John Pinkston

Pastor John Pinkston has served in ministry for over 30 years, and is currently the Associational Missionary for the Jefferson County Baptist Association. Pastor John has always had a particular passion for reaching and evangelizing children, making him a perfect fit with CEF of Greater Knoxville.

Tammy Bowlin

Tammy Bowlin is a retired special education teacher and administrator. She loves God and children, and serves both passions on our Local Committee.

Lavigne Kirkpatrick

Lavigne Kirkpatrick came to a get acquainted meeting about Good News Clubs, and was moved to get involved, in a way that matched her skill set. As a retired R.N., she’s gifted in administration and organization.

Linda Odle

Linda Odle has served in almost every capacity possible within the CEF organization over her many years of involvement. It’s no wonder that the children love her, as she was just a teenager when recruited from her church in Memphis to volunteer with CEF. She has been active in the organization ever since. In 1971 […]

Jim Odle

Jim Odle serves as the Human Resources sub-committee chair, and is living proof that CEF’s Good News Club ministry is effective, as he has fond memories of attending GNC as a child. Locally, he has been involved with CEF for about 30 years. He and his wife Linda grew up in a Memphis area church […]

Debbie Patrick

Debbie Patrick serves as the Communication Sub-Committee chair. She became involved with CEF through her friend Ed Way. Debbie is a Knoxville native and has an extensive background in writing, publishing and media promotion. She’s happy to lend her time and gifts to the CEF organization, and looks forward to sharing the Good News of […]

Steve Young

Steve serves as Secretary for the CEF Knoxville local committee. He got involved with CEF over 40 years ago, when Jim and Linda Odle asked him to consider getting involved. He’s found it to be a very effective ministry to unchurched children, many of whom have no clue about Jesus. He has seen them go […]

Ed Way

Ed Way serves as the Financial Sub-Committee chair. He’s well-qualified to keep a careful watch over the stewardship of CEF finances, as he is a retired corporate Chief Financial Officer. Ed’s involvement with CEF represents a 50-year tradition. Both Ed’s father and father-in-law were involved in CEF, so he proudly and enthusiastically carries on the […]

Amy Tjoa

Amy Tjoa serves as the Knoxville area committee chair, and while she’s only been in East Tennessee for ten years, she became acquainted with the ministry of CEF back in 2006 while living in Springfield, MO. Her church there was starting a Good News Club, and Amy knew God was calling her to help. When […]

Mitch Townley

Mitch Townley serves as the Director for Child Evangelism Fellowship of Greater Knoxville and also as the Director of Children’s Ministry at West Hills Presbyterian Church. Mitch holds two Masters of Arts degrees, in Christian Education from Columbia International University, and in Special Education from the University of South Carolina. His undergraduate degree, in Speech […]

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