Erik A. Ostrow (better known around here as Pastor Erik) grew up in Collingswood, NJ. He was raised in church from age two. Since age eight, First UMC of Collingswood has been his home church. He grew in his Christian walk under the spiritual leadership of Rev. Jack Hamilton, Rev. Dick Esher, and many laity in the church.

Erik heard the call to ministry at age 16 and has continued to follow the path that God laid out for him. After graduating from Collingswood High School in 1995, he began his higher education locally; earning an A.A. in Liberal Arts from Camden County College in 1997 and a B.A. in Psychology in 1999 from Rowan University. He also completed the Dale Carnegie Course in the summer of 1999. All the while, he continued to support and serve in his home church in a variety of ways including, leading worship, singing in the choir, playing drums, participating in dramas, working with the youth, teaching Jr. High guys Sunday School, hospital visitation, serving on administrative committees, and even some preaching.

In September of 1999, Erik journeyed to Wilmore, KY where he attended Asbury Theological Seminary, where he completed his Master of Divinity Degree in 2003. He also served two years on Asbury’s Student Body Council and worked with the Ichthus Ministries annual concert and festival. Some other ministry experiences include playing drums for the worship team at Wilmore UMC, assisting with the youth at Open Door Free Methodist Church, a prison ministry weekend with the Bill Glass Weekend of Champions in Troy, NC, and chaplaincy work at the Thomson-Hood Veterans Home in Wilmore, KY, and at the Veterans’ Affairs hospital in Lexington, KY. In addition, he was the drummer and backing vocalist for the band N.A.I.L.E.D. The group wrote and played original, Christian music and even recorded the CD, Anger Management under the record label, Bored Martyr Records.

Pastor Erik began his full-time ministry with the United Methodist Church 2003 and was commissioned as a Probationary Elder at the 2004 session of the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference. He has served churches in Atlantic, Camden, and Gloucester Counties in various positions such as Associate Pastor, leading a church as a solo Pastor, and now serving the two point charge of St. John’s of Harrisonville and Ferrell in Monroeville. Some of his ministry interests include preaching, teaching, visitation, sacraments, music, and drama.

In March of 2006, Pastor Erik married his true love, Amy. She also serves in full-time ministry, as the main receptionist at Pitman Manor, one of the United Methodist Homes in the Greater New Jersey Conference.

Outside of the ministry, Pastor Erik and Amy enjoy artwork (especially Thomas Kinkade), taking walks, eating out, and visiting such places as the Cape May Zoo, Smithville Village, and Ocean City Boardwalk. They also enjoy animals. In particular Amy’s favorite is the wolf, while Erik’s favorite is the Eagle. They also enjoy their two dogs; Ginger (a 5-year-old Greyhound-Yellow Labrador Mix) and Night Rider (a.k.a. Rider, an 8-year-old retired racing Greyhound).

Pastor Erik, as well and members and friends of the church look forward to meeting with you during Sunday morning worship or one of our many other activities. God Bless.