About Our Church

​BARRYVILLE, N.Y. (AP) — For Charles Perez, the winding roads and tranquil scenery of upstate New York offer a stark contrast to the bustling streets of his Newark, N.J., upbringing. Yet, it is here, in the quiet hamlet of Barryville, that Perez has found his calling and built a life centered on faith, family, and community.

Perez, a devoted husband and father of four, brings a rich tapestry of experiences to his latest role as pastor of Barryville Community Church. A Latino-American with roots in Cuba and Colombia, he speaks both English and Spanish fluently, bridging cultures within his congregation and the wider community. Beyond the pulpit, Perez serves as a teacher’s aide, website administrator, and even a basketball coach, embodying a spirit of service throughout Sullivan County.

His journey to becoming a pastor was not a direct path but one shaped by early youthful struggles, and a pivotal divine encounter. Raised in a challenging Newark neighborhood by Spanish-speaking parents, Perez acknowledges facing many barriers. However, the unwavering faith instilled by his grandmother and mother provided an early anchor.

"My mother made sure I attended church and nurtured my belief in God from a young age" - Perez reflected.

At 15, Perez drifted, falling in with the wrong crowd. During this turbulent period, his family transitioned to a United Methodist Church, while struggling with temptation and bad choices. This struggle continued until, at 18, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. A year later, at 19, Perez experienced what he describes as a supernatural encounter.

"God revealed His calling for my life—He wanted me to become a pastor" he shared. This moment ignited a sense of purpose, leading him to pursue his GED, a bachelor’s degree, and eventually to get a Master of Divinity. Prior to leading his own congregation, Perez served as a youth pastor and worked at a Christian camp, experiences he credits with solidifying his calling.

In 2009, at the age of 25, Perez was appointed to First United Methodist Church in Dover, N.J. After 11 years of dedicated service, the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic led him to seek a fresh start. He requested a new appointment and was placed at Barryville United Methodist Church in 2020. However, after two years, he was unexpectedly let go.

This setback, however, paved the way for a new chapter. Alongside dedicated parishioners, Perez took a leap of faith and founded Barryville Community Church. As they approach their third anniversary in September, Perez expresses gratitude for the journey, embracing both its hardships and triumphs. Life in Barryville offers a different rhythm for Perez and his family. His appreciation for nature blossomed during summers spent working at a Christian camp, a stark contrast to the urban landscape of his youth.

"I want my children to grow up far from the challenges of an urban environment like Newark, NJ" he explained & "I cherish the slower pace, the warmth of a small-town community, and the simple joys of life."
 

Off-duty, Perez prioritizes time with his wife and children, often unwinding around a firepit or playing basketball. His favorite scriptures, including Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and recognize that I am God" and Jeremiah 33:3 "Call upon Me, and I will answer you, revealing great and hidden truths you have yet to understand",  serve as constant reminders of his faith.

For those feeling lost or hopeless, Perez offers a message rooted in his own experiences. "There is a profound difference between experiencing these feelings without God and walking through them with Him" he said, emphasizing the constant hope found in a relationship with God.

His approach to inviting newcomers to Barryville Community Church is built on trust and genuine connection. "It’s a journey—one that requires patience, consistency, and a genuine commitment to walking alongside them as they explore God’s love and truth" he explained. Perez’s vision for Barryville Community Church is to embody the teachings and mission of Christ, focusing on worship, discipleship, evangelism, fellowship, spiritual growth, and selfless service.