At Arapaho UMC, we believe faith is not something we inherit and protect, but something we live, wrestle with, and grow into. This summer, our worship series Influencers: Voices That Shaped Our Journeys invites us to listen to the theologians, poets, activists, and prophets who have helped many of us reconstruct faith after seasons of doubt, disillusionment, or change.

It might seem strange at first but why would a church talk openly about the baggage that sometimes comes with belief? Isn’t church supposed to be the place where belief is celebrated, where doubt is hushed, and where the answers are already settled?

As we approach Easter, I’ve heard from several parents wondering how to talk with their children about the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Honestly? Easter is at the heart of the Christian story—but it can be a hard one to share with kids. There’s life and death in it. Pain, power, and mystery. Some families believe it happened exactly as it’s written in the Bible. Others see it as a powerful story of love and renewal, whether or not it happened just that way.

Rev. Jonathan Perry, an Ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church, has been appointed as Senior Pastor of Arapaho United Methodist Church. Jonathan and his family come to our church from First United Methodist Church of Denton, TX, where he served as Executive Pastor of Strategic Leadership and Pastor of Open Worship. His ministry has been marked by a dedication to creativity, collaboration, and inclusivity, fostering vibrant faith communities where all are welcome and find belonging and sacred purpose.