A community of faith planted in Kent, Ohio for nearly 200 years — growing together in love, service, and leadership.
Our Mission
That's the mission of The United Methodist Church — and it's ours too. We believe transformation begins when ordinary people encounter an extraordinary God, then carry that love outward into our families, our neighborhoods, and our world.
Our Vision
LOVE BOLDLY We passionately love God and, like Jesus, embrace and include people of every age, nation, race, gender, and walk of life. [Matthew 22:37-39 | John 13:34-35] SERVE JOYFULLY With the heart of Christ, we journey alongside the most vulnerable among us, offering care and compassion with joy. [Psalm 100:1 | Nehemiah 8:10 | John 13:14-15 | 1 Peter 4:10] LEAD COURAGEOUSLY Following Jesus’ example, we seek to resist and dismantle all systems of evil, injustice, and oppression, striving for peace, justice, and reconciliation. [Joshua 1:9 | Ephesians 6:10]
The concept of the Quadrilateral was developed by United Methodist theologian Albert Outler, who observed that John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, emphasized experience alongside the Anglican authorities of Scripture, tradition, and reason. While all four elements inform faith, Scripture remains the foundation, with the others serving as lenses that help us interpret and live out its message.
the primary source of Christian faith and truth
the wisdom and practices handed down through generations
the thoughtful reflection and discernment that help us interpret faith
the personal and communal encounters that make God’s grace real
We affirm that God’s grace is present in all creation, despite suffering, violence, and evil. Creation’s goodness finds fulfillment in human beings called into covenant partnership with God, endowed with dignity, freedom, and responsibility for our lives and the world.
Christian faith is nurtured in fellowship. Wesley said there is no religion but social religion, no holiness but social holiness. United Methodists respond to God’s Spirit in community, nurturing personal growth and equipping for mission. Connectional ties bind us together in faith and service, enabling our global witness and deepening our commitment to peace and justice.
Faith is the essential response to God’s grace, yet it naturally produces good works. Wesley taught that repentance should be accompanied by “fruits meet for repentance”—works of piety and mercy. Faith and good works belong together within a theology of grace, flowing from God’s love “shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.”
God’s saving work in us and through us is never for us individually alone. It always propels us into mission and service to share God’s love with every neighbor. The General Rules of the Wesleyan tradition, [Do no harm, Do Good and Attend Upon the Ordinances of God] express this connection, making theology a servant of piety, and piety the ground for social conscience and action.
Senior Pastor
Nathan began serving as pastor of the UMC of Kent in July 2023. Before coming to Kent, he served United Methodist congregations in Tiffin, Niles, and Berea and held leadership roles across the East Ohio Conference. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Ohio Northern University and both a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary. Nathan and his wife, Megan, enjoy spending time with family and exploring Kent and its local parks.
Minister of Pastoral Care
Bob returned to the UMC of Kent after more than 40 years of ministry, having first served here as associate minister from 1980 to 1985. He has served churches throughout the East Ohio Conference and worked as a hospice chaplain after retiring from the conference in 2016. Bob is also a leader and trainer in Stephen Ministries. He and his wife, Janet, enjoy family, travel, biking, golf, and long walks together.
Director of Christian Education & Youth Ministries
Rick joined the staff in 2006 with a background in elementary education, school leadership, and youth ministry. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Bethany College, a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Malone University. Rick oversees Christian education for young people from birth through twelfth grade and brings deep faith and energy to ministry with children, youth, and families.
Finance Director
Lynnette joined the staff in 2004 with extensive financial and administrative experience in private and nonprofit organizations. Her accounting and data-management background has helped automate and streamline the church business office. A lifelong member of UMC of Kent, Lynnette also founded the congregation’s Prayer Quilt Ministry chapter in 2006.
Business Manager & Director of ZAMARingers
Adam is the church business manager, webmaster, and director of the ZAMARingers youth bell ensemble. A lifelong member of UMC of Kent, he brings experience in public-facing management, graphic and web design, choral music, and local theatre. Adam earned a Bachelor of Arts in Classics with a minor in Art History from Kent State University and lives in Stow with his wife, Patti, and their son, Alexander.
Secretary
Cara is a longtime member of UMC of Kent and brings many years of office experience from retail and private manufacturing home offices. She has served on numerous church committees and as a head usher for the early worship service. Cara helps keep the church office connected with members, visitors, and ministry teams throughout the week.
Director of Music
Frank has directed the Sanctuary Choir since 1996. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Doctor of Musical Arts in composition from the Cleveland Institute of Music and Case Western Reserve University. Under his direction, the Sanctuary Choir offers a wide-ranging program of traditional choral music in worship.
Organist and Director of New Spirit
Dawn joined the UMC of Kent staff in 2018. She earned a Bachelor of Music from Duquesne University and a Master of Music in organ performance from the University of Akron. Dawn supports music education through the Akron Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and performs with the community handbell ensemble Summit Bells. Her organ playing enriches worship, accompanies the Sanctuary Choir, and leads congregational song.
Director of Chancel Ringers
Children's Choir Director
Kitchen Hostess
Staci provides overall management for the church’s active commercial kitchen. She coordinates food preparation and service with church groups, community organizations, outside groups, and caterers for lunches, dinners, receptions, and special events. Her practical hospitality helps the church welcome people around the table throughout the week.
First Methodist congregation established in Kent Township.
Original church building constructed on East Main Street.
Current sanctuary building dedicated for worship.
Merger with Evangelical United Brethren to form United Methodist Church.
Family Life Center (Palmer Gym) added to campus.
Three Sunday services, dozens of ministries, and a community of hundreds.
Every chapter of our nearly 200-year history was written by people like you. Come add yours.
