Our Pastor and Staff
Meet Our Pastor
Rev. Austin Chase Rinehart
Raised in Sterlington as a cradle Methodist, Austin was born and baptized into the life of the Church. From an early age, others recognized and affirmed God’s call on his life, and he officially answered that call to ordained ministry while attending undergraduate studies at Centenary College. It was there that he discovered his passion for preaching, leadership, and building meaningful relationships within the community of faith.
Austin earned his Master of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, where his love for the Church deepened and his vision for ministry was further shaped. He brings to this new appointment a commitment to passionate preaching, thoughtful leadership, strong administrative skills, and the development of healthy staff and congregational systems. At the heart of his ministry is a desire to help congregations clearly discern and confidently live into their God-given purpose.
Austin is known for his deep love for the Church and for cultivating authentic relationships both within the congregation and throughout the broader community. He currently serves as Chair of the Louisiana Conference Board of Ordained Ministry.
Austin is married to Alexis (“Lexi”), a lifelong educator who currently teaches fifth-grade math at Bolton Academy, and together they share the joy of raising their son, Grayson.