Pastor Tim Golden

My Story

My calling to ministry is unique, as it doesn't stem from a long line of pastors in my family or a specific church tradition. Growing up, my parents became first time members of the Nazarene church, and while they actively attended, the concept of ministry wasn't deeply ingrained in our family.

I consider myself fortunate to have encountered pastors and significant church members who became influential figures in my life during my upbringing. They served as remarkable role models, allowing me to witness firsthand the dedication and commitment required for full-time ministry.

However, it was a significant event that changed my perspective on the church and God. Following my grandfather's passing, I discovered that he had devoted his life to the Lord after watching me perform in a Christmas play. Surprisingly, this revelation led to a negative perception of both the church and God.

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Following a period of engaging in a destructive lifestyle, a transformative moment occurred during a late-night service at a teen camp. It was there, at the altar, that I wholeheartedly dedicated my life to the Lord and felt a clear calling to ministry for the rest of my days. God revealed to me that pastoral ministry was the path I was meant to follow. After completing high school, I pursued my education at Eastern Nazarene College, where I had numerous opportunities to serve in various ministry roles.

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Upon completing my studies, I embarked on my ministry journey as a Youth Pastor at Seashore Community Church of the Nazarene in Cape May, New Jersey. It was during this time that I met my wife, Leanne. Eventually, we discerned God's call to transition to the Pottstown Church of the Nazarene in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, where I continued serving as a Youth Pastor. This period in Pottstown proved transformative for our family, fostering profound personal growth and strengthening our bonds.

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From there, we received another calling to the Lancaster Church of the Nazarene in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where I served as an Associate Pastor. During our five years in Lancaster, we forged deep connections with the community and experienced significant growth, both personally and in our ministry.

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Following this, I embraced a new chapter of service as I accepted my first Lead Pastoral ministry assignment in Fulton, New York. God's calling led me to this new endeavor, and I am grateful for the opportunities to learn and develop in this facet of ministry. While my family and I gained valuable experiences during this time, we sensed God's call to transition out of our current assignment and into the next phase of His plan.

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This led us to Deer Lakes, where we arrived in April 2023. We are filled with joy to be part of this church's revitalization process and eagerly anticipate the opportunity to "Love God and Love People" in our community.

Through each of these experiences and opportunities, I am continually reaffirmed of God's crucial call on my life to serve Him in pastoral ministry. He has utilized me in remarkable ways, and I am grateful for the daily reminders that reinforce my unwavering commitment to fulfilling His purpose.