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. Her commitment to the local community has included serving on the Board of Directors for a local food bank and serving as a city 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 married children and three precious grandchildren. (She has hundreds of pictures on her phone and is thrilled to show you all of them!) 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 ice cream!