Our Location
We’re easy to find! We’re just north
of I-75/40 and West Town Mall –
across Vanosdale from the
Shannondale Retirement Center.
7234 Middlebrook Pike,
Knoxville, TN 37909
(865) 690-8641
What We Believe
We believe that salvation is found in and through Jesus Christ.
We believe that the Bible is the word of God and the primary authority for Christian life and faith.
We believe in 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; thus impacting the world for the cause of Christ.
We believe the sacraments of baptism and Holy Communion
We believe that the Bible is the word of God and the primary authority for Christian life and faith.
We believe in 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; thus impacting the world for the cause of Christ.
We believe the sacraments of baptism and Holy Communion
What to Wear
Be at home! Be Comfortable! We want you to wear what you want. Our only dress code is that you be you.
Where to Park
Plenty of convenient parking is available for guests and members on all sides of the church, but the best parking for new visitors is located off Vanosdale Road. Look for the signs right up front and come on in!
UMC Core Beliefs
We believe that salvation is found in and through Jesus Christ.
We believe that the Bible is the word of God and the primary authority for Christian life and faith.
We believe in 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; thus impacting the world for the cause of Christ.
We believe the sacraments of baptism and Holy Communion.
Pastoral Staff
Troy Forrester, Senior Pastor
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.
Larry Trotter, Associate Pastor
Larry Trottter 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. Lauren is an architect in Chattanooga and raises three sons with her husband, Brian. Christie is an RN in the NICU at UTMC and raises two daughters with her husband, Dale.
Program Staff
Ann Cover, Director of Student Ministries
Ann has been working within the church since 1997. She has a Masters in Child and Family Studies from the University of Tennessee. Ann and her husband, Robert, have one daughter, Laura. “I love children and their inquisitive minds and desire to learn. I believe one of the best ways to impact a child’s life is to help them grow in Christ through their involvement with church and equipping those involved in their life.”
Jenny Thompson and Zane Poling, Directors of Youth Ministries
Jenny has attended MPUMC with her family since she was born and was Youth Secretary and Youth President her junior and senior years of high school. She graduated from UT in 2020 with a degree in Sustainability and helps small, sustainable businesses around Knoxville with their marketing and outreach. Jenny loves hiking, biking, and adventuring with her dog (Tawny) and Zane.
Zane has been a member at MPUMC since his Confirmation in sixth grade and was a part of youth group throughout middle and high school. He graduated from UT in 2022 with a degree in Marketing and now works at a local private holding business. Zane loves biking, running, and pretty much everything active (especially if it’s a challenge!).
Zane has been a member at MPUMC since his Confirmation in sixth grade and was a part of youth group throughout middle and high school. He graduated from UT in 2022 with a degree in Marketing and now works at a local private holding business. Zane loves biking, running, and pretty much everything active (especially if it’s a challenge!).
Music Staff
Kevin Miller, Director of Traditional Music and Worship
Kevin Miller has been in church choral music for 28 years. He is graduate of the University of Tennessee with a degree in Music Education.He teaches elementary school music in Blount County schools. Kevin, and wife, Tabitha, have three children. Kevin enjoys boating, playing with his children, and cheering on the BIG ORANGE.
Justin Haynes, Contemporary Worship Director
Justin has been the contemporary worship director since 2004. In addition, he is employed by Pilot/Flying J as a recruiter. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina (BS of Music Education), University of Tennessee (Masters of Jazz Studies and Human Resources). Justin enjoys astronomy and supporting University of South Carolina athletics.
Sabra Buchheit, pianist/organist
Sabra has been our pianist/organist since 2008 and was assistant pianist/organist since 1995. She is a graduate of Belmont University (BM in Music) and the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music (Master of Music). She has 2 children and enjoys gardening, hiking and travel.
Support Staff
Molly Troutman, Connections Director
Molly has been a member of MPUMC since 1994. She is a native Knoxvillian, married to Mark and has 3 children, Paige-27, Ries-24, and Marguerite-22. She has served on SPR, Nominations and the CEP Advisory Board, and is a member of the Genesis Sunday School class and attends the Contemporary Worship Service. Her professional career has been in women’s retail as a personal stylist selling NY designed clothes for 20 years from her home on a seasonal basis. She will continue this fun part-time job while serving our church. She enjoys taking long walks, spending time with family and friends, and playing with her dog.
Laurel Wright, Social Media Coordinator
Laurel has been a part of MPUMC since 2016 singing with the contemporary praise band. She is a part of a singing duo called “The Young Fables” that record and perform in Nashville, Knoxville, and throughout the country.
Charlotte Giles, Church Administrator
Charlotte has worked at Middelbrook Pike UMC since 2007. Charlotte and husband, David, have two girls, Taylor and Bailey. She enjoys walking, hiking, gardening and spending time with family.
Rachel Stone, Director of Communications Rachel and her family have recently moved to Knoxville. She has a broad background, she served as the Fund Development Director for the Red Cross, she has owned her own business and most recently was a Church Administrator for a church in Augusta, GA. Rachel is married to her husband Wes, and they have two children, Ava (20) a junior at University of Tennessee and Owen (17) a junior in high school. Rachel and her family enjoy boating, the beach, riding dirt bikes and traveling.
Kenny Brown, Facilities Manager
Kenny is a Knoxville native and joined the Middlebrook Pike team in May 2018. He and his wife Donna have one son. Kenny enjoys genealogy, arrowhead hunting, learning history, and being outdoors.
Middlebrook Pike UMC
7234 Middlebrook Pike
Knoxville, TN 37909
(865) 690-8641
