Our Stories: How We Became Brethren

In this special episode, host Harry Jarrett and producer Grayson Preece step into the spotlight to share their own faith journeys and how they each found their way to the Church of the Brethren.Harry reveals his winding path through Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopal, Pentecostal, and Mennonite traditions before discovering his deep family roots in the Brethren church—connections he never knew existed until his wife found his ancestors’ names in the Pleasant Valley Church graveyard. From new age spirituality in college to twenty years as a Mennonite pastor, Harry’s story culminates in a return to his Brethren heritage.Grayson shares how he went from a childhood disconnected from church to finding authentic spiritual community at Camp Bethel, a Church of the Brethren camp. His experience as a camp counselor and his time at Bridgewater College shaped his understanding of faith as relational, accessible, and centered on community.Together, they explore what drew them to the Church of the Brethren: the emphasis on belonging before believing, the peace tradition, the priesthood of all believers, and a welcoming spirit that invites people to process their faith together. They also discuss why they’re launching a new series on Brethren heritage and what makes this denomination unique in the broader Christian landscape.Whether you’re curious about the Church of the Brethren, interested in different faith journeys, or simply enjoy honest conversations about spirituality, this episode offers an intimate introduction to the voices behind Faith in Process.Episode Highlights:* Harry’s surprising discovery of his Brethren family lineage* How Camp Bethel transformed Grayson’s spiritual life* The difference between “believe, behave, belong” and “belong, behave, believe”* What makes the Church of the Brethren’s approach to peace and community distinctive* Why faith is always in process, whether we realize it or notFaith in Process: Sunday’s CoolRecorded live on Sunday mornings at Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren in Weyers Cave, Virginia. Hosted by Pastor Harry Jarrett.Join us in person or listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or Substack.Learn more about our congregation at pleasantvalleyalive.org Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe