Pastoral Staff
Brad Brinson
Senior Pastor
In 1997 Brad and Beth Brinson came from southern California at the invitation of Fellowship Church. They came to start a new church in west Knoxville. That was 15 years ago. Time flies when you're having fun.
Brad met Jesus as His Savior as a freshman at Taylor University. His new life soon led to many changes, including a new major: Biblical Language and New Testament Studies.
After college Brad first worked as a youth pastor in Florida, then continued with students in Chicago while completing an M.A. at Wheaton Graduate School in New Testament Studies. Most importantly, it was there that he met his wife Beth. While in Chicago, Brad also studied at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
After marriage, the Brinson's moved to Pasadena, CA and Fuller Theological Seminary, where Brad completed an M.Div. and visited nearly every burrito joint in LA County.
Brad then pastored two churches in southern California, one in Covina and one in Cypress over a twelve-year period before moving to plant Two Rivers Church.
The Brinson's now live in Farragut, TN. They have three beautiful daughters, Anna, Hope, and Sarah… who is married to Jonathan Emkes.
As senior pastor Brad provides directional leadership for the church, speaks regularly at Two Rivers, and enjoys working on his 66 Mustang convertible, yard work and carpentry, and occasionally speaks to church leaders in the USA and abroad.
Mark Hoffman
Executive Pastor
Mark graduated from Messiah College in Pennsylvania, and also holds a Master of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary in Nyack, New York. He was ordained by the Evangelical Free Church in 1994.
Mark began serving as a youth pastor in Connecticut in the 80’s until he joined the staff of Church at Charlotte in September 1990, also as Youth Pastor. His abilities to lead, to develop leaders, and to create healthy teams, resulted in Mark being asked to become the Executive Pastor of Church at Charlotte in 1999 where he served until he moved to Tennessee.
Mark has a passion to be a part of moving folks to the next step that God is calling them to take. He also has a great love of food, and when the two of those collide he is in his element.
Mark is married to Terri, who is his partner in ministry, a gracious homemaker, and hair stylist. They have two daughters: Emily and Megan, both who attend Lee University in Cleveland, TN.
You can contact Mark at 865-777-2121 ext. 326 or at mark.hoffman@tworiverschurch.org.
Dave Benner
Pastor of Connecting & Care
Dave and his wife Darlene have been married since 1976. They have 3 children and 4 grandchildren. Julie and her husband Jeremy Tullis, a Children’s Pastor at an EFCA church in Fresno, CA have 3 children. Daniel and his wife Laura are members of Fellowship Church in Knoxville, and have one son. Daniel owns Benner Painting. Stephen is a civil engineer and a member of 2RC where he often plays guitar for worship in The Merge.
Dave and Darlene have been actively involved at 2RC since it began in 1998. While operating a family business, Dave was part of the original Elder board, and later joined the 2RC staff as Executive Pastor in 2003. His earlier experience includes 4 years as the Administrator at Fellowship Church and a 23 year-career in Christian schools as Administrator, Dean of Students, Athletic Director, teacher and high school basketball coach.
Today, as the pastor of Connections and Care, Dave helps connect people at Two Rivers in ministry and community, and oversees the care of the body through the Acts 2 and Stephen Ministry teams. He also serves as Campus Pastor for the onsite venue, The Blend.
Dave believes the local church is the organization God uses to reach a lost world and to demonstrate His love and power. There is nothing like the local church when it is working right!
Dave is licensed by the EFCA, has a BS degree from The King's College in Briarcliff Manor, NY and a Masters degree from Grace Seminary in Winona Lake, IN.
You can contact Dave at 865-777-2121 ext. 312 or at dave.benner@tworiverschurch.org.
Bart Pederson
Pastor of Discipleship
Bart grew up on the family cattle ranch on the plains of Western, South Dakota. While pursuing a pre-law degree at the University of South Dakota, a fraternity brother led him to the Lord during his sophomore year. Bart enjoyed the ministry, training and opportunities of being involved with Campus Crusade for Christ.
In the summer of 1989, Bart fell in love with his future wife Carol, while they ministered together on a summer project with Campus Crusade at Newport Beach, California. After completing an internship at his home church in South Dakota, Bart married his University of Tennessee bride in the fall of 1990. After the honeymoon, Bart and Carol moved to Deerfield, Illinois to pursue a Master's degree at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
Following graduation, Bart and Carol moved to Knoxville in 1997 to volunteer in joining with the growing church plant that would become Two Rivers Church. In January of 1999, Bart welcomed the opportunity to serve in providing leadership for the growth group and children's ministries. Bart now focuses on the various Community Life ministries. Bart and Carol enjoy the blessing of four lively children: Logan, Blake, Jessica and Kylie.
