Looking for a community where you’re seen, needed, and invited to grow? We sit down with Lead Pastor Tim Ellington of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Tustin to explore how a simple promise—nobody walks alone—turns faith into everyday action. Tim shares how Aldersgate’s focus on grace and service shapes a strong, intergenerational church culture where kids, teens, adults, and seniors find a real sense of belonging.

We dig into the church’s local partnerships and practical outreach: an MLK Day of Service with volunteers across Tustin, ongoing support for Benson Elementary, Sunday Suppers with St. Paul’s, and Family Promise for families facing housing challenges. Tim explains why Aldersgate leads with presence over promotion, using relationships and consistent service to build trust. He also tackles common myths about church—intimidation, judgment, exclusivity—and makes a clear, open invitation to explore at your own pace through the website, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.

Tim’s story from political science major to pastor reveals a grounded path into ministry shaped by campus mentoring and the United Methodist emphasis on grace. Along the way, we talk about hobbies that keep him human—cycling, Seahawks fandom, and dedicated “marriage time” every Friday. The heart of the conversation is a team framework for healthy church life: everyone belongs, everyone contributes, everyone grows. If you’ve wondered whether a church can feel both welcoming and purpose-driven, this conversation offers a hopeful, local blueprint.

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