The Rev. Phil Hardt, a veteran preacher and Ordained Elder of the United Methodist Church, is settling in to his new appointment at the Riverhead United Methodist Church.
Hardt talked about his journey to get to Riverhead, his faith, his love of sports and Main Street cafes and more in an interview today.
Hardt is originally from West Haven, Connecticut. He moved between New England and New York, working various jobs, playing hockey and football and teasing aspirations. He dealt with depression before his spiritual awakening, which came in a meeting with some friends. “It sounded like music, like a symphony,” he said. “I think because I’d been prepared. I’d hit the bottom.”
After the meeting, he pursued his faith more directly. “My conscience was awakened,” he said. “I began to read the Bible.” He finished his undergraduate degree and began to teach at schools and preach part-time, before eventually attending Yale Divinity School and becoming ordained as a deacon in 1986.
He continued to preach part-time until 2006. A conversation with his wife, Vineeta Hardt, and his own convictions convinced him to become a pastor full-time. He served Glensdale, New York for 17 years, until June of 2023.
“In the United Methodist Church,” Hardt said, “there’s four ways you can retire: after 20 years, after 30 years, at age 65, and mandatory retirement at 72.” Hardt turned 72 in March. He wanted to keep preaching, so he sent a letter to the bishop requesting another appointment. The bishop obliged, and he began serving as the pastor for Riverhead’s United Methodist Church in July.
He made it clear that he was not just going to preach while serving Riverhead. “We’re trying to grow,” Hardt said. He talked about starting a youth group, a Sunday school and a Bible study program at the church.
He compared himself to NFL star Aaron Rodgers, who played 18 seasons with the Green Bay Packers before coming to the New York Jets. “He’s not waiting four or five years to try to win the Super Bowl…this year, we want to win the Super Bowl,” he said, referring to Rodgers’ and his own high hopes for the coming year.
“I feel excitement,” Hardt said. “The members of the church, I think, share that.”
Hardt talked about getting involved in the community right away. He said he hoped to attend meetings for various clubs and associations in Riverhead, like the Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club and Lions Club in the near future. He also said he is open to chaplaincy in Riverhead organizations.
He spoke fondly of walking down Main Street and getting to know the people and places. “Being part of the community is important.”
Near the end of the interview, Hardt shared a Bible quote from 2 Corinthians 4:1. “Therefore, since we have this ministry by the grace of God, we do not give in to discouragement, we do not lose heart.”
“That kind of keeps me going,” Hardt said, “keep soldiering on, no matter what’s happening.”
When asked about his Super Bowl predictions, he chanted, “Let’s go Jets!”
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