After residing in Jeffersonville, Indiana for six years, Youth Minister Aaron Hale has taken the position of new Youth Pastor at First Baptist Church in Madison County. Hale arrived in Madison with his wife, Teresa, and his two children, Elijah, age one, and Ava, age three, after driving from Indiana on the evening of August 4. “[I was] excited to jump right in,” said Hale. “My family is good so far.” Pastor Gabe Krell was excited to welcome Hale and his family and had him settled all in “right away.” Hale was originally drawn to the opportunity of becoming a Youth Pastor at First Baptist to serve his purpose. “First Baptist Church hasn't had a Youth Ministry in several years,” said Hale. Moving to Florida also allowed him to be closer to his family in Naples, Fl. Hale and his wife also had a “desire to be back in the South region.” Hale was raised in a Christian home with strong Christian values, and he and his siblings were “raised as kids of the Lord.” “I was saved as a sophomore in high school,” said Hale. “Shortly after that I began to feel like I wanted to be in ministry.” Hale focused on youth ministry in high school and went to “Bible College” at the College of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. Hale served five years at the Colgate Baptist in Clarksville, Indiana. He first felt a calling into the ministry after a preacher really struck him and became a role model for Hale. Hale also had a Youth Minster that really invested in him. “He really nurtured me,” said Hale.
Hale's goals as a Youth Minister is not simply defined by a mission statement. Hale has several goals for his students and community. “[I just want to] build a relationship with students and families,” said Hale. Hale wants to be both a pastor and shepherd, ultimately making Disciples of Jesus through his work. However, Hale's mission isn't limited to the walls of the church. Hale has high hopes that he will be able to know others outside of the church and bring new families into church. Hale hopes to also get to know his community. Hale believes the biggest priority of the church is “being the people of God.” “Through the Lord comes ministry, such as helping those less fortunate, spreading the gospel and inspiring others to follow Christ,” said Hale. Hale's favorite scripture is Psalm 73:25: Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. “Life is for obeying, pursuing and worshipping God,” said Hale. “Our greatest desire is Him.” Aaron Hale's first service as the new Youth Minister was Sunday, August 9.
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1. Photo Submitted. New Youth Minister Aaron Halte and his wife, Teresa, along with their two children, Elijah and Ava.