Meet the Bishop | charleston

Bishop Michael D. Austin Sr.

On August 28th, The Lord blessed this earth with an anointed vessel, whom we know as Bishop Michael Dean Austin Sr. He was birthed and raised by his parents the late Edward and Viola Austin, where he was the 16th child of 20 children. He lived in the hills of Fireco, WV and attended Stoco High School which is the place where his public stardom began. He was recognized for his athletic abilities and received various accolades and attention from the journalistic and the broadcast media. His talents were so superb that he received a football scholarship to West Virginia University.

He seen a bright future ahead but didn't know that God had a even brighter future awaiting his acceptance. He often quotes, "I went to a meeting one night and my heart wasn't right, but something got a hold of me... It was the Holy Ghost!' That Supernatural experience happened for Bishop Austin in 1979, which can be viewed as a change of a life time for eternal peace. Bishop Austin, now with the Lord on his side transferred to Concord University where he completed his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration in 1981.

Bishop Austin was called into ministry shortly after his spiritual conversion in 1979. His spiritual guidance was under the late Pastor Juanita Irving and additional mentorship from the present Church of God Militant Pillar and Ground of Truth National Mother, Pastor Ruby Berry. Bishop Austin was a faithful member of his church in Beckley, WV and devoted over a year of commuting back and forth to Beckley, WV from Charleston, WV due to an occupational promotion. In 1992, the COGMPG of T Executive Board approved him to initiate a church service in his Charleston, WV personal residence. These services started with his family and seven adult church members. During his leadership, Bishop Austin served on numerous auxiliaries and boards such as: Church Van Driver, Church Landscaper, Choir Member, Church Custodian and the list goes on.

Throughout the years, souls have been saved and added to the ministry under his anointed leadership. Many families, college students and graduates have transitioned into various regions of the world and the expansion of The Kingdom of God is actively visible through them. His current status is the Senior Pastor of COGMPG of T Ministries of Charleston, WV, a member of The National Church of God MPG of Truth Executive Board, Diocesan of the West Virginia District, and the President of the National Men's Department.

The Preached words of Bishop Michael Austin continue to touch lives near and far. His anointing is enhanced daily due to his obedience and sacrifice unto God. He is a bold and radical soldier for Christ and is not ashamed to express his love, gratitude, and personal experiences about God to others, because he is a living testimony of God's greatness. The ministry continues to flourish and he remains hopeful that we will continue to be kingdom builders, if we keep a clear vision of, "who we are and whom we serve."