Beau Hamner, a beloved pastor at College Wesleyan Church in Marion, Indiana, died on September 1, 2026. His sudden passing has left his congregation and the wider community in shock.
Beau Hamner, Outreach Pastor at College Wesleyan Church in Marion, Indiana, died on September 1, 2026. The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. Hamner was a respected minister who previously served as Director of Street Ministry for Mission Possible Austin in Texas and as pastor of Church Under the Bridge, ministering to homeless populations.
Who Was Beau Hamner?
Beau Hamner was the Outreach Pastor at College Wesleyan Church (CWC) in Marion, Indiana . He began his ministry career after graduating from Southern Wesleyan University in 2004, where he majored in Christian Ministry .
Key roles in his career include:
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Outreach Pastor, College Wesleyan Church (August 2015 – September 2024)
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Street Ministry and Outreach Director, Mission Possible Austin (December 2010 – July 2015), where he also served as pastor of Church Under the Bridge
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Youth ministry pastor on the East Coast prior to his work in Austin
A Life of Service to the Marginalized
Hamner was widely known for his work with people experiencing homelessness, addiction, and poverty. At Church Under the Bridge in Austin, Texas, he ministered to a congregation of 200–400 people, roughly 60% of whom were homeless, with the remaining 40% ranging from corporate executives to individuals in extreme poverty .
He described his approach to ministry in a 2022 interview: “Gifts of appreciation are great. But I feel cared for when laypeople show me that they value me for who I am and not just for what I can offer the local church” .
His Ministry at College Wesleyan Church
At College Wesleyan Church, Hamner focused on connecting the congregation with the local community. He led initiatives to partner with a local elementary school, encouraging church members to build relationships with families who might not otherwise attend services .
He explained his philosophy: “One of the main ways [of transformation] is providing opportunities for individuals to build relationships with those from a different background… The point is not only to share the Gospel, but to get to know people that normally wouldn’t sit in the pews on Sunday” .
He also led “Parking Lot Prayers” during the COVID-19 pandemic, encouraging individuals and families to pray for community organizations and leaders from their cars .
Education and Personal Background
Hamner grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, and attended Southern Wesleyan University in South Carolina. He described his college experience as a mix of “studies and shenanigans,” including a midnight bell-ringing prank that woke most of the campus .
He credited his professors with shaping his ministry: “It was having professors believe in me. I had a handful who saw the potential I didn’t see in myself” .
He and his wife Gidget had two children. They moved to Marion, Indiana, when he accepted the position at College Wesleyan Church .
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Beau Hamner die?
Beau Hamner died on September 1, 2026.
What was Beau Hamner’s cause of death?
His cause of death has not been publicly disclosed by his family or the church.
Where did Beau Hamner serve as pastor?
He was Outreach Pastor at College Wesleyan Church in Marion, Indiana, and previously served as pastor of Church Under the Bridge in Austin, Texas .
How long did Beau Hamner serve at College Wesleyan Church?
Hamner served at College Wesleyan Church from August 2015 until his death, a period of over nine years.
What was Beau Hamner known for in his ministry?
He was known for ministering to people experiencing homelessness, addiction, and poverty, particularly through his work at Church Under the Bridge in Austin .
Conclusion
Beau Hamner dedicated his life to serving others, particularly those on the margins of society. From the streets of Austin to the pews of College Wesleyan Church, he worked to build bridges between communities and to create a church that welcomed everyone. His sudden death at a relatively young age has left a profound void, but his legacy of compassion and outreach will continue to inspire those who knew him.