What does your job involve?
I provide leadership in the Children’s Music and Worship Ministry. I lead the volunteers who teach the elementary-age children about how to worship God “in spirit and in truth.” My other ministry involves coordinating “Parent Connections” in the Children's Ministry.
Where were you born and raised?
My dad was in the Air Force, so I was born in the Panama Canal Zone. But we traveled a lot and I went to 11 different schools before I graduated from high school. I also lived in Okinawa, Georgia, Louisiana, New Mexico and Utah.
How large is the family you grew up in?
I’m the oldest of four; I have two sisters and a brother.
When and how did you come to know Christ?
My mom and dad were very involved in the chapel program on base, so I was always in chapel. But when I was in Okinawa, at the age of 16, there was a Baptist chaplain who was over the youth group. He took us out to an honest-to-goodness tent revival. I knew who Jesus was, but when I heard for the first time that I needed to make a decision about what to do with Jesus — that that decision would affect my eternity — it clicked for me that night, so I accepted Jesus as my Savior. I didn’t have a lot of immediate discipleship, so I really didn’t grow much or understand lordship until I was an adult and mom.
What was the first job you ever had?
Babysitting was really big for me. But my first real job was as a carhop at a drive-in restaurant. I would walk out to the people’s cars and take orders, although I didn’t wear roller skates. That lasted 30 days.
Where did you go to college?
I graduated from the University of Central Florida, which was Florida Technological University, when I went. That is where I received my degree in Elementary Education with a specialty in Early Childhood. I’ve also done some post-graduate work to extend my certification. I’ve kept my teaching certificate all these years, just in case.
When and to whom did you marry?
I got married in 1976 to Wayne Hardy. We dated for four years while I was in college, then, a year after I graduated, we got married.
How many children do you have?
Two; a son and a daughter.
How did you get into ministry?
It was definitely not something I planned. I had taught public school for 15 years, then at The First Academy for seven years. One day out of the blue, Tim Grosshans, who was the Education Pastor at First Orlando at the time, told me the Preschool Director at the time was going to retire and that they thought of me. I said to him, “Do you want to know if I know somebody?” He said, “No, we want you to pray about that position.” It literally took my breath away because I had no intention of doing something like that. In fact, I had told God that I would never be an administrator. That was a lesson I learned: Never tell God what you will never do. Anyway, I prayed about it for a couple of months, God kept opening doors, and it was the right thing to do. I really took the position because I have a real heart for parents. After teaching for so many years, I would see my kindergarten and first-grade parents come in and be completely at a loss about their children who were running their homes at the age of 5 and 6. I thought that if I took this position, I could help parents before their children became 5 or 6. Parenting is a huge passion of mine.
Have you ever done any long- or short-term mission work?
Quite a few years ago, I went on a mission trip with the choir to Wales in the United Kingdom. I also recently went to Thailand.
Where else have you served?
I was the children’s choir coordinator at my previous church. I’ve also taught Vacation Bible School, Sunday school and children’s choir.
What is the turning point of your life?
In 1984, I was involved with Bible Study Fellowship, which really turned me around! It was at this point in my life that God gave me a voracious appetite for knowing Him and His Word.
What do you like most about your job?
The kids, of course. I love teaching, when I get the opportunity, and also love baptisms and talking to the kids when they’ve made their decisions for Christ. I love to watch adult leaders forming relationships with the children they teach and I love to lead and observe kids as they connect to God in worship and praise.
What is your most memorable moment in ministry?
Seeing kids come to a saving knowledge of Jesus is why we do what we do! Seeing kids baptized is glorious! During VBS 2008, over 100 kids made decisions for Christ! The most memorable moments were when so many of them wanted to discuss their decisions one-on-one with a counselor. The highlight was participating in the baptism of 13 of those children on the last day of Vacation Bible School in the presence of thousands of their friends, and their families.
Do you have a favorite Bible verse or portion?
My favorite book is John's Gospel. I love Psalm 37:4: "Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart."
What do you like to do with your free time?
I enjoy dance aerobics; and I play the piano and sing. My husband and I like to ride his motorcycle and are big UCF fans. We also enjoy traveling when we have the time and opportunity.
If you weren’t on staff here, what else would you be doing?
I’d probably be teaching in some capacity.
Is there something about you that people would be surprised to learn?
I was really, really shy as a kid. People who know me now would have trouble believing me.
Naida Hardy: Director of Children’s Music and Worship/Parent Connection Coordinator