You can contact Bart at 865-777-2121 ext. 304 or at bart.pederson@tworiverschurch.org.
Danny Matthews
Pastor of Prayer & Community Life
Danny and his wife Lora married in 1984 years and have been serving at Two Rivers since the church was planted in 1998. Lora has served on staff as Pastor Brad’s administrative assistant, and is presently assisting Dave Gruhn and Dave Benner. Danny and Lora have 3 beautiful children, Abby, Megan and Bradley; all are active members of Two Rivers Church. From the start of Two Rivers Danny has been active on the worship team as well as giving oversight to both the intercessors and prayer ministry teams. He has also been instrumental in creating our “Quiet Waters” and “Outpouring” events. In 2002, Danny was asked to join the board of Elders and served there until coming on staff in June of 2006.
As you meet and get to know Danny you will understand that his greatest pleasure in life comes from helping people find their place in the body of Christ and to affirm and help develop the gifts they have been given by our Heavenly Father. His passion is to create different events and venues where people find themselves drawn deeper into “His Presence” where they are touched and changed forever. His heart is to develop a thriving community of worshipers and prayer warriors for ministry both inside and outside the walls of Two Rivers Church.
You can contact Danny at 865-777-2121 ext. 303 or at danny.matthews@tworiverschurch.org.
David Gruhn
Pastor of Outreach
David, his wife Kelly and their two girls, Joely and Clare, joined the Two Rivers Church staff in December of 2011. They are excited that God brought their family to Knoxville to be part of what God is doing both in and through the Two Rivers Church family.
David is a graduate of Drake University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. After serving more than 10 years as an aviator in the United States Marine Corps, he answered the call to serve full time as a pastor. He has previously served as a staff pastor and senior pastor in churches in Texas and Illinois.
God’s plan for taking the good news of Jesus to the world is the local church. That means every person who is part of the body of Christ is included in God’s plan of reaching those who do not yet know Jesus personally. David defines his personal calling and passion in ministry by Colossians 1:28, "Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ." As a pastor, he believes his role is to equip people to be used in their unique calling and gifting as part of God’s mission. He brings a deep desire to see people transformed by encountering Jesus personally.
You can contact David at 865-777-2121 ext. 321 or at David.Gruhn@TwoRiversChurch.org
Tae Cho
Worship Arts Pastor
Tae's birthplace is obvious to the casual observer's eye — Essen, Germany. Seriously, it really is. Shortly afterward, Tae moved to the foreign country of South Korea. He wandered aimlessly around this unfamiliar territory for five long years, when in May of 1991, he made yet another inter-country move: to the United States of America; specifically to St. Louis, Missouri.
Tae grew up through his elementary, middle and high school years living in St. Louis with his mother and younger brother. He grew up with music and sports all around him. He is an avid St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Rams fan and a loyal alumni of his alma mater, University of Missouri-Columbia, aka Mizzou. This also makes him a loyal fan of the Mizzou Tigers, especially their football and basketball programs. At the time of this writing, the Tigers football team is undefeated while UT is, well, no need to talk about that.
Tae spent his college years leading worship for both Campus Crusade for Christ and his local church. After graduating, Tae decided to pursue further training in his passion and calling: worship leading and worship pastoring. From September of 2009 through June of 2010, Tae attended and finished his education at Ocean's Edge School of Worship located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Toward the latter months of his time there Tae was connected to Pastor Brad Brinson through one of the worship pastors on staff at the school and officially came on board with Two Rivers Church in July of 2010.
Tae has really enjoyed the massive amounts of allergy-inducing substances in the air, the weight-gain directly correlated to an increase in exposure to southern hospitality and most importantly the sense of freedom he gets while roaming down the plethora of empty aisles and check-out lines at Wal-Mart on UT game days.
You can contact Tae at 865-777-2121 ext. 113 or tae.cho@tworiverschurch.org.
