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.

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, McKenzie. “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!).

Justin Haynes, Contemporary Worship Director

Justin has been the contemporary worship director for 9 years. 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 2006. She is a graduate of Belmont University (Bachelor of Music) and the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music (Master of Music.

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 for 9 years. She started out as Administrative Assistant but in 2016 became the church administrator. Charlotte and husband, David, have two girls, Taylor (21) and Bailey (20). She enjoys walking, hiking, and spending time with family.

Rachel Stone, Director of Communications

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.