Sheridan First Christian Church welcomes new senior minister

Submitted

Sheridan First Christian Church welcomes Rev. Cheryl Kunkel as the new Senior Minister. She officially began serving the congregation on Sunday, Aug. 2, following the retirement of pastor Rev. Mike Srbljan at the end of 2025.

Earlier this year, Kunkel served as a guest pastor at Sheridan First Christian Church, giving the congregation an opportunity to get to know her before she accepted the call to become its next minister.

Kunkel brings more than a decade of ministry experience to Sheridan First Christian Church, most recently serving as Associate Regional Minister for the Christian Church in Indiana. She has also served congregations in Indiana and Kentucky following her ordination at Zionsville Christian Church in 2013.

Kunkel, originally from Zionsville but now a Whitestown resident, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Eureka College before teaching elementary school for five years, including three years in Baton Rouge, La. She later earned her Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt Divinity School and has an Executive Certificate of Religious Fundraising through the Lake Institute in Faith & Giving at the Lilly School of Philanthropy.

As a senior minister, Kunkel will lead worship services, provide pastoral care, and help strengthen the church’s engagement with the Sheridan community.

“I’m excited to do ministry alongside the people at Sheridan First Christian Church,” Kunkel said. “I am excited that this congregation is committed to community outreach and is dedicated to welcoming all people.”

Outside of ministry, Kunkel enjoys listening to audiobooks and podcasts, cross stitching, and cheering on the Indianapolis Colts as a season ticket holder. She and her husband, Eric, have a one-year-old daughter, Riley, and are expecting their second child in January 2027.

Sheridan First Christian Church asks the community to join in welcoming Rev. Kunkel as she begins this new chapter of ministry and leadership.

About Sheridan First Christian Church
Sheridan First Christian Church is a God-centered and inclusive church. The mission of Sheridan First Christian Church is to provide a welcoming community to help anyone know, love, and follow Jesus. The church is committed to helping their community and neighbors through service and celebration. Sheridan First Christian Church is inclusive and welcomes all ages, races, genders, and abilities. Casual and friendly worship services occur every Sunday at 10 a.m.