When he was young, he wished to be a contemporary Christian artist who wrote songs that "shared his faith and passion for Jesus."
"We would fill up the church van or my best friend's Suburban and drive, praying that we would make it to the gigs without breaking down, just to play for 10 people and then do it again every weekend we could," says Austin.
He began leading at Journey Church, in Tifton, Georgia at the age of 18 and became the full-time worship pastor.
[6][7] He impressed millions of viewers, including guest judges Ludacris, Kesha, and Brad Paisley, and competed his way to the finale.
[8] He finished as the runner-up on the show and had the opportunity to share the stage with multi-platinum recording artist, Josh Groban.
Through many writing trips to Nashville, Tennessee, Austin began to grow his ministry and develop into a true artist.
His passion for ministry led him and his family to Delray Beach, Florida, serving as the worship pastor at The Avenue Church.