our team

Lead Pastor

Ryan grew up on the East Coast and then did his undergraduate and seminary in Chicago. He was in youth and college ministry for 16 years before he and his wife, Laura, moved to Knoxville to plant Waters Edge. They have 3 kids, middle school to high school age. Ryan loves a good movie and yard & wood working.

Director of Children's Ministry

Taylor grew up near St. Louis. After studying Family/Children’s Ministry at Moody Bible Institute she served as a foster care social worker for several years before moving into a preschool teaching role. She and her husband, Mike, enjoy mountain biking, throwing the football, and grilling with their 3 boys, elementary to middle-school age.

Pastor of Adult & Family Ministries

Grant grew up in a northern suburb of Chicago. He and his wife, Denise, have 3 kids, middle school to college age. Grant ministered to college students for 22 years in Ohio, Albania, and Macedonia before serving as a Pastor of Discipleship in Indianapolis. Grant is a passionate Chicago sports and Liverpool soccer fan.

Youth Ministry Pastor

Brett grew up in Knoxville and attended the University of Tennessee. After spending a year on the mission field in South Asia, he began ministering to our middle school and high school students. He married his wife Elayna in the summer of 2021, and they are expecting their first later this year. Brett loves time with his family here in town, hanging out with friends, and watching European soccer.
 

Worship Pastor

Corey grew up in  Columbus, Ohio.  He graduated from Miami University (OH) and was a college minister there for 5 years, while also leading worship for his local church. He and his wife, Hannah, have a 2-year old boy and another baby on the way. Corey enjoys rooting for the Buckeyes, listening to John Mayer, and reading a good novel.

Derek works as a product manager.  He and his wife, Carol, have 4 kids, elementary to college age.