Rev. Mike Pettry

Rev. Michael W. (Pastor Mike) Pettry was born and raised in Southern West Virginia (Princeton). He is the elder son of Gary and Brenda Pettry. His father and younger brother, Mark, still live in West Virginia.

After graduating High School he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving six years in Florida, San Diego, and Yokosuka, Japan. He traveled a great deal over Asia, the Pacific Islands, and Australia.

Upon returning from the Navy, he attended Concord College (now university) majoring in Education with concentrations in Social Sciences and Library Science. When he graduated college his son, Jacob, was born. Jacob lives with his wife, Dezy, in Princeton, WV. During that time Mike was the branch librarian at the Bluefield, VA branch of the Tazewell County Public Library.

After three years, Mike moved to Natural Bridge, VA and began teaching at the now closed Natural Bridge Juvenile Correctional Center. It was during this period that God called Mike into pastoral ministry. Mike became a Licensed Local Pastor in 2008. He completed the Basic Course of Study for Pastoral Ministry at Duke Divinity School. Mike has served in four appointments and is very excited to serve God and God’s people at Stephens City United Methodist Church while continuing to serve the Pleasant View Charge.

Mike is married to Jessica. They live at Lake Holiday with their son, Alex. Their daughter, Katherine, is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree at Curtin University in Perth, Western Australia. Mike and Jessica are the pet parents of four cats, Maria, Shawn, Gus, and Raven Nevermore. Their house is ruled by God and Roxie, the best puppy in the world!