Staff

**Shawn Slate - Pastor**
Slate is a graduate of Clemson University (B.S. Biological Sciences) and received his M.DIv from Covenant Theological Seminary. He became a Christian through RUF at Clemson, and later served as the Youth Director at Clemson Presbyterian, Assistant Pastor at Covenant Church in St. Louis, RUF Campus Minister for 10 years at the University of Virginia and in 2015 he became the Pastor at Redeemer Church. He loves to pickleball, paint and ride his minivan throughout urban and university Knoxville.

**Morgan Fry - Children’s Director and Administrative Assistant**
Morgan is a native Texan and she graduated from Texas A&M - Corpus Christi with a degree in Communication and Public Relations. She moved to Knoxville in 2022 and has been attending Redeemer ever since. Morgan spent 6 years working for Young Life - and outreach ministry, and then was an event planner for three years. Now, she will serve at Redeemer as the Children’s Director and Administrative Assistant helping with church wide events. In her free time, she loves hiking with her husband and dog, Howie, and trying out new food or coffee spots around town!

**Ben Bannister - Director of Worship and Men’s Ministry**
Ben is a graduate of the University of Tennessee (B.A. English, Creative Writing). Before coming to Redeemer in 2016, he served as Director of Worship at Grace Presbyterian Church and Second Presbyterian Church. Ben enjoys making music with friends, cheering on his favorite football teams (from Tennessee to Tottenham), and playing all sports. Ben’s current favorite card game is Nertz.

**Josh Flory - Director of Congregational Formation**
Josh has attended Redeemer since 2007, and graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in journalism. He previously worked as a newspaper reporter and editor; a commercial real estate broker; and in public-sector communications. He enjoys reading, gardening, and supporting Liverpool Football Club – and especially spending time with his wife, Nicole, and their four children.

**Karen Ems - Director of Operations and Women’s Ministry**
Karen has attended Redeemer since 2011, and has been on staff since 2014. She attended the University of Tennessee and has a degree in early childhood development. Before Redeemer, she did a lot of things, the most interesting of which was 10 years at a fireworks company. In addition to keeping Redeemer’s system running smoothly, Karen organizes the church’s community events. Karen bleeds orange and loves pink cotton candy. Karen’s current favorite game is (beating her family at) Tapple.

Stephen Welch - Youth DirectorStephen has attended Redeemer since 2021 and graduated from the University of Chattanooga with a degree in Outdoor Recreation. He spent two years interning in the CSPC Youth Department. You are likely to see him at a dog park with his dog, Dolly, at a coffee shop, on a run, or hanging out with his wife, Allie. His blood bleeds blue (look for an update to this soon). Stephen’s current favorite card game is Dutch Blitz. — **Stephen Welch - Youth Director**
Stephen has attended Redeemer since 2021 and graduated from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga with a degree in Outdoor Recreation. He spent two years interning in the CSPC Youth Department. You are likely to see him at a dog park with his dog, Dolly, at a coffee shop, on a run, or hanging out with his wife, Allie. His blood bleeds blue (look for an update to this soon). Stephen’s current favorite card game is Spades.

Elders

Shawn Slate

Philip Ems

Scott Fann

Ryan Lind

Josh Flory (non-voting)

Richard Harb (sabbatical)

Josh Hurst (sabbatical)

CLICK TO EMAIL THE ELDERS

Deacons

Joe Hickman

Der Hung

Charlie Johnson

Andrew Ross

Logan Wells

Jason Kisner (sabbatical)

Matt Osborne (sabbatical)

Dave Parmly (sabbatical)

Deaconesses*

Amanda Fann

Nicole Flory

Pamela Hollis

Kati Hurst

Kat Johnson

Connie Vogt

Kelly Harb (sabbatical)

Catherine Ross (sabbatical)

On March 1 we will have a Congregational Meeting to vote on four individuals that have already served as officers. Ruling elder Robbi Dickens, deacon Andy Nack, and deacon David Stooksbury are returning from sabbatical and must be re-elected by the congregation. Deacon Logan Wells has been nominated to serve as a ruling elder, and has already been through officer training. See their pictures below and scroll over the images for bio information. The Congregational Meeting will be held after each service since it is for voting purposes only, and there will not be a discussion.

If you would like to get in contact with any of these candidates, please email the office and we will connect you!

Robbi Dickens- Elder Candidate
Robbi and Caitlyn, along with their children—Carter, Emma, Asher, and Camille—have been part of Redeemer Church of Knoxville since November 2011. Robbi was ordained an elder in 2014 and served on the Session in various capacities for ten years before beginning a sabbatical. Robbi enjoys reading, hunting for old books, and is excited about the future of Redeemer on this corner.

Julia Slagle - Appointed Deaconess
Julia and Jackson- along with their children Myers, Winnie and Teddy have attended Redeemer since 2019. Julia serves regularly in our children’s ministry. During the week you can find Julia in a court room where she is a public defender. On the weekends she spends her time on the sidelines cheering on her kids in their sports endeavors!

Andy Nack- Deacon Candidate
Andy and Leslie have 5 children and have been attending Redeemer since 2012 . Andy became a deacon in 2017 and serves on the building committee. You can find Andy training for marathons or on the lake in his free time!

In addition, Julia Slagle was nominated during our last election cycle as a deaconess, but was not able to begin serving last year. The Session has interviewed Julia, and appointed her as a deaconess.