Youth Ministries
Welcome from the PET Youth Committee
“Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” – Matthew 18:5 NRSV
The Presbytery of East Tennessee is dedicated to supporting youth ministry in our individual churches, as well as collaboratively. The Youth Committee strives to provide opportunities for presbytery youth to grow in their faith, build relationships with one another, and explore ways in which they can live out their faith in a meaningful way.
Small & Mighty
One way the Youth Committee hopes to provide opportunities for faith formation and fellowship for youth in the presbytery is through our collaborative youth group program called Small & Mighty. This ministry initiative is targeted toward smaller youth groups but is open to all youth within the presbytery. Small & Mighty meets once a month for a variety of programming at different locations. Please check the 2024 calendar below for this year’s events and details.
Annual Events – Youth Summit & Middle School Retreat
Each year we offer an event for high school youth (9th-12th grade) in the early spring called Youth Summit. We also offer an annual Middle School Retreat for 6th-8th graders in the fall. Both of these events offer time for youth to meet new friends, grow in their faith, and build relationships with their home church group.
Youth Leadership
The Youth Committee realizes that in order to support youth ministry in our presbytery we need to actively help our youth grow in leadership skills and provide opportunities for our youth leaders to find encouragement and connection. High school youth are invited to apply to serve on PET Youth Council. This group of youth work with the Youth Leadership Team of the Youth Committee to learn leadership skills through training opportunities. They also help plan and lead the annual youth retreats. Youth ministry leader cohorts and continuing education events are in the works to better support the youth leaders of our presbytery.
If you need more information or would like to join the Youth Committee’s efforts to minister to the youth of our presbytery, please email us at youthcommittee@presbyteryeasttn.org
Peace & Light,
Rev. Jessica Lewis
Moderator
Youth Committee
PET Youth Committee
Youth Committee Leadership
Rev. Jessica Lewis, Moderator
MAST Director
Maryville College, Maryville
Rev. Meredith Loftis, Vice Moderator
Associate Pastor
First Presbyterian, Knoxville
Youth Committee Teams
Small and Mighty Team
Rev. Jessica Lewis
MAST Director
Maryville College, Maryville
Mason Warren
Director of Family Ministry
Farragut Presbyterian, Knoxville
Rev. Matthew Benz-Whittington
Pastor
Highland Presbyterian, Maryville
Dr. Rebecca Pierce
Elder
Bethel Presbyterian, Kingston
Youth Leadership Team
Rev. Louden Young
Associate Pastor
New Providence Presbyterian, Maryville
Carrie Pittenger
Elder
New Providence Presbyterian, Maryville
Sam Goins
Elder
New Providence Presbyterian, Maryville
Ryan Hughes
Volunteer
Annual Events Team
Rev. Meredith Loftis
Associate Pastor
First Presbyterian, Knoxville
Holly Child
Christian Educator
Lake Hills Presbyterian, Knoxville
Will Purushotham
Youth Director
Korean Presbyterian, Knoxville
Jessica Carter
Youth Volunteer
First Presbyterian, Cleveland
Carolyn Gahan
Youth Director
Fountain City Presbyterian, Knoxville
Melissa Brown
Youth Director
Powell Presbyterian, Powell
Montreat Youth Conference
Small and Mighty
Small and Mighty is an initiative in collaborative youth ministry among churches in the Presbytery. The goal is to connect churches that would benefit from shared ministry, opening up new possibilities through pooling resources. Though aimed specifically at smaller congregations, these events are opened to any youth in the presbytery. If you are interested in learning more, or being put on the contact list for Small and Mighty events, please email Mason Warren (masonwarren@fpctn.org).
2024 Small & Mighty Events
April 21st, 3-6pm – Outdoor Fun @ Regional Park, Athens, TN
May 19th, 4-7pm – Movie Night @ Farragut Pres.
June 18th – Dollywood, Pigeon Forge
July 15th – River Rat Tubing, Townsend & Lunch @ Highland Pres.
August 18th – Water Front @ John Knox Center, Ten Mile, TN
September 15th, 4-7pm – Board Game Olympics @ Farragut Pres
October 20th, 3-7pm – Ropes Course & Taco Bar @ Maryville College
November 10th, 4-7pm – Friendsgiving @ Bethel Pres., Kingston, TN
December – Donation Drive, Merry Christmas!
Join the Youth Council
Interested in developing your leadership skills? Want to learn how to conduct a small group? Want to be more involved in your church life, but don’t know where to start? Just love energizers and games? Whatever the reasons, consider becoming a part of the PET Youth Council.
Youth council members help plan and lead Presbytery wide events for middle school and high school aged youth. They will be a part of a select group f high schoolers from around the presbytery, learning leadership skills together, and having fun while we do it. Youth Council members also receive special rates for Presbytery events. Youth Council events can be considered for service hours.
We have made joining the Youth Council even easier. Just fill out the short interest form below and we will contact you to set up an interview. It’s that easy.
If you have any questions, please contact youthcommittee@