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Her Faith Moves Her

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By DEREK MAUL

Tribune correspondent

Published: August 27, 2008

PLANT CITY - When the Rev. Sharon G. Austin moved from a pastor's job in Delray Beach to the superintendent's office in Plant City, she picked up responsibility for 88 Methodist churches and missions. Smart, energetic and deeply faithful, Austin brings 30 years of experience to her new appointment.

Q. What exactly is a district superintendent?

A. District superintendents are extensions of the bishop's office. It's an opportunity to encourage and direct congregations and pastors to be all that they can be in Christ.

Q. So who's the bishop?

A. Timothy W. Whitaker; his offices are in Lakeland. He oversees 740 United Methodist Churches in the Florida Conference.

Q. When did you come on board?

A. July 1st. It's been a busy few weeks.

Q. Define busy?

A. Someone asked had I got my feet wet? I said it's a good thing I used to be Baptist - because I've been immersed!

Q. How big is this district?

A. This district covers all of Hillsborough, and parts of Pasco, Hernando and Polk. There are nine districts in the Florida Conference.

Q. Are you pleased to be here?

A. Yes. This district has a wonderful diversity. I sit in amazement at the vision pastors and congregations have to reach their communities. It brings tears to my eyes.

Q. Where were you born and raised?

A. Born in Jamaica, N.Y., 1955. My family moved to West Palm Beach, Fla., when I was a teen.

Q. Were you always a Methodist?

A. I was Lutheran in New York, Missionary Baptist in West Palm, then American Baptist in Atlanta. I became a Methodist in 1997.

Q. But you attended Methodist seminary?

A. Yes. I earned my master's at Candler Theological Seminary in Atlanta.

But I attended as a Baptist and was ordained a Baptist pastor in 1981.

Q. Where were you ordained?

A. Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. That's Dr. Martin Luther King's home church. "Daddy King" served on my ordination commission.

Q. Can you outline your career?

A. First, clinical pastoral work in Atlanta; Grady Memorial Hospital and then a center for women offenders. Next, on staff at Ebenezer Baptist in Atlanta - 11 years. In 1995 we moved to Miami where I did chaplaincy at Jackson Memorial Hospital and then with a hospice. Finally I joined the Methodist church.

Q. "We" means you're married?

A. Yes. I married Michael Holliday in 1977. We have four children from 26-16: Erin, Nicholas, Genise and Desiree.

Q. How did you become a Methodist?

A. God touched me during worship at Christ United Methodist in Fort Lauderdale. I came to hear the late Bishop Cornelius L. Henderson preach. He was an old friend from Atlanta and that started the conversation.

Q. Where have you served as a Methodist?

A. The conference board appointed me to serve a cross-cultural church in Miami. Talk about diversity. One-third Hispanic, one-third white, one-third black-Caribbean; we were the only African-American family. Next I pastored First United Methodist Church in Riverview for a couple of years, then Cason United Methodist Church in Delray Beach before coming here this summer.

Q. Do you believe in Christian unity?

A. We can have differences of opinion without experiencing divisiveness as a result. There's a place for all of us at the table - but let's not have the spirit of disunity. We can disagree but we don't have to be disagreeable.

Q. Where did you receive your education?

A. Palm Beach Gardens High School, 1973; Berry College in Rome, Ga., for undergraduate; Candler in Atlanta for my master of divinity and then Barry University, Miami, for my doctorate of ministries.

Q. What Scripture is guiding you?

A. Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." It's a launching Scripture for the future, and a faith statement for my present reality. I've had a ride that's been unbelievable. Why did these incredible things happen to me? Not without pain and sacrifice - but I have a testimony.

Q. Is there a cause you're passionate about?

A. Project People; it's a foundation that seeks to provide financial resources for children who have been victimized by AIDS. I've traveled to Africa - you're never the same once you have experienced that.

Q. What do you do for fun?

A. I don't have a real hobby; but I enjoy sewing, and I enjoy cooking, baking, family gatherings, new recipes, and all sorts of food from New York to Florida to Georgia.

Q. Do you ever slow down?

A. When I have a new appointment my family says: "Have you worn the people out yet?" My mother said, "I'm glad I've never had to work for you."

Q. Are you optimistic?

A. I am. My faith is in God - it's not in the next political leader or policy. If I rely on the news I'd have every reason to keep the covers pulled over my head in the morning. But my faith is in God. I draw energy and encouragement from what these pastors are doing. We may not be changing the world tomorrow; but our faith calls us to be transformational.

This is an occasional series spotlighting faith leaders. Sharon G. Austin is the district superintendent for the South Central District of the United Methodist Church. Her office is at 202 W. Reynolds St., Plant City. Her office number is (813) 719-7270 D

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