Michael York’s wife, Sarah, is a praying woman. When she and Michael were living in Kentucky, with Michael preaching at a church in Lexington, she felt that God had something different for their lives. So she, and Michael, began to pray. It wasn’t long after that they received a call from First Baptist Church in Salem.
Michael York first felt called to the ministry when he was 11 years old.
“I felt God impressing on me to take His gospel,” he said.
Michael York’s father, Hershael, is a preaching professor at Southern Seminary, where Michael received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and Michael’s grandfather was in the ministry as well.
Michael’s father tried to talk him out of entering the ministry, or at least wanted to make sure it was something God wanted his son Michael to do.
“He did not want me to feel like I was going into the family business,” said York.
York pushed himself to graduate high school at the age of 16, and quickly went to seminary. He has now completed his bachelor’s and master’s and is working on his doctoral dissertation.
“The doctoral program is taking longer. Sarah has had some health concerns,” he said.
Sarah York spent 22 weeks of her 35-week pregnancy in bed. Their son, Henry, recently turned two. The couple also looks forward to adopting in the future.
“We don’t view adoption as a lesser thing. There are so many children who need loving parents,” said Michael York.
The young couple is looking forward to raising their son in Salem.
“We really like the charm of a small town, the friendliness. We look forward to (Henry) growing up here. This town is wonderful,” he said.
York said he has preached several sermons since arriving in Salem a little over a month ago, and has found the congregation at First Baptist to be receptive. He says going forward he wants to increase the church’s community outreach, and to do more.
“We fell in love with the church and its heart. We are really looking to be obedient to God calling us,” York said.
Beyond pastoral concerns, York said he is a sports fan, and will continue to keep up with University of Kentucky. He also looks forward to exploring the Salem area and getting into hunting and fishing.
