Bethany Peerbolte

Bethany Peerbolte, or @Rev.Bethany as she is known to her 300,000+ followers online, is a pastor based in Denver, Colorado. She describes herself as painfully extroverted and concerning obsessed with turtles (her pet turtle named “Torguga” would agree). Bethany grew up in a conservative church, so when she felt called to ministry, she looked for a new denomination to call home. More Light Presbyterians was an essential factor in her choosing to be ordained in the PC(USA). Becoming a board member of MLP is a dream come true.

Bethany is the founding pastor of OurTapestry (OurTapestry.com), a community that intentionally only meets in digital spaces. OurTapestry creates spaces where queer and ally Christians can declutter their faith from toxic theology and find community even if they live in a different zipcode. OurTapestry grew out of Bethany’s online following as people came to trust her as a pastor and felt safe to explore their faith again or for the first time. For many, joining a Zoom meeting from their living room feels safe enough to give Christians another chance instead of physically walking into a church building. OurTapestry is a place of healing, asking hard questions, and belonging. 

After 6 years as a public theologian, Bethany has learned the hard lessons and resounding joys of speaking one’s faith boldly into the world. She also understands the burden of being queer and Christian in a world that says you can’t be both.