PASTOR

Rev. Elizabeth A. Gaines is an ordained Elder in the North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church. She is a sixth-generation Methodist who represents the fourth general in her family to be ordained.

With a Bachelor’s degree in English and minors in Music and Childhood Development, Pastor Beth went on to complete her Master of Divinity through the School of Theology at Sewanee – The University of the South. She has served on district and conference committees including Board of Ordained Ministries, Professional and Sexual Ethics Committee (chair), Board of Trustees (chair), District Superintendency Committee, District Committee on Ordained Ministry and several others. Prior to pastoral ministry she served churches as a children’s director, a music director, a program director, and was an assistant to the District Superintendent. Most recently she has served on the Board of Directors for a local food bank and has been a police chaplain.

A NC native, Pastor Beth is married to her best friend Bill, and they share their Garner home with her mom Sarah. Pastor Beth and Bill have three adult children. Luke is the youngest, is a full-time firefighter, and will be married to Ally in the fall. Hannah Faith is next and works in recreational therapy at a psychiatric hospital. She is married to Jason, and they are expecting their first child in the fall. The oldest is Sarah Grace, an elementary school teacher who is currently working on her master’s in education. She is married to Mark and has one son, Nolan. The whole group loves spending time together as often as possible, and a gathering is sure to include silly giggles and the occasional food fight! The family agrees that although Pastor Beth has served as pastor for seven other churches, coming to Saint Andrews in July 2022 has been one of the highlights of ministry.

This is a family who enjoys sharing life with others so be sure to visit – bring chocolate!