Faith & Disability Inclusion Advocate; Author of "I Am Strong" & "Disability and the Church"; Former Lead Pastor at Tri-Cities Church
Dr. Lamar Hardwick Biography
Dr. Lamar Hardwick, known as The Autism Pastor, was a pastor, author, disability rights advocate, and keynote speaker whose work explored the intersection of faith, neurodiversity, and racial justice. Hardwick earned a master's degree from Emory University and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Liberty University School of Divinity. He was a graduate of the Clergy Scholar Program at Yale Divinity School and Georgia Forward's Young Game Changers Program, which recognized 50 of Georgia's top thinkers, innovators, and leaders under age 40. After more than eight years at New Community Church, Hardwick became lead pastor at Tri-Cities Church in East Point, Georgia, where he integrated disability justice into the church's mission.
Diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age 36 after years of struggling with social anxiety and sensory processing disorder, Hardwick began blogging about faith and autism. His writing resonated with families in the autism community seeking inclusive faith communities. He provided workshops, seminars, and consulting services to churches and faith-based organizations on creating accessible environments for people with autism and other disabilities.
Hardwick authored "Epic Church" and the best-selling "I Am Strong: The Life and Journey of an Autistic Pastor." His book "Disability and the Church: A Vision for Diversity and Inclusion" received the IVP Readers' Choice Award and is recognized as a key resource for churches prioritizing disability justice. In "How Ableism Fuels Racism," Hardwick examined how the suffering of Black and disabled individuals has been normalized, earning a starred review from Publishers Weekly.
Hardwick contributed to several publications, including The Mighty, Key Ministry, Christianity Today, Huffington Post, Autism Parenting Magazine, and Zoom Autism Magazine. As a keynote speaker, he addressed topics such as anti-racism, belonging, diversity, equity and inclusion, disability, neurodiversity, and religious leadership. Hardwick faced personal health challenges, including a diagnosis of stage 3 colorectal cancer, and continued his advocacy throughout his treatment. He passed away on May 22, 2026. Hardwick's legacy continues through his books, advocacy, and the faith communities he inspired to embrace inclusion and justice.
Dr. Lamar Hardwick Speaking Topics
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Disability and The Church: Creating Disability Inclusive Faith Communities
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Cultural Bias and Disability: How To Address Diagnostic Disparities
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Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Dr. Lamar Hardwick for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Dr. Lamar Hardwick, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Dr. Lamar Hardwick or any other speaker of your choice. -
What are the speaker fees for Dr. Lamar Hardwick
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What topics does Dr. Lamar Hardwick speak about?
Dr. Lamar Hardwick is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Anti-Racism, Author, Belonging, Black Heritage, DEI, Disability, Diversity & Inclusion, Faith & Religion, Faith & Religion, Neurodiversity, Religious Leadership, Social Activism -
Where does Dr. Lamar Hardwick travel from?
Dr. Lamar Hardwick generally travels from Newnan, GA, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent. -
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Dr. Lamar Hardwick is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Disability and The Church: Creating Disability Inclusive Faith Communities, Cultural Bias and Disability: How To Address Diagnostic Disparities, Disability Theology and Ministry and Disability, Race, and Religion: Understanding How Ableism Fuels Racism. The estimated speaking fee range to book Dr. Lamar Hardwick for your event is available upon request. Dr. Lamar Hardwick generally travels from Newnan, GA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Temple Grandin, Ly Xīnzhèn M. Zhǎngsūn Brown, Cody Clark, Haley Moss and Becca Lory Hector. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Dr. Lamar Hardwick for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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