Ken Hardy was born in Hamburg, Iowa. He married his wife, Breana, in 2003, and the couple moved to Caldwell in 2004. They have two daughters. Ken has spent most of his career working as a machinist, but since 2022, he has devoted himself more fully to ministry. At the heart of Ken and his family’s life is a deep desire to serve others, living out Christ’s command to love their neighbors.
Although Ken grew up in church, he came to a deeper faith and understanding of Jesus in 2001. From that point on, he sensed a strong call to evangelize and serve his community. While serving at The Way in Hogg, Texas, Ken experienced a defining moment when he heard God’s call to ministry through the preaching of His Word, specifically Matthew 25:34–40. That moment marked a turning point in his life.
Soon after, Ken began outreach ministries in Cade Lake. God blessed his obedience by bringing meaningful partnerships, including the support of First Baptist Church, which came alongside him to help plant The Way in Cade Lake Baptist Church.
Ken has been actively involved in church music ministries and various outreach efforts since the 1990s. He was ordained by First Baptist Church in the summer of 2025. First Baptist Church, together with the Independence Baptist Association and the FIRM Baptist Area, worked collaboratively to purchase the buildings and property that now serve as The Way in Cade Lake Baptist Church. First Baptist Church has also partnered with Ken and Send Network as the sending church for this church plant. Ken currently serves on staff at First Baptist Church Caldwell as the Church Planter in Residence.
At the core of Ken’s calling is a passion to show his neighbors the love of Christ, just as Christ has loved him. His life and ministry are rooted in this simple but powerful calling: first, to love God with all his heart, mind, and soul, and second, to love his neighbor as himself.