Pastor Tim Golden

My Story

My calling to ministry is unique, as it didn’t come from family tradition but through God’s personal leading. Growing up, my parents were first-generation Nazarenes, and though ministry wasn’t deeply ingrained in our home, I was shaped by the example of pastors and church leaders around me.

A turning point came after my grandfather’s death, when I learned he had given his life to Christ after seeing me in a Christmas play. Rather than inspiring me, that news initially hardened my view of the church and of God. I drifted into a destructive lifestyle until a teen camp service, where God met me at the altar. That night, I surrendered fully to Him and received a clear call to ministry.

After high school, I pursued ministry training at Eastern Nazarene College, then served as Youth Pastor in Cape May, NJ, where I met my wife, Leanne. God later led us to Pottstown, PA, and then to Lancaster, PA, where I grew further as an Associate Pastor. Eventually, I accepted my first Lead Pastor role in Fulton, NY, before God called us to Deer Lakes in April 2023.

Through each season, God has reaffirmed my call to pastoral ministry. He has shaped me through every assignment, and I remain committed to His purpose: to love Him, love people, and faithfully shepherd His church.