Erin Carloni
Worship Arts Resident
Erin grew up in the happiest place in the sunshine state, Niceville Florida. Yes, everyone is nice there. Sure, it's always nice in Niceville. No, it is not the cousin of pleasant-ville. It is however, exceedingly pleasant to live there with the beautiful Destin beaches only a quick drive over the bridge, which she took advantage of almost daily. Along with being a beach bum, she is a big fan of music, playing sports, and eating--a lot. Erin was involved in soccer, volleyball, choir, theater, ensemble groups, etc. Of course after each of these events followed a fantastic meal, which is why food makes it into the top three biggest interests. Erin grew up with a fantastic family who helped her grow and understand a passionate relationship with Jesus Christ, which led to a very early involvement in ministry work. As she got older, the volunteer role changed to internships and full-time positions in the church particularly in the worship ministry.
Erin transferred to Florida State University in 2007 to a Humanities: Art and Music Studies major and was very involved with the campus ministry, and led worship for that ministry throughout college. After graduating in 2009, Erin decided to become a campus missionary to Florida State, focusing energy on discipling and evangelizing to the college campus. Two years passed and she felt God changing her direction and decided to audition for Ocean's Edge School of Worship in Ft. Lauderdale Florida. During this 10 month training Erin learned that God had called and prepared her for full-time worship ministry and she was eager to be sent out.
In the last four months of the program, Erin's director informed her that there was a church in Knoxville Tennessee called Two Rivers that was looking for a female worship resident to come on staff and had recommended her for the position. She spent the next few months on Skype with Two Rivers staff and eventually was able to meet Tae, fly up to Knoxville. After that weekend Erin was sold, and has been happy to be a part of the 2RC community.
You can contact Erin at 865-777-2121 ext. 113 or erin.carloni@tworiverschurch.org.
Jon Teague
Middle School Youth Pastor
Jon and Katie came to Two Rivers in 2004. Jon loves building relationships and sharing life with students. There is so much life, love and laughter in student ministry. If you can't find Jon at the office, he's probably playing home-run derby, ultimate frisbee, angle ball, guitar, spoons, spades or just hanging out with Katie trying to impress her with his quick wit and subtle charm. And in case you were wondering, the key to Jon's heart is the great wall of chocolate at PF Chang's!
Jon grew up in Chattanooga where he made the decision in the third grade that he was destined to attend the University of Tennessee. There were several factors: football, football and football! Actually, God changed Jon's life at UT through the ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ. He became very involved in campus ministry leading worship and teaching small groups. It was during these years that Jon felt God calling him to vocational ministry.
In 1998 Jon met his beautiful bride, Katie, and they were married in the summer of 2002. Katie graduated from Farragut High School and then Middle Tennessee State University. After college, she lived in Argentina for fourteen months working with Campus Crusade to set up a college ministry at one of the universities. Katie speaks Spanish and has a heart for the Hispanic culture. Jon and Katie have three beautiful daughters---Annie, Hope, and Norah.
You can contact Jon at 865-777-2121 ext. 323 or at jon.teague@tworiverschurch.org.
Chris Jessen
Senior High Youth Pastor
Chris loves hanging out with students and volunteer leaders and spending time with his wife, Katie. He also enjoys reading, playing guitar and frisbee golf, working in the yard, making random videos, and most of all, watching UT football!
Chris is a Knoxville native and graduate from the University of Tennessee. While at UT, Chris volunteered in the youth ministry department at a local church, then went on staff as a full-time intern following his graduation with a degree in Business and English.
After that year of full-time ministry, Chris felt the call to seminary, so he headed to Charlotte, North Carolina to Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. It was in Charlotte that Chris met his beautiful wife, Katie.
Katie went to the University of South Carolina where she got a BA in Sociology, then went on to complete a Master's of Social Work.
Upon Chris' completion of his Master's of Divinity at Gordon-Conwell, Chris excitedly accepted the position of High School Pastor at Two Rivers and painted his whole body orange to celebrate. Shortly thereafter, Chris and Katie were wed in Charlotte, then immediately moved to Knoxville where they now serve together at Two Rivers. Chris and Katie have three amazing sons--Oliver, Joshua, and Samuel.
You can contact Chris at 865-777-2121 ext. 308 or at chris.jessen@tworiverschurch.org.
Roy Nicaud
Director of College and Young Adults Ministry
Roy was born in New Orleans, Louisiana but grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee. He is the youngest of five children. Roy graduated from Bearden High School. In December 2005, he married his lovely wife, Hannah. They have one awesome pug dog named Baylor. Roy graduated from Tusculum College with a degree in Business Organizational Management. He is currently pursuing a seminary degree online, majoring in ministry leadersihip, through Columbia International University.
