Dear Resonate Church Family,
With the heaviest of hearts, we are writing to you.
We are heartbroken to share that Brennan, Pastor Ryan and Jenni's son, has gone home to be with Jesus. The circumstances around his passing have been heart-wrenching as self-harm was involved. Alongside Pastor Ryan, Jenni, and their family, our hearts are shattered as we grieve this devastating loss.
Pastor Ryan and Jenni are surrounded by their loving church family who are attending to them and caring for them. Every physical need that Pastor Ryan and Jenni have is being met. As a church family, many of you know and love each member of their family personally, and we know you are aching alongside them.
In this moment of great sadness, we want to share how we can love and support the family, how church leadership is caring for Pastor Ryan, and how we will continue to move forward together as a church.
How You Can Love and Support the Family
Pastor Ryan has asked that we honor the family's privacy — no visitors, calls or texts at this time. However, there are meaningful ways you can show your love:
Prayer: There will be a prayer gathering at Resonate on the Fremont campus this Wednesday, October 22nd from 7 - 8pm. Anyone is welcome to come and pray.
Cards: You may send cards of encouragement to the church office, and we will ensure they reach the family. Please address them to:
Kwon Family c/o Resonate Church
40650 Encyclopedia Circle,
Fremont, CA 94538
Above all, please respect the boundaries the family has requested. Your prayers and quiet acts of love mean everything.
How We Are Caring for Pastor Ryan
Pastor Ryan's schedule has been cleared so he can be with his family. As elders, we will walk alongside them through this difficult time. We will also assess when it would be best for our pastor to resume his duties. We do not expect this to be any sooner than three months. During this time, we are carrying every leadership responsibility on his behalf.
At the end of this period, the Elders will evaluate together what additional support and timeline will best serve his healing, his family's healing, and the church's continued momentum. We believe God will continue to be at work through Resonate Church, and we are holding true to the Seek First vision that has united us for the past year. We are committed to honoring both this calling and Pastor Ryan’s family.
Church Leadership During This Season
We want to assure you that the church is in capable, prayerful hands. The Elder Board will lean on our Executive Leadership Team along with our Campus Pastors and staff, to provide direction as we uphold our mission through this time of crisis.
Every lay-elder, pastor, ministry leader, and team member remains focused on leading, shepherding, and caring for our church family, loving you as Christ has loved the church.
Supporting Our Students
Because Brennan was 16 years old and part of our student community, we recognize this crisis affects many of our young people deeply. We also know that the struggle with mental health is heartbreakingly prevalent among students today. We do not want any student to face these battles alone.
In the weeks and months ahead, two of our licensed professional counselors will be investing additional time and support into our student ministries, working with our RESstudents Directors on each campus, providing safe spaces for students to process, grieve, and receive help. If your student is struggling, please know that compassionate, professional support is available.
Moving Forward Together
This is a moment of profound pain, but also a moment when we have the opportunity to be the church—the family of God—in the most tangible ways. We will surround Pastor Ryan, Jenni, and their family as they grieve Brennan with love, prayer, and support. We will continue to worship, serve, and seek God together. And we will trust that the same God who has brought us this far will walk with us through this valley.
Please continue to pray without ceasing. Pray for comfort in this devastating loss. Pray for strength and peace for Ryan, Jenni, and their family. Pray for wisdom for our church leadership. And pray that God would be glorified even in the midst of this heartbreak.
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." — Psalm 34:18
In the coming days, we will share further information regarding providing meals, donations, and the memorial date and location. For now, please hold off on sharing tributes through social media. There will be time in the future to reflect with memories and photos.
We love you, church. And we trust that God Himself, who is close to the brokenhearted, will hold us close and carry us through.
In Christ,
The Elder Board
Resonate Church
Also available as Markdown.