Pastor Aaron Carlson (He/Him)

Pastor Aaron Carlson believes the Church is at its best when people come together to experience God's grace, build meaningful relationships, and share in the work of making their communities more loving and just.

Aaron serves as pastor of University United Methodist Church in Syracuse, New York, where he helps lead a congregation committed to Feeding God's People: Body, Mind, and Spirit. He is passionate about creating a church where people from different backgrounds and life experiences can find belonging, explore their faith, ask meaningful questions, and grow together.

Aaron's journey into ministry has been shaped by both the joy of belonging and the pain of exclusion within faith communities. Originally from the Dallas, Texas, area, he grew up in a supportive family and eventually discovered a spiritual home in the United Methodist tradition. His experiences have deepened his conviction that every person bears the image of God and that God's grace is already at work in each of our lives.

Before becoming a pastor, Aaron served as Executive Director of Hearts and Hands: Faith in Action, a nonprofit organization that helps older adults remain connected to their communities through volunteer transportation, in-home assistance, and caregiver support. That experience continues to shape his approach to ministry, particularly his belief that meaningful change grows through relationships, collaboration, and recognizing the gifts each person brings.

Aaron earned his Master of Divinity from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, where he received the Gene and Jean Bartlett Preaching Prize for excellence in preaching. He is currently a candidate for ordination in the Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church.

Grounded in the Wesleyan tradition, Aaron understands faith as a lifelong journey of growing in love for God and neighbor. He believes worship, prayer, Scripture, service, and acts of justice are ways we encounter God's transforming grace. His preaching connects Scripture with everyday life, inviting people to consider how the Gospel speaks to our relationships, communities, and the challenges facing our world.

Aaron especially enjoys helping people discover their gifts for ministry, developing lay leadership, and bringing people together across differences. He is passionate about caring for creation, supporting marginalized communities, and helping the Church respond faithfully to its neighbors' needs.

Outside of church, Aaron enjoys hiking New York's scenic trails with his husband, Dennis, and their Akita, reading historical nonfiction, and spending time outdoors. He is also active in Rotary International and previously served as District Governor of Rotary District 7090, which includes Western New York and Southeastern Ontario.

At the heart of Aaron's ministry is a simple conviction: God's love is expansive, every person is sacred, and we are called to grow together in grace as we seek to embody the love of Christ in the world.