To the Wonderful People of Aldersgate

I have so much love for this church.
Being the Assisting Pastor here has always been more than a job for me; it has been a calling. It has not just been my work, but a labor of love for my family of faith. In service to God, I have poured my heart into this role, and have not only grown as a pastor, but have grown in my love for each and every one of you. Thank you for your grace as I found stride as a preacher, and your ongoing support through the challenging seasons of ministry we have faced. We have grown stronger together, and Aldersgate is set up for a beautiful future. 

I feel so blessed that you have encouraged me and supported me in my masters and doctoral education – a journey which I am still enjoying – and you have been there for me and my wife, Becca, as we entered the beautiful covenant of marriage. As many of you know, Becca is a youth pastor. Since we got married we have been praying about God’s calling upon our lives and our ministries. Recently we have been given a clear call from God to be in ministry together and the opportunity has come. Soon I will be the Connections Pastor and Worship Leader at Spry Church and we will serve the Lord together in the same community of faith. This means that Becca and I will finally worship in the same church!
This new season of ministry brings us both great joy as we know that God has prepared this opportunity for us, but also great grief as this means that my time as Assisting Pastor at Aldersgate Church is coming to a close. What makes this even harder is the love we have shared over the years. As I reflect upon our time together, I am moved to tears by God’s faithfulness and the beautiful friendships we have formed. Serving alongside you all has been my honor and blessing. I am very grateful to the people of Aldersgate, who have always shown their love, support, and appreciation, and were gracious toward me and Becca after sharing the announcement in church. 

This is a challenging time of transition for us all as we let go of one season and step into another, but something that has encouraged me through this change is this: we do not have to say “goodbye” just yet. It is my intention that we stay connected as a family of faith and work together for the Kingdom of God in the York area. I will be right down the road serving God in very similar ways, so this is not the end of our relationship, but the start of a new chapter. 

God is moving in York, PA! He is doing something new in this area, and we get to be part of that work together. My wife and I have great peace, as we trust that God’s hand is in this. Thank you for your ongoing love and for caring for me like a member of your family. Because of that, Aldersgate Church will always be family to us. May that relationship of love grow stronger than ever as we enter a new chapter of ministry together. 

In Christ’s love, 
Pastor Austin

Be sure to check out this article in our full May 2023 newsletter - Click Here!