Roy felt called to vocational ministry at the age of 15. He has a strong passion for developing leaders, meeting new people, and helping people get connected and involved in ministry. He enjoys drinking coffee, playing golf, cheering for UT at football and basketball games, playing games, watching movies, and most of all spending time with his wife.
Hannah was born in Memphis, Tennessee but also grew up in Knoxville. Hannah graduated from Karns High School. She attended the University of Tennessee for both undergraduate and graduate school. She earned a Master of Science in Nursing focusing on pediatrics. She is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at East Tennessee Children's Hospital.
Roy and Hannah are excited to start serving at Two Rivers Church with the College and Young Adult Ministries.
You can contact Roy at 865-777-2121 or at roy.nicaud@tworiverschurch.org
Support Staff
Lynnette Payne
Executive Assistant to Senior Pastor and Executive Pastor
Lynnette was born in Music City USA - Nashville, Tennessee and studied marketing at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville. She and her husband, Alvin, married in 1980. They moved to Knoxville with their two sons, Brandon and Brian in 1992. The Payne family came to Two Rivers in 1999.
The boys married wonderful girls, Tirzah (Brandon) and Becca (Brian), and have an adorable grandson, Jackson. Brandon and Tirzah live in Nashville and serve in worship and tech at their church. Brian, Becca, and Jackson live in Knoxville and attend Two Rivers, where they met and married. They serve in the cafe and First Touch Team respectively.
Alvin and Lynnette serve as Growth Group Leaders, and on the Offering Team, & First Touch Team. Alvin is also on the Building Team.
Lynnette enjoys her family, cooking, and UT sports (most years!). And a good cup of coffee doesn't hurt a thing!
You can contact Lynnette at 865-777-2121 ext. 302 or at lynnette.payne@tworiverschurch.org.
Lora Matthews
Assistant to Outreach & Connections and Care Pastors
Lora has lives in Knoxville with her husband Danny and their three children. In college, she majored in the physician's assistant program, and worked in the banking industry for many years. After their first child was born, Lora spent the following 11 years raising Abby, Megan, and Bradley. When their youngest began school, Lora was asked to assist Senior Pastor Brad Brinson as Two Rivers Church was birthed – Lora is thrilled to be a part of the staff and the growing, vibrant church Two Rivers has become.
Lora assists Dave Gruhn with Outreach and Dave Benner with Connections and Care ministries. Danny and Lora have served as Growth Group leaders and are active in the worship and intercessory prayer ministries.
You can contact Lora at 865-777-2121 ext. 306 or at lora.matthews@tworiverschurch.org.
Mary Sessoms
Assistant to Discipleship Pastor
Mary was born in Clarksville, Tennessee and as a P.K. (Preacher’s Kid) moved around quite a bit, living in different parts of Nashville and graduating from high school in McMinnville, Tennessee. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville with a major in Psychology and worked as a Human Resources officer in the banking industry.
Mary left her career with the birth of her first daughter Sarah, who is currently a graduate student at the University of Miami. She also has a daughter, Rebecca Dryden, who is a graduate of Belmont University, and a son-in law, Nathan Dryden, who is a graduate student at Vanderbilt Divinity School. Mary began attending Two Rivers Church in the summer of 1999 and joined in December of that year. She is excited to see how the Lord is moving in the hearts of women at Two Rivers and how she can encourage women in their walk with the Lord!
You can contact Mary at 865-777-2121 ext. 320 or at mary.stone@tworiverschurch.org.
Laura Owens
Director of Early Childhood
Laura was born in Knoxville, and grew up in the Farragut community. She met her husband Ed, while attending Liberty University.
She graduated in 1985 with a Bachelors degree in Social Applied Psychology and a minor in Sociology. After college, she worked for the state of Tennessee in Child Protective Services and then for Peninsula Hospital, working with teenagers in the in-patient facility and then in the business office of the out-patient facility.
She and Ed have been married since 1987 and have 2 boys, Blake (1996) and Chase (1999). Ed is an Electrical Contractor. The Owens family has been at Two Rivers Church since 2000. They have served in various capacities, including missions and Children’s ministry and have led several Growth Groups through the years. Laura served as Director of Early Childhood at Two Rivers Church in 2001. She returned as Director in 2008 and is enjoying the opportunity to minister to the many young families in our program.
You can contact Laura at 865-777-2121 ext. 329 or laura.owens@tworiverschurch.org.
