Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Gardner.
Tina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 2015, I began to have the vision for Heart of a Matter Ministries. I had been serving as a court-appointed advocate for nearly 28 years, where I witnessed the various struggles people endure in their day-to-day lives. During this season, I became painfully aware of how the struggles within families would go on to affect multiple generations. It was becoming harder and harder to bring about meaningful changes to the lives of those I served. One of the main issues faced was coordinating benefits between multiple organizations and making the public aware of various organizations and what they provided. I also began seeing extreme hopelessness, where individuals had lost their ability to move forward through their struggles and had no one form of support around them. I found myself looking to God many times throughout this season asking, “how can restoration be brought to Your children?” It was during this time I felt a prompted by God to start a community outreach Life Group at my church that would bring the body of Christ into the community to love and serve like Jesus, and Heart of a Matter Life Group was formed in 2016. Throughout the next two years, God took me on an adventure of a lifetime, revealing His original design for Kingdom, and allowing me to see humanity through the eyes and heart of Jesus. It was during a small gathering of friends that I shared the vision and the heart behind my passion to see lives be transformed that Heart of a Matter Life Group became Heart of a Matter Ministries (HOAMM). In 2019, HOAMM received our tax exemption and 501c3 status. In hindsight, this is where the Journey of obedience began. Over the past several years, HOAMM has built a Faith-based, community-focused social services organization providing a framework for the body of Christ to unite and function as God designed.
At HOAMM, we believe in the transformative power of God’s love to heal, restore, and empower individuals and communities. Our “Why” is rooted in our commitment to cultivating Christ-centered communities where everyone is valued, empowered, and equipped to fulfill their God-given purpose. We exist to embody the love of Christ, to serve as His hands and feet in the world, and to bring hope, healing, and restoration to those in need. Through our ministries, programs, and initiatives, we seek to make a tangible difference in the lives of people, reflecting the heart of Jesus and advancing His Kingdom on earth.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not a smooth road. Some of the struggles, and just to name a couple. – Acceptance, even among faith communities. You would think it would be the faith communities that would want to join in our vision of cultivating Christ centered communities, however, we have learned that faith communities (churches) are run more like business in of themselves. Although many church congregations take on addressing a specific need in the community, we’ve yet to find one that solves need of the broken and hurting.
– Clearly communicating the vision, mission and purpose of the ministry because it is not a church, and had we had no “working template” to learn from.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
This was written in 2020, and I think it speaks to what I am known for better than I could explain myself.
“In a world brimming with noise and chaos, there are those who stand out not for their accolades or achievements but for the depth of their commitment to serving others and following the call of their faith. Tina Gardner is one such individual—a beacon of light in her community, known not only for her administrative prowess but also for her unwavering dedication to uplifting and empowering those around her.
A Heart of Service. The core of Tina’s identity lies a profound sense of duty and service. With a gift for administration, she channels her talents into serving various organizations, boards of directors, workforce groups, and support networks. Through her meticulous attention to detail and her innate ability to develop policies and procedures, Tina brings order and efficiency to every project she undertakes. Her work is not merely about ticking boxes or meeting deadlines; it’s about creating systems that empower others to thrive and succeed.
What sets Tina apart is her commitment to collaboration and empowerment. She believes in the power of teamwork and actively seeks opportunities to bring voices together. By fostering an environment of inclusivity and collaboration, Tina empowers individuals to contribute their unique talents and perspectives to the collective mission. Whether it’s brainstorming innovative solutions or rallying a team around a shared goal, Tina leads by example, inspiring others to reach higher and dream bigger.
One of Tina’s greatest sources of pride is her work with youth and young adults. Through mentorship programs, support groups, and community initiatives, she pours her heart and soul into nurturing the next generation of leaders. For Tina, it’s not just about imparting knowledge or skills; it’s about breaking generational chains and empowering young people to realize their full potential and God-given purpose. She believes that by investing in the youth today, we can create a brighter tomorrow for generations to come.
What truly sets Tina apart is her unwavering commitment to her faith. For her, every act of service, every decision, and every interaction is guided by her deep-rooted belief in Jesus Christ. She knows that her calling is not to seek the approval of man but to honor the One who called her. It’s this steadfast commitment to surrender and obedience that defines Tina’s character and sets her apart as a true disciple.
In Tina’s eyes, true transformation begins with surrender—to God, to His will, and to His purpose. She believes that if more people embraced this kind of radical surrender and commitment, we would indeed see heaven on earth. It’s this vision for transformation, rooted in faith and fueled by love, that drives Tina’s every endeavor and inspires those around her to join in the journey.
In a world hungry for authenticity and purpose, Tina Gardner stands as a shining example of what it means to live a life of service and discipleship. Through her dedication, her compassion, and her unwavering faith, she continues to leave an indelible mark on the hearts and lives of all who have the privilege of knowing her.” – B Gardner (My husband)
Something I am most proud of is writing a book, A JOURNEY OF OBEDIENCE – Surrendering to the Calling from Within, that has captured the hearts of readers, where they encountered the love of God. Reading the testimonials of the readers is inspiring to me.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
In 2023 we seen HOAMM multiply, we now have a HAOMM Base in Woodland Park, Colorado. I hope to see the growth and impact of this location lead to additional bases nationally. We had a word spoken over our ministry, “Like Shockwaves Across The Nation,” as the ministry of Jesus takes root, and we see Heaven on Earth. I would like to see this in my lifetime. That is the future I’d like to leave for my children, my grandchildren, and their children.
Contact Info:
- Website: aheartmatter.org
- Instagram: aheartmatter
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Heartofamatter
