May 23, 2024
Greetings Galilee and the Chapel at Lansdowne Woods. My name is Steven Carr and I am excited to begin serving as your associate pastor in July. I look forward to working with you in ministry in Northern Virginia. As we begin this journey, I would like to share some information about myself.
I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. I left Texas to attend Ouachita Baptist University in Arkansas, where I received degrees in Biblical Studies and History/Political Science. After graduation, I worked in Florida for a time as a youth minister, but soon returned to Arkansas, where I served in church ministry for 26 years. This included work as pastor at Old Austin UMC in Ward, Arkansas and as the family/youth pastor and contemporary worship leader at North Little Rock First UMC. I was also Director of the Patrick Henry Hays Senior Citizen Center in North Little Rock and continued my education by earning an MDiv at Asbury Theological Seminary in 2021.
I have a family which includes a daughter, Faith, and a son, Timothy, who have both completed college. In 2020, my family experienced changes, yet God continually remained faithful. Eventually, he brought a special blessing back into my life. Cortney, my college sweetheart, is a pediatric ER nurse at Inova Health Care in Fairfax. After much prayer, and asking God for direction, we believed God was opening a new door for me in Northern Virginia. In November of last year, Cortney and I were married in Alexandria, VA. On January 1, 2024, I loaded up my truck and moved to Virginia.
I’m eager to begin work with you, but what do I like about ministry? First of all, I love the study of scripture and discussing theology with people. Further, I believe that all people need a welcoming place to connect with others and God. My desire is for our church to be that place for the community. Because I have known grace, I relish the opportunity to extend grace to all people so they can know the love of God and realize they are children of God. The history, passion, and mission of The United Methodist Church excite me. It’s about making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
God is amazing! Over the past four years, God has proven a faithfulness that is beyond my understanding. God has cared for my family, opened doors, and established direction, and I know that I am surrounded by God’s presence.
As I look forward to the days ahead, working with Galilee and The Chapel in this community, I rejoice with anticipation for all that God will accomplish. Thank you for the opportunity to travel with you on this journey.
In Christ’s Steps,
Steven Carr
Associate Pastor Steven Carr