Juston Warthen Area Pastor

About my family nucleus:

My beautiful wife, Atiya, and I have been married since 2012. She’s originally from Atlanta, GA, but is a passionate Saints fan. We met here at City Church. We now have two wonderful children.

Salvation Experience:

I don’t know the exact day I received salvation. My experience is best described as a progression. I say that because my interest in Jesus grew over time; previously, I was agnostic -- I didn’t believe Jesus was the Son of God nor did I believe in Christianity. While in college, I was dating a young lady who got radically saved. Seeing the change in her life sparked my curiosity about the reality of Jesus: it baffled me because I couldn’t understand what happened to her. The changes in her behavior and character caused me to question if Jesus was real; that started my salvation journey. City Church is where I experienced deliverance. I experienced what it was like to walk in the power of God and be free from sin. There were addictions that I could not break free from on my own and when I got to City Church I experienced freedom.

How long have you been a member of City Church?

Since February, 2009.

What areas of Ministry do you oversee?

I currently oversee the security ministry which is carried out by a brilliant director and an awesome team. I am also involved in the Icare ministry as well as Belong Groups.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

“If you’re too busy to pray, you’re just too busy.” -- Pastor Owen McManus, Jr.

Who has made the biggest impact on your life?

My wife, my family, the McManus’, friends and the City Church family.

What’s something that you do well that most people won’t know about you?

I can express my ideas well through writing.

According to StrengthsFinder 2.0, what are your top 5 strengths?

Responsibility | Context | Belief | Restorative | Connectedness

What was one of the most profound or impactful moments that you’ve experienced in life?

Being able to visit the ministers and villages that we support in India with Pastor Owen McManus.

Where is your dream vacation?

To go to Paris with my wife.