Susan Corkern
Children's Ministry Director for K-3
Susan grew up in Killeen TX, where she met her husband Glynn. Glynn's military career took them to Germany, Hawaii, Alabama and Tennessee. Along the way they had three beautiful daughters, Alex, Nikki and Maddie. Alex and Nikki are currently attending college at Lee University and Maddie is a Junior at Christian Academy of Knoxville.
After spending 13 years homeschooling her daughters, God led Susan to the next chapter of her life - 100 elementary school kids! She loves their smiles, energy and innocence, and most importantly, their eagerness to learn more about Jesus. Susan has been at Two Rivers since December of 2005, and served as Dive-In Director since August of 09.
You can contact Susan at 865-777-2121 ext. 327 or susan.corkern@tworiverschurch.org.
Angie Hooie
Pier 45 Director for 4-5
Angie and her husband, David, started coming to 2RC in 2001. Angie wasted no time in getting involved and was the Service Coordinator in Children’s Ministry as well as serving in the baby and toddler room and on the Dive In Worship team. Angie most enjoyed watching the kids engage in worship and truly understand what worship means.
Angie worked in the legal field for over 15 years. Two years ago, she and David began the Dave Ramsey program and in less than 18 months they were debt free (except for their house). Angie began in the fall of 2012 as Pier 45 Director.
Angie is very excited about investing time and partnering with the families of the 4th and 5th graders at 2RC. As the result of working in Dive-In for so many years, Angie has been able to watch the kids grow and now has the opportunity to continue to strengthen those relationships with the children and their families..
You can contact Angie at 865-777-2121 ext. 365 or angie.hooie@tworiverschurch.org.
Paula Howell
Student Ministries Assistant
Paula is a native of East Tennessee. She was born and raised here; a graduate of Bearden High School, a Phys Ed major at UT of Knoxville. Paula has been a part of the Student Ministries team since 2009.
Paula and her husband Brent were married in 1991 and settled in Lenoir City in 1993. They have two beautiful children, Chelsea (1985), who lives in downtown Knoxville and works with an autistic child that is 6 years old. Corey (1993), a 2012 graduate of Lenoir City High School and will be continuing his education in the winter semester. Paula has been working in Youth Ministry for around 18 years. She served in the FUEL high school ministry and recently stepped down from leadership because of a change coming to their family called Adoption. They are adopting an 11 year old boy from The Robin’s Nest Children’s Home in Jamaica and will be bringing him home soon!
Paula serves on the staff at Two Rivers as Student Ministries Administrative Asst. for both High School and Middle School pastors. Her role is to help build and develop the Student Ministry program along side the team and build relationships with parents and students. Communication and relationships is key to her job, besides caring for her pastors. She believes that God pursued, He prepared and He placed her right in the heart of Two Rivers and she looks forward to expanding His kingdom!
You can contact Paula at 865-777-2121 ext. 325 or paula.howell@tworiverschurch.org.
Debra Sparks
Prayer Assistant
Debra was born in England and was raised in British Columbia, Canada. She moved to Knoxville Tennessee in the spring of 2009 to marry her husband Randy, a Knoxville native. Their blended family now consists of two sons and four daughters: Jason, Amber, Kelsey, Twins (Hayley & Courtney) and Jakeb.
Debra and Randy started attending Two Rivers in October 2010 and after completing Wade In classes she and her husband knew this is where God was calling their family. In August 2011, Debra came on staff to serve as the assistant to Danny Matthews. She is passionate about the power of prayer and is grateful to be a part of the Two Rivers prayer ministry, that provide opportunities to know Christ more intimately through conferences like Quiet Waters, Listen Up, and weekly prayer and worship time at The Well.
You can contact Debra at 865-777-2121 ext. 319 or at debra.sparks@tworiverschurch.org.
NaCole Monger
Children’s Ministry Assistant
NaCole is a native of Loudon as is her husband Gregg. They have been members of Two Rivers since 2009 and serve in different ministries at the church and in the local school in their area. They have been married since 1993 and have two children Lexi, who is a middle school leader and Evan, who is in middle school. NaCole says, at first she wasn't sure why God called their family to Two Rivers but it didn't take long for Him to start revealing that He had them exactly where He wanted them.
