I need your help. Over the past five years I have worked on this book project off and on. There have been many edits and changes to how chapters flow and the stories I tell within them. Within my calling of “family discipleship” writing has always been a big part of that. In these posts you will read real stories of my life where community has time and time again been the driving factor behind my success as a man, husband, father, and pastor. I just hope to share some insight as to why I think we as humans should strive to build better communities.
Thanks!
Rev. Trevor Cherryholmes
To Be Done In Community
When I think of community, I think about all of the moments in my life that have led me to where I am today, and why I believe community is the core to our society. Sure, you can go do it alone and find success but there is something truly special about doing life within a community of people. I hope by reading this you might find the inspiration to place yourself into a community of people who can love you, support you, and come alongside you in the good and bad, because I know without my community, I would not be in the place I am today.
It is my belief that as we navigate this life, walking alone is the worst thing that you can do. Our society will tell us “You do you” or “I’m a strong independent person who doesn't need anyone.” The reality of these statements lies in pain, mistrust, and selfishness, and sure you could do life that way. Simply alone in this galaxy wandering and hoping that you won’t encounter anything too overwhelming. But if we are honest with ourselves, once we find that true community of people that are willing to give up a bit of themselves for others, everything gets better.
As we dive into this together I want us to really reflect on our lives, look deep into the good and the bad days and try to discover what led to those outcomes. I believe that even in the worst of days, having a community around us will lead to a better endurance of life. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says “9 It’s better to have a partner than go it alone. Share the work, share the wealth. And if one falls down, the other helps, but if there’s no one to help, tough! 11 Two in a bed warm each other. alone, you shiver all night. 12 By yourself you’re unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn’t easily snapped.” (Peterson)
Now that I have broken down why I am writing this story, let me introduce you to who I am. My name is Trevor Jay Cherryholmes, I was born March 22, 1992 to my wonderful parents Chris and Genell Cherryholmes. I am originally from Littleton Colorado, and moved to Tucson Arizona when I was eleven years old in 2003. I spent a few years in college living in Kansas before moving back home to follow the will of God. I eventually, in trusting him moved to Mesa, Arizona where I have lived ever since.
In 2004 I met my wife at a youth camp in Prescott Arizona, I didn’t know at the time that she would be my wife, but twelve years later we reconnected and started the life we now share together, we were married in May of 2018. I am so blessed to have Rachelle in my life, not only does she also work a stressful full time job, but she is also incredibly kind, compassionate, and pushes me to be my best every day. She is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and currently works outpatient at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Rachelle and I have two sons, Carson born April 2019 and Mason in October 2022. They have been blessings beyond measure to the both of us, I could never see my life without them in it!
I was ordained an elder in the Church of the Nazarene in November 2020 after years of studies and ministerial experience. I am currently the Lead Pastor of a church in East Mesa called The Table: A House Church Network. My wife and I planted this church alongside our great friends Ryan and Megan Albaugh, and our amazing core team of people we love dearly. We Started this church planting Journey in August of 2019 and officially launched August of 2021! Before I served there I was the Youth Pastor at Tempe Nazarene Church in Arizona, I served there January 2016 and enjoyed every minute of it through December of 2020. Before I was there I worked alongside friends and family as an intern in my home church Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene, and then had other small but impactful ministry positions throughout college in Kansas.
I showed you a glimpse of my backstory for a few reasons. I can look back at everything I've stated and point out where I had community in my life. It hasn’t all been fun and games, I've had plenty of heartbreak, disagreements, and loss, but I would not change any of it. Each change in my life, ministry position, and change in direction has helped shape me into the man I have become today. This journey that hopefully will continue for years to come has truly shaped my belief in community and that this life cannot be done without it.
There is so much more to who I am, and you will get to know who I am better through this story, but what I have to say about community has less to do about me, and more to do with the amazing people that God has placed into my life. There are many reasons to believe that community is important, we will explore those together as we dive deeper into this story.
My story is only a mere page in this book we call life, and I want to hear yours. So as you read if you remember a moment where community impacted your life, will you connect with me? I believe that our stories are meant to be shared. No matter what walk of life you come from, in pastoral ministry, a volunteer, or maybe you were given this book by someone who cares for you.
My hope is that my experience and words provide a new perspective on this life and how it can be done. I am not an expert and I have grown and changed a lot in the years it took me to write this. From some of the first keystrokes that were written to the last, my journey has been one that has experienced tremendous growth. In the midst of this growth I can say with confidence, I could not have done it without community. I hope that you surround yourself with one too.
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