ABOUT
Middlebrook Pike United Methodist Church
WHAT WE BELIEVE
That salvation is found in and through Jesus Christ.
That the Bible is the word of God and the primary authority for Christian life and faith. Salvation by grace through faith and not works.
We believe in growing in our faith and striving to become more and more like Christ. We believe in the balance of heart and head.
We believe in evangelism, Christian service, and social change.
The sacraments of baptism and Holy Communion.
OUR MISSION
Our vision is to be a community where EVERYONE is welcome, ANYTHING’s possible, and all are LOVED in the name of Jesus.
Learn more about the United Methodist Church
OUR VALUES
Faith
We are rooted in the Christian faith and seek to deepen our relationship with God through prayer, study, and worship.
Inclusivity
We welcome people from ALL walks of life and affirm the sacred worth of every individual. We are a church that champions people and wants to be known more for who we are for, rather than anything we are against.
Community
We are better together than we are apart! We believe in the power of community to support, encourage, and spur one another on in our life of faith.
Authenticity
I’m not perfect. You’re not perfect. We can be “not perfect” together as we pursue lives of holiness and strive to become more and more like Jesus.
Compassion
We are committed to serving others in Knoxville and beyond with compassion, love, and generosity, following the example of Jesus Christ.
OUR STAFF
SENIOR PASTOR
Troy Forrester
Troy Forrester is a native of the Tri-Cities born in Johnson City and growing up in Kingsport. He graduated from East Tennessee State University and Duke University. Troy first served as associate pastor at First United Methodist Church of Oak Ridge from 2006 to 2016. Following his time in Oak Ridge, and was appointed as lead pastor of First United Methodist Church of Knoxville in 2016. Troy become lead pastor at MPUMC in July 2023. Troy & his wife Christina have two children Callen and Mallory.
ASSOCIATE PASTOR
Larry Trotter
Larry Trotter a third career pastor, having spent 5 years as a traveling musician and 20 years in radio before going back to school to get a B.S. in management and then an MDiv at Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Larry served Dutch Valley UMC (2), Martel UMC (6), and Concord UMC as an associate pastor (14) and senior pastor (8). Larry became associate pastor of MPUMC in July 2023. Larry & his wife Lynn have been married for almost 45 years have two daughters, Lauren and Christie.
PROGRAM STAFF
-
Ann Cover
DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES -
Jenny Thompson & Zane Polling
DIRECTOR OF YOUTH
MINISTRIES -
Sonny Melton
INTERIM DIRECTOR
OF MUSIC -
Justin Haynes
DIRECTOR OF CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP -
Sabra Buchheit
ORGANIST/PIANIST
SUPPORT STAFF
-
Molly Troutman
CONNECTIONS
DIRECTOR -
Laurel Wright
SOCIAL MEDIA
COORDINATOR -
Rachel Stone
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
-
Charlotte Giles
CHURCH
ADMINISTRATOR -
Kenny Brown
FACILITIES
MANAGER