Vital Conversations: Lessons Learned from the Margins.

Name: Joseph C Austin, Jr.

Spouse: Mary A Austin

Kids/Grandkids: James A Austin, Mary E Austin

Grands: Mary Artale, Devin Dodson, Lily Austin, James Austin, Joseph Austin

Church: Harvest Church Of God, Madison

How long have you pastored this church? 20 years

Other churches you have served? Several churches as youth pastor, First Christian Church, Marion, Va, Ark Christian Fellowship, Rural Retreat, Va, Maranatha Church Of God, Wytheville, Va., All Nations Church Of God, Wytheville, Va.

1. How has God confirmed His calling on your life?

My Father was a pastor and I said I would never be a pastor because of how our family suffered. I wrestled with God’s calling for quite a few years before I realized that I would never be fulfilled in any other situation or profession. I have been a part of several church plants and God spoke to me in each one about His plan for me and I finally accepted. He has confirmed His calling every day since then. In large and small ways. Allowing me to see through His eyes has confirmed the calling more than anything else. I am not capable of that in myself.

2. How has God proven His faithfulness in your ministry?

We planted Harvest Church in the American Legion building in Madison September 25, 2005. The building was a metal building that had no air conditioning or heat. After the first summer and fall we moved to an old church building at Graves Mill, Va. We started praying for land and a building. In 2007 God gave us property and a building. We were blessed to be able to remodel the building into a church without any debt. We are still in that location.

3. Why do you enjoy pastoring your local congregation?

The people! I have the very best people in the world. They are committed and loyal to the Lord. They have always been eager to learn and grow closer to God.

4. Why is your local congregation vital to your community?

We are active in the school system in Madison and local events. When made aware of needs, using prayer and discernment, we will fill them to the best of our ability. What is most interesting is that our people are looking for ways that they can serve the community. The majority of them find ways to serve and just do it without fanfare or accolades.

5. What is one valuable lesson you’ve learned from a misstep or mistake in handling a situation?

Early in ministry I learned to release the people in ministry. I was killing myself to do it all and God asked me, “Why train people in ministry if you do not release them and trust Me?”

6. Have you had to think “outside the box” to accomplish a task or mission in the church and what was it?

We were trying to impact the high school in our county. It was discovered that the high school did not have a PTA. We began to feed the teachers lunch at the beginning and ending of the school year. We feed about 70 to 80 each time. I personally pray for each table and we take written requests. At first we got maybe 6 requests. As we continued, the requests became 20, then 30 and more and more.

7. What are some of the future ministry goals for your church?

I have a community outreach team that explores new ways to serve our community. They are developing new and exciting plans to reach out with the hand of Christ.

VITAL Conversations with Pastor Joe & Mary Austin