03/10/2025
The Administrative Board is excited to announce that our incoming Pastor will be Bro. Toby Austin. The following is a brief bio... you may remember him... he preached for Russell the first Sunday of February... with no idea he would be returning in July!
Name: Toby Austin
Age: 56
Email: [email protected]
Phone(s): 501-743-8770
Current mailing address: 155 Whitetail lane Monticello AR 71655
Household Family Members (with children’s ages & grade levels):
Brooke Austin (wife)
Two adult children (Conner and Abbey)
Educational Information:
University of Arkansas @ Monticello General Studies
United Methodist Church - Licenses School General Board of Higher Education and Ministry
AA Degree- Biblical Studies - Lancaster Bible College
Course of Study Graduate - Saint Paul School of Theology
Appointment History:
Bethlehem (Lonoke, Arkansas) Central District 2008-2012
Waller’s Chapel / Zion (Crossett Arkansas) South East District 2013-2016
Portland Charge (Portland, Wilmot Dermott) South East District 2016-2019
Hamburg Charge (Hamburg, Portland, Montrose) Southern Dist. 2019-2024 Current - Dermott Charge (Southern Dist.)
Interests/Activities/Hobbies/Religious or Civic Affiliations:
I am currently serving on the Board of Ordained Ministries and the Board of Church and Society. Over the years I have served on dCom, and as a mentor to clergy in the Central and Southern
District.
I have been elected to the Quorum Court in Ashley County where I served on the sub committee for oversight of the Sheriff's Office.
My community and outreach includes serving multiple Food Party Boards and School Boards.
Hobbies - I love movies, football, traveling, and anything that relates to being in the sunshine.
Clergy Biographical Profile
Based on the congregational profile and my own ministry gifts, I am excited about working with the congregation to:
Fill the void. Whatever it takes. Each church has its own DNA and I want to get to know the people and serve in any way possible. I love community outreach. I believe it is important that our communities know that we are active and engage in the towns in which we serve.
1. Community Outreach:
● Lead Community Engagement: Develop and maintain programs that reach out to the local community.
● Foster Relationships with Local Organizations: Build strong relationships with local schools and community centers.
● Evangelism and Outreach: Actively promote the Christian faith through intentional outreach strategies, including home visits and community events.
● Coordinate Volunteer Efforts: Mobilize the congregation for community service projects and outreach efforts, fostering a culture of service both within the church and the surrounding community.
2. Children's and Youth Ministries
● Be involved with the next generation fostering their faith and assuring they know that they are loved and valued.
● Being available and listening with an open heart and being an active part of their programs.
3. See All the People
● Over the years, I have learned how important it is to assure that everyone feels seen. Oftentimes our seniors are overlooked. I want to be a part of assuring we are lifting them up and celebrating them for what they have done in the past and who they are now.
Summary: I love being a part of our connection. I believe a good pastor knows when to lead, follow, and walk alongside those in the congregation. Our goal is to bring people to know Christ. That all starts with our actions. How do we care for our church and community? How do we stand in the gaps? That is what I mean when I say “fill the void”
