HISTORY
New Beginnings Church of Astoria was planted in 2012 by our Founding and Senior Pastor, Peter Outar and his wife Shirley. The church began as a Bible study group in Peter and Shirley’s home, borne out of a desire to see the lost reached, the believer discipled, the Bible taught and to minister to those who are hurting or in need. The group grew and after 2 years New Beginnings Church of Astoria was founded in 2012.
We seek to reach those around us with the good news of Jesus Christ, to teach and disciple believers in their walk with Christ.
SENIOR PASTOR
Prior to founding New Beginnings Church of Astoria, Pastor Peter Outar and his wife Shirley served as laypersons teaching adults and youth at their local church for over 20 years. Later they were a part of the counseling ministry at Times Square Church in NYC from 2010 to 2012. Shirley is a gifted worshipper and soloist and has served as a Sunday school teacher and soloist in church choirs.
Pastor Peter is a credentialed minister with the Assemblies of God. He has a Bachelor’s degree from Pace University in NYC with a major in Information Systems and spent over 25 years in the Financial Services industry in both the Technology and Business Process areas. He is also the author of A New Beginning in Christ, a workbook designed specifically for new believers or those who need to be rooted and grounded in the Christian faith.
Peter and Shirley have a passion for people, a desire to teach God’s word and to disciple others in the faith so they grow into maturity and what God has called them to do. Pastor Peter believes that the “equipping of the saints” spoken of in Ephesians 4:12 is intentional, and invests a great deal of time into that.
Peter and Shirley have resided in Astoria for decades. Shirley and her parents moved to the upper Ditmars area of Astoria when she was less than a year old and have remained in the area since. For both of them, living in Astoria has been almost lifelong.