Brace Yourself, Knoxville!
14 Jan
“So, are you telling me you wouldn’t be interested in moving to Knoxville, Tennessee?”
It was an off-hand question during a phone conversation with Josh Whitehead of FaithPromise Church. And it was my last day in the office of LifeChurch.tv. Shortly after that phone call I packed up my desk and left an amazing ministry behind.
Josh didn’t call to recruit me away from LifeChurch.tv. He was actually joking. He wasn’t aware of my decision to leave LC. He simply wanted some feedback and potential candidates for a Children’s Ministry Director at his church. He thought I might have some leads.
When Josh learned of my departure he put me in touch with his Family Ministries Pastor, Chuck Carringer. I liked him from the start. From the first conversation I knew I could grow under his leadership and direction. This guy was the real deal.
In the coming weeks the conversations continued. In mid December Kyle and I packed our bags and spent a few days in Knoxville. Hanging out with Pastor Chris Stephens, Chuck Carringer & Josh Whitehead, it was like spending time with family. Immediate connection.
When Chuck invited us to be a part of the FaithPromise family I confess that it was a difficult decision. It had nothing to do with Chuck, Pastor Chris, or Josh. But when you’re making the decision to move your family… the decision is a tough one.
Kyle and I have been married for 15 years.
And all of those 15 years were spent living somewhere in the Oklahoma City metro area. Grandparents, aunts and uncles are 3 hours away at the most. Moving to Tennessee puts 10 hours of driving between us.
But over a period of weeks God clarified and confirmed that FaithPromise Church was our new home. Our next step in ministry. So we’re loading up the kids and moving to the Volunteer State.
Although I’m sad to leave behind my family & my closest friends, I’m excited to see what lies ahead.
And I can’t wait to get there.
Hey Gina,
I’m the Children’s Pastor at Harbor of Hope Christian Church in N Chelmsford, MA. I read your blog from time to time and I really enjoy your insight into Children’s Ministry. I wanted to let you know that Knoxville is a great place and I think you and you’re family will enjoy it there. I lived there for a time when I did my residency with a church called Fellowship Bible Church. They meet at Pelissippi State in their Arts Auditorium. They are a great church to connect with in the area, along with the one you are headed to. Also, make sure you check out the New City Cafe in downtown. Great place to go for good discussion, great coffee and great music. Anyways, that’s my knoxville recommendations. Enjoy! And keep blogging.
Kenny Laughters
kidsharbor.tumblr.com
I am proud of you precous friend! I can’t wait to see what God is going to do in and through you. Your obedience is an example to many. May you find the deep joy that can only be found when you are doing His will! I love you!!!
Gina-
Can’t wait to meet you!You will love Knoxville and the families at Faith Promise!
So glad to hear your thoughts in blog space! (I accidently put blah space but it’s all the same.)
You will be so missed here! You have left a great legacy… A trail of people who want to love Jesus more and families learning what it means to love God & love others! Looking forward to all that God will do IN you and THROUGH you!!! Be blessed my friend!
I know nothing about TN but so excited you will be like 3 hours from my nana…definitely coming “home” for Christmas…and Thanksgiving… And summer… Well shoot I might as well just move there too
jk just glad the world makes sense once again!
YEAHHHH!!!!
And you will ADORE FPC!!!!!!
Awesome. Just a little closer to Gville. Knoxville is a cool place except for that nasty orange all around. But nonetheless a super cool place with super cool people.
Happy to hear and good luck with everything Gina!
Wow!! Tennessee is lucky to have you. Good luck, and God Bless you and your family Gina. You will be missed:)
You go for it girl! I know that God has put it within you to be the person that the church has been needing to bring families to kingdom kind of living. You have the passion, the drive, the experience, and the license :^)
Gina, welcome to the team!
I moved from Fort Worth to come to Faith Promise a little bit over a year ago, and I have no regrets. This is a great church, and we love Knoxville too. They even have seasons here.
Welcome to Faith Promise! We just moved here from Seattle and it’s a great place. Having worked in Children’s Ministry myself, I can say the FP and the staff are wonderful! And while Knoxville may have an orange tint to it, it’s a great place for families. Looking forward to meeting you!
Gina, when God speaks everything else makes sense! Your Lifechurch.TV ministry is where God chose to spend you on the lives of many children and their families now God is investing you in the Faith Promise families….He really knows how to get the best bang for his buck! (that may be an Australianism!)
Gina,
I am sooo happy for you my friend. I know that you are going to rock Knoxville! Your family is in my prayers as you prepare for the transition.
Be Blessed!
Twyler
Gina,
Welcome to Knoxvegas! You and your family will love it hear! Great place for families and Faith Promise is an amazing heart. As a father of four children in the children’s ministry, I am excited about your arrival. Let us know if we can do anything to help you get settled in.
Sincerely,
Clay L.
clay.linkous@gmail.com
Sorry for the multiple typos in the previous post. I am up late working on some projects and obviously my mind is not firing on all cylinders LOL!
cl
Gina,
Welcome to Faith Promise! So glad you’re a part of the team. I can’t wait to see the amazing things God is going to do in the lives of children and their families here in K-town. Praying for you and your family as you transition.
HEy you put it out there…way to go sis! I Love you somuch dearest!
tris
Sad to see u leave OKC. I know God has much in store for you. I will never forget the example/impact you had on me and my family here at lifechurch.tv.
Gina, so sad to see you leave Oklahoma and LifeChurch.tv, but God is MOVING and that’s always a GOOD thing!! Trust me, leaving everything and everyone behind is a blessing in disguise when God is leading the move. I think you’ll love Tennessee. My brother’s family is near Nashville and it’s beautiful. I wish you all the best and know we’ll keep up via social media. Enjoy the adventure!