The Jackson Family

We are Jared and Emily. We met during college, and we were married in 2011. We have three children: Lively (6), Honor (3), and Alexander “Lex” (1). Emily works as a Nurse Practitioner. We both love books, being outside, game nights with friends, good coffee, and travel.

In December 2023, I sensed the Lord leading me into a new season of life and ministry. I had been serving in the local church for 16 years, beginning at age 20, all of that time here in Arlington, TX, where I first came for college. As Emily and I prayed about what God had next for us, I also reflected on my specific calling.

God brought me to Colossians 1:28-29 as a life verse: “Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.” I believe He created me to proclaim Christ and to work with His strength to build His kingdom.

As 2025 began, the Lord made two things clear to us. First, He wanted us to remain in Arlington. This city has been our home and the place where we have served throughout our adult lives. We are committed to continuing to pour out our lives so people here can know Jesus. Second, God began to show us that His plan was to start a new local church.

After more prayer, conversations with friends and mentors, we were convinced of the Lord’s leading, and we began taking the first steps in establishing Legacy Church in May of 2025.