The Northeastern Seminary Distinguished Alumni Award was established in 2009 to recognize graduates who exemplify faithful service in ministry. Recipients demonstrate such characteristics as innovative approaches to ministry, engagement of their cultural context, perseverance in the face of challenges, excellence in biblical preaching, equipping others to serve, and transformation of self and others through spiritual formation.
During the 25th anniversary dinner, the Northeastern Seminary community honored this year's Distinguished Alumni, the Rev. Scott Austin.
Scott received a Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary Ministries from Roberts Wesleyan in 1999 and a Master of Divinity from Northeastern Seminary in 2005. Scott has dedicated his life to serving the Church and world through pastoral and campus ministry. When he is not involved in preparing weekly sermons, leading worship, pastoral counseling, and visitation he can be found on the campus of Roberts working in the Wellness Center providing counseling to students in fulfillment of the requirements to earn a Master of Science in mental health counseling at SUNY Brockport.
While a student at Roberts, Scott was involved in the wind ensemble, intramural sports, student government, and was a writer for the Beacon. While at Northeastern, and soon after, Scott and three other Northeastern students co-founded Artisan Church, which has become Scott’s life work as a pastor. Scott is also active in the local Rochester music scene with his band Austin Hollow.
Scott shares in his bio, “The intersection of theology and liberal arts was a wonderful foundation that I received at Roberts. This prepared me well for my early years of ministry, and when I attended Northeastern Seminary, I was able to build on this foundation as I went deeper into theological and biblical knowledge while expanding my knowledge of church history. All of this influenced not only my pastoral identity but my personal identity and sense of calling and place in God's world.”
Dr. Doug Cullum added, “I have had the privilege of knowing Scott as an undergrad student at Roberts and throughout his time at Northeastern. In the years following his graduation, Scott and I have kept in touch as friends in ministry. I know him as a deeply thoughtful and caring pastor. His decisions are always made prayerfully and thoughtfully with an eye towards the teaching of holy scripture and the needs of all people. I am delighted that Scott is the recipient of this year's award.”
Northeastern Seminary is so blessed to have wonderful alumni working throughout the world, and it is an honor to recognize Scott as this year's recipient of the Northeastern Seminary Distinguished Alumni Award.