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. We strive 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. Each year we offer a retreat in the fall for middle school youth (6th-8th) and one in the early spring for high school youth (9th-12th). Additionally, high school youth are invited to apply to serve on PET Youth Council. This group of youth work with the Youth Committee to plan and lead the retreats and other Presbytery youth activities. Beyond the retreats, the PET Youth Committee also offers opportunities for churches to collaborate together through our Small and Mighty initiative. This initiative connects churches who can benefit from shared programming with one another.

If you want to get connected with the Presbytery’s efforts to minister to our youth, or would like additional information for how your church or youth might get involved with Presbytery events and programs, feel free to email youthcommittee@PresbyteryofEastTN.org

Grace and Peace,

Louden Young
Chair
Youth Committee

 

PET Youth Committee

Rev. Louden Young, Moderator
Associate Pastor
New Providence Presbyterian, Maryville
 
Jessica Lewis 
MAST Director
Maryville College, Maryville
 
Ryan Hughes
Program Director
Camp John Knox
 
Becca Hunley
Director of Youth Ministries
Washington Presbyterian, Corryton
Rev. Lyn Oakley
Pastor
Washington Presbyterian, Knoxville
 
Holly Child
Christian Educator
Lake Hills Presbyterian, Knoxville
 
Mason Warren, Small and Mighty Contact
Director of Family Ministry
Farragut Presbyterian, Knoxville
 
Rev. Matthew Benz-Whittington
Pastor
Highland Presbyterian, Maryville
 

Middle School Retreat

September 22-24

Middle School Retreat at John Knox Center

How do we care for ourselves in a world that is go, go, go? What fills our spiritual tanks, and how do we know what is worth pouring into? Come with us as we explore these questions through scripture, song, play, and being out in God’s creation.

Youth Summit 2024

February 16th-18th, 2024

High School Youth Summit at Camp Holston

Need. Want. Have. Psalm 23

Stay tuned for more information!

Questions? Email youthcommittee@presbyteryeasttn.org

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).

Small & Mighty Summer Events

Who: Small & Mighty Youth Groups of the Presbytery of East Tennessee

When: Sunday, September 17th

What: Mountain Challenge

Where: Maryville College

Price: $10/person

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@presbyteryofeasttn.org

Dates I’d be committing to attend:

Middle School Retreat | September  22 – 24th, 2023

High School Youth Summit | February 16- 18th, 2024