You can contact NaCole at 865-777-2121 ext. 349 or at nacole.monger@tworiverschurch.org
Rod Harper
Director of Facilities
Rod was born in Detroit but spent most of his life in the Bradenton, Florida area. He and his wife, Kerry Jo, have one child, Lindsay (1987) who is attending graduate school at UT’s College of Social Work.
After serving in the Navy as a Radioman, Rod had various businesses such as auto restoration, home improvement, boat design and video editing. He was actively involved in volunteer work at his church in Florida; buildings & grounds, stewardship, new building construction, and youth director.
While visiting their best friends for several years, they fell in love with east Tennessee and it’s 4 seasons compared to Florida’s 1 season. In March 2010 they moved into their new home in Louisville which was designed and built by Rod. They both are very excited about their new life in Tennessee. Rod now serves on the staff of Two Rivers Church as the Facility Director. He is excited and humbled to be a part of God's church family once again.
You can contact Rod at 865-777-2121 or at rod.harper@tworiverschurch.org
Jonathan Carone
Creative Director
Jonathan came to Two Rivers Church in 2010 from the small, semi-redneckian town of King, North Carolina and he will argue with you that North Carolina is the greatest state on the planet. He graduated from Liberty University in May 2008 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Management with a minor in Coaching (yes, that's a real minor). After graduation, he enrolled in Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary and graduated in 2010 with a Master of Arts in Student Ministry.
While in college, Jonathan interned and worked for the Liberty Football program for a total of 2.5 years. After his first year of graduate school, he became the Video Content Coordinator for Liberty Athletics. While working in that role, he oversaw all video content for the Athletics department as well as producing and directing video aspects of live events.
Jonathan married his wife Nicole in April of 2012 and the two live in Knoxville. In his spare time, Jonathan enjoys watching way too much tv, following Liberty athletics, and coming up with a clever ending to this space.
You can contact Jonathan at 865-777-2121 or jonathan.carone@tworiverschurch.org.
Patti Cloud
Receptionist
Patti is married to Rusty, who is an accountant. They moved to Knoxville from Chattanooga in 2008. They have three children: Joshua (1994), Katie (1996), and Amy (2000). Patti worked in preschool ministry for 14 years prior to moving to Knoxville.
Patti and Rusty began attending in 2008 and joined Two Rivers in 2009, and she came on staff in the summer of 2012. During the week, Patti is the pleasant voice you hear when you call the church office. She enjoys serving with special events in Student Ministries, where all three of her children are active.
You can contact Patti at 865-777-2121 or patti.cloud@tworiverschurch.org.
Wendy Long
Director of Groups & Women’s Ministry
Wendy was raised on her family’s farm outside the small town of Decherd, TN. She later attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville graduating with a Bachelors degree in Industrial Engineering and a minor in Business. After working in the engineering field for a few years following college, Wendy felt God leading her towards ministry. She has served on staff with two other Christian organizations before joining the Two Rivers team in the fall of 2012.
Since first attending here in 2006, Wendy has enjoyed leading growth groups to young women, being involved in prayer opportunities, attending women’s events and growing in her walk with Christ through the amazing family, friends, and mentors God has provided in community at Two Rivers. She loves to come alongside others and encourage them in their journey of faith and is excited to help people connect and develop through Growth Groups and Women’s Ministry opportunities.
You can contact Wendy at 865-777-2121 ext. 311 or wendy.long@tworiverschurch.org.
Erin Smith
Events Coordinator & Worship Arts Assistant
Erin grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She met her husband, Josh, in college at Cornerstone University. They moved to Tennessee in 2009 and began attending Two Rivers. Erin misses the snowy winters in Michigan, but has fallen in love with the sunny days and East Tennessee Mountains.
Josh & Erin’s first son, Carter, was born in 2011, and is expecting a second son, due in May, 2013.
Erin has a huge heart for hospitality and she loves to serve and cook! Any great smells coming from the Two Rivers kitchen have Erin behind them!
You can contact Wendy at 865-777-2121 ext. 314 or erin.smith@tworiverschurch.org.
Lori Cox
Contribution's Assistant
Lori was raised in South Knoxville as an only child, graduated from UTK in 1993, and then moved to West Knox after she married Blaine (the Floridian who wears shorts all year long.) Lori’s background is in banking. Blaine has worked at the White Stone Group since 1999. They have two precious children, Kelby and Cason, that keep Lori busy and her heart full.
