Rev. Justin White
Pastor Justin brings a distinctive blend of theological depth, pastoral experience, and authentic leadership to his ministry. A native of rural Mississippi, Pastor Justin was baptized at Shiloh United Methodist Church in 1984 and has been deeply rooted in the United Methodist tradition throughout his life.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University (2006) and a Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School (2010). He was ordained as an elder in the Mississippi Annual Conference in 2013, where he served for seven years in various congregations throughout the state.
In 2018, Pastor Justin transitioned to the Pacific Northwest Conference, initially serving as Pastor of North Mason UMC in Belfair and concurrently Brownsville UMC in Bremerton. Most recently, he served as Pastor of Stanwood United Methodist Church in Stanwood, Washington, beginning in July 2020. Rev. White’s denominational leadership extends beyond local pastoral ministry. He currently serves as Chair of the Puget Sound Missional District Committee on Ministry and is completing his tenure as Annual Conference Worship Chair. In July 2025, he will assume the role of Residence in Ministry Chair for the Board of Ordained Ministry, where he will guide the formational journey of commissioned ministers preparing for ordination as elders.
He/Him
Pastorjustin@gardenstreetumc.org
His ministry is characterized by his commitment to social justice, advocacy for marginalized communities, the worshipping community, and authentic pastoral care. His theological perspective centers on what he describes as “the liberating love of Christ” and a deep understanding of faith as both personal transformation and community action. He loves worship design and sees worship as a way to combat injustice in the world. His journey has been marked by courageous authenticity, having openly embraced his identity as a queer minister and advocating for full inclusion within the church.
Beyond his pastoral duties, Pastor Justin is known for his love of literature, music, and sports. He is an accomplished pianist and sometimes guitarist who enjoys singer-songwriter music, ranging from Dolly Parton to Beethoven. An avid reader with interests in memoirs and thought-provoking fiction, he also maintains strong connections to his Mississippi roots as an active member of the Pacific Northwest chapter of the Mississippi State University alumni association. He is a passionate sports enthusiast with deep loyalties to Mississippi State University athletics and Duke University athletics, reflecting his educational journey. As a major baseball fan, he particularly follows the Seattle Mariners, embracing his Pacific Northwest home while maintaining his love for the game of baseball.
Pastor Justin’s ministry philosophy emphasizes the importance of community, authenticity, worship, relationship, and the transformative power of God’s love for all people. His experience navigating personal and professional challenges has deepened his pastoral sensitivity and strengthened his commitment to creating welcoming, inclusive faith communities where all people can experience the fullness of God’s grace.