spartanburg and President of ALIGHT, formerly The Encouraging Word ministry. Dr. Mike Harder previously served as pastor of Kairos at Brentwood Baptist Church in Brentwood, TN, and Senior Pastor at The Gospel Church in Nashville, TN which he planted in 2007. Mike completed his Ph.D. in preaching in 2022 from Southeastern Seminary, writing on the contextual preaching of Jonathan Edwards. He is the author of In Transit: What Do You Do With Your Wait?, Jaded, and Deep Faith from Lifeway.

During the week, you can find “Pastor Mike” leading the church staff at First Baptist Spartanburg, ministering to church members, doing deep, expositional Bible study for sermon preparation, or speaking at pastoral or university events.

 ALIGHT is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit ministry. Supported by people who believe and share in our mission, vision and values. All donations made to ALIGHT are used strictly for the ministry of ALIGHT.