After moving to Farragut in 1998 they began attending Two Rivers when it started. They have served in several different ministries through the years-college & children’s and been involved in small groups. Kelby, a 6thgrader, is an avid reader who also enjoys acting and singing for the Lord. She serves the children in Dive In as a 1st grade small group leader & on the worship team. Cason is in 3rd grade and always has a mean Lego creation going as well as enjoying basketball.
You can contact Lori at 865-777-2121 ext. 309 or lori.cox@tworiverschurch.org.
Brantley Robinson
Technical Director
Brantley was born and raised in the beautiful mountains of East Tennessee. He has been at Two Rivers since January 2005, first as worship leader for FUEL, and most recently came on as Technical Director. Brantley married Emily (who is his better half) in 2010.
Brantley has a passion for worship, all things technical and European sports cars.
You can contact Brantley at 865-777-2121 or brantley.robinson@tworiverschurch.org.
Jonathan Addington
All Things IT
Jonathan came to Two Rivers in 2009 when his wife Katie became the middle school intern here. Shortly afterwards he came on staff to help with the website and IT. Katie has since moved on to be a full time mom. You can catch Jonathan playing bass at least once a month either in The Merge or at The Well.
You can contact Jonathan at 865-816-9727 or jonathan.addington@tworiverschurch.org.
Lara Lazenby
High School Pastor Intern
Lara grew up in a bustling suburb of Birmingham, Alabama. On a mission trip during fall break, while sleeping on a hard gym floor surrounded by middle schoolers, she felt the Lord calling her to youth ministry.
From there, her journey took her to the steps of Baylor University where she spent the next four years deep in the heart of Central Texas. While at Baylor she became plugged in with her local church’s youth group, where she volunteered as a youth leader. When she wasn’t at church, she was giving tours of campus in big buses with her fancy commercial truck driving license or planning events around campus. In May she graduated with a B.A. in Public Relations and a minor in Religion.
After graduation Lara was determined to get out of Texas and back to the real south, which led her to Two Rivers.
Lara loves social media, loves planning events, and is a self-proclaimed Master of photography, able to boost anyone’s Facebook photo count in a matter of minutes. She has been known to throw some of the best surprise parties and has a fatal attraction to funfetti cupcakes and cake balls.
You can contact Lara at 865-777-2121 or lara.lazenby@tworiverschurch.org.
Jeff Hodges
High School Pastor Intern
Jeff grew up in Davis, California, known for its university and wonderful smell of cows. Growing up he wanted nothing more than to be playing sports and hanging out with friends. His love for sports continued as he competed in snowboarding and spent all of his winters in the mountains.
He attended the University of Utah with plans to become a weather man and snowboard every day before and after class., but soon found that God had different plans for him. During the middle of his first semester he realized that he was not meant to get in front of a camera and tell people if it was going to be sunny or rainy. Over the next few years he changed majors and was blessed to be in a position of running a youth group. Along with youth ministry he was involved in school athletics and could be found showing his ridiculous amount of school spirit at as many sporting events as possible.
Upon graduation Jeff was looking for somewhere to continue to serve in ministry, leading him to here at Two Rivers. If you ask him, he will tell you there was no chance he would ever leave the West, but is so glad that he felt God calling him to take a step of faith and head East. He is a huge sports fan and will partake in watching or playing any sport you could possibly imagine. Also if you ever are unsure of where he is, odds are he is reading or working at Starbucks getting his coffee fix and free WiFi.
Alex Lehmicke
Middle School Pastor Intern
Alex Lehmicke was born and raised in the icy tundra of Oakdale, Minnesota, where he spent most of his time shoveling snow and grooming his sled dogs. Having grown weary of Minnesota, he packed up his stuff and moved one state over to the land of cheese and cows, where he studied and graduated from the University of Wisconsin: Stout, with degree in Psychology and a minor in Cognitive Neuroscience.
While attending Stout, he was involved with Campus Crusade for Christ and his church’s middle school youth group. Putting his psychology degree to good use after graduation, he moved back to Minnesota and picked up work with a catering company that he had worked for in the summers past. Knowing all along that God had called him to ministry, and being the great listener he is, ignored Gods call for about a year. Finally he decided to start listening to God, and was shortly after hired as an intern here at Two Rivers Church.
Alex enjoys many activities such as ultimate Frisbee, disc golf, rock climbing, pretty much anything outdoors for that matter, and anything that has the word extreme in front of it. He also enjoys hanging out and being crazy with the middle school students and teaching them about God!
Tami Tollefson
Middle School Pastor Intern
