Rusty Butler

Birth Place

I was born in Manhattan, Kansas and spent most of my growing up years in Brookings
and Pierre, South Dakota.

Family Information

My wife, Lynn and I have been married since 1980. Lynn works as an Administrative Assistant for Pason Systems, Inc., an Oil and Gas company in Golden. We have two sons, David currently enrolled in a Masters program in Education at Regis University; and Jared, who is getting an undergraduate degree in teaching from the University of Northern Colorado at Greeley.

Education

I graduated from the University of South Dakota in 1980 with a B.S. degree in Business Administration. I received an M.Div. from the Iliff School of Theology in 1996.

Experience

During my Iliff years, I served as a Youth Director at Castle Rock United Methodist Church and at Longmont First UMC. I was ordained a Deacon and appointed to Arvada United Methodist Church as Associate Pastor in 1994. I served at Arvada until 1999 and was then appointed as pastor at Rocky Ford United Methodist Church. After serving there for 6 years, I was reappointed at Arvada as Senior Pastor.

What do you do at AUMC?

The regular duties of a pastor include leading worship, preaching, teaching, pastoral care and administrative duties. So I believe I've done those things. What has been most exciting to me personally is to be able to meet and study with a number of congregation members and constituents in various classes we've held at AUMC. The progressive liberal nature of the theology held by many people at Arvada makes for exciting discussions and classes!

What do you like most about being part of the AUMC team?

I like being part of a church that opens itself to the community. We host so many different community events and the team that works at AUMC is extremely hospitable and welcoming to all. It is good to be a part of that.

What outside interests or hobbies do you have?

My favorite pastime is golf. I like to go to movies when I can find the time and I've always been a reader.