By Mandy Bufkin
Wellspring Church Lead Pastor Matt Ayars and his wife, Stacey, who serves as Wellspring’s prayer ministry team leader
There’s a new church in town: Matt Ayars, pastor of Wellspring Church in Gluckstadt, recently spoke with MCL Contributing Writer Mandy Bufkin about his new role, the people and mission of Wellspring, and what visitors can expect.
Mandy Bufkin: Tell me a little bit about yourself.
Matt Ayars: I grew up in New Jersey. … About a year after (my wife and I) graduated from (Bible college), we went to our appointed mission field, which was Haiti. We served in a Bible college there (for) 13 years.
My alma mater for my graduate degree was Wesley Biblical Seminary in Ridgeland. They were in a presidential search, and they invited me to apply. After lots of prayer, I was appointed the president of Wesley Biblical Seminary in 2020.
In January 2024, I shifted into the lead pastor role at Wellspring Church. It is a church plant made up of folks who wanted a Wesleyan church that’s committed to the authority of scripture.
MB: What was the process like for you to become pastor of Wellspring?
MA: I just felt called. And it was time for me to move on from Wesley Biblical Seminary, just in terms of the season in life, and I knew that there were a lot of churches needing pastors. So I stepped away from Wesley Biblical, and God led me directly to Wellspring.
MB: Does Wellspring have a denomination?
MA: We are Methodist in our theological orientation (Wesleyan Arminian), but we are not members of a denomination yet. We’re in the process of discerning denominational affiliation. We are going to join one of the Methodist denominations, we’re just not sure which one yet.
MB: Does Wellspring have a specific calling as part of its mission, who they are reaching, and how they share the gospel?
MA: We very much want to stay in touch with the historically Christian mission to serve those who are in greatest need. We don’t want to be a church that just gathers together on Sundays, but we want to meet the needs of those who are in greatest need. So the orphans, the widows, the prisoners, the Matthew 25 things that Jesus says.
MB: So far, what is your favorite thing about Wellspring?
MA: The people, for sure. They are so sweet and loving and kind and patient. They’re so patient with me, with one another. And that just is a testimony to the love of the Holy Spirit and of Jesus in their hearts.
It is a congregation that brings life, healing, and joy to the community. (Wellspring) has such a spirit about it that when people step into it, they can sense the life-giving presence of God.
MB: Where are y’all currently meeting?
MA: We currently meet at the building of Holy Trinity Anglican Church on 423 Bozeman Road in Madison, on Sunday evenings at 5:00. We have a building in Gluckstadt, a brand-new building that’s being built out now. We hope to be in there by early to mid-October.
MB: What should visitors expect in terms of worship style and dress?
MA: You’re not going to find many suits and ties, but you also won’t see flip-flops. We’re a jeans and khakis church. Most of the time you see polo shirts and collared shirts. But everyone is welcome. We’ll never turn anyone away because of what they’re wearing or not wearing.
We do sing a blend of modern songs, but then we always sing (one or two) hymns. I usually preach for around 30 minutes.
MB: How can people learn more?
MA: They can learn more through our Facebook and Instagram pages listed as Wellspring Church. Also through our website, WellspringMS.church.
Mandy Bufkin is the Ministries Director for CityHeart Church. Mandy is a Jackson native and alumna of Belhaven University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in arts administration. Mandy enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her husband, Craig, and two sons.