ABOUT OUR CHURCH
Who We Are
We are a multigenerational church family who desires to exalt Jesus Christ through sound biblical teaching, Christ-centered relationships, and purposeful missional living. This is done as we honor those who have served and laid the foundation before us as we minister to the generations to come as the Lord leads guides and directs us. We seek to help equip families and believers to be the disciple-makers in their homes and communities that God has called them to be in Scripture.
We desire to walk in light of these three pillars—Sound Biblical Doctrine, Biblical Relationships, and Life Through Missions—knowing that through them we are continually molded into the likeness of Christ.
- Sound Biblical Doctrine: 2 Timothy 2:15 “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”
From the pulpit on Sunday mornings to your own personal bible study on Tuesday morning, we want each follower of Christ to know how to accurately handle, divide, and feed themselves with God's Word and molded into Christ's likeness through encouragement, rebuke, and training in righteousness.
- Biblical Relationships: Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
We were designed and wired as relational beings. No believer can walk alone in their faith, we are a body, a family. It is through those relationships we are molded into Christ's likeness.
- Life Through Missions: Matthew 28:19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,”
We were not just saved from sin but to a life of proclaiming his life, death, and resurrection. As we live out the active call to go, we joyfully participate in the redemption of mankind and are molded into Christ's likeness.
Our Staff
Drew Elgersma – Lead Pastor
Drew has served in ministry for over 15 years, beginning as a Student Pastor in Florida. While earning his Master of Divinity from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, he also served as the Lead Pastor of a church in Missouri. In 2022, he joined the staff at FBC Friendsville as Associate Senior Pastor before stepping into the role of Lead Pastor in 2024. His passion is tethering believers to the Word, shepherding the church, and equipping believers to grow in their faith.
Drew and his wife, Jasmine, have two daughters, Audrey and Charlotte, along with three dogs who keep life interesting. When he’s not at the church, you might find him training for a triathlon, working on cars, or finally fully embracing his status as a coffee snob.
Joe Don Hawthorn – Family and Discipleship Pastor
Joe Don has served in ministry for thirty years in various roles as a Pastor, Student Pastor, and Pastor of Children and Families in churches in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee. His educational background includes an Associate of Arts degree and Bachelor of Arts degree from Central Baptist College in Conway, Arkansas, and a master’s degree from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri. He is currently working on his dissertation towards a Doctor of Ministry in Leadership from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He joined the staff at FBC Friendsville as Family and Discipleship Pastor in 2024. His passion is equipping families with the gospel, helping members find their place of service in the church, and equipping members to grow up in Christ through a discipleship pathway of the faithful teaching and application of the Word.
Joe Don and his wife, Maranda, have three children, Bryan, Joanna, and CorrieBeth, along with a son-in-law, Randy, and a daughter-in-law, Ysabella. Joe Don enjoys spending time with his family, going for a run/walk with family at the park, fishing, watching sports, and keeping up with the Razorbacks.
Kelsey Wade – Next Gen Pastor
Kelsey was given various opportunities beginning at the young age of 16 to deliver God’s Word to children, youth, and adults. It was during this time that he was called into ministry. While he attempted to run from this call for a while, he eventually gave in to God’s sovereign will, and has been serving the local church ever since. Kelsey joined the staff at FBC Friendsville in 2024, bringing with him a passion for reaching and discipling the next generation into fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. He currently holds a Master of Arts in Christian Leadership from Bryan College and is pursuing his Master of Divinity.
Kelsey is married to his wife, Abby, who is a third-grade teacher. When he’s not at the church, you can probably find Kelsey hanging out at one of the local schools, cheering on the Vols, or trying to keep his black goldendoodle out of trouble.
Caleb Posey – Worship Director
God led me to the FBCF family in June of 2017. I started serving on the worship team shortly after and have been able to be a part of helping lead the church in worship ever since. I currently serve the church as the Director of Worship. I’ve been involved in worship ministry as long as I could play guitar and have served at multiple churches and ministries throughout my life.
Outside of my role at FBCF, I enjoy life with my family (Makayla – wife and James – son) and friends while hiking, playing disc golf, and being outside. God has been so faithful in my life. Through every up, down, and turn, God has proven His commitment to me time and time again and I am very blessed to serve this body of believers in giving Him all praise, honor, and worship.
Tammie McNabb – Secretary
Tammie grew up in Friendsville and has been attending FBCF since birth. She joined the FBCF Team as the secretary in February 1997.
Tammie has been married to Rodney since June 1987. They have two children by birth and two children by marriage ... Colton and wife, Katie, and Marah and husband, Coleman. They are also the proud grandparents of Drake.
Jim Raines – Church Administrator
Jim joined the FBCF staff in April 2022 following a 23-year career in the Insurance Business with Tenn. Farm Bureau. Jim and wife Anne have been active members of the FBCF praise team since joining the church in 2012, where they serve alongside daughter Makayla and son-in-law Caleb Posey. He is an East Tennessee native who graduated from the last class of Friendsville High in 1979 and attended the University of Tennessee where he studied Business and Accounting.
Jim is focused on being a faithful steward in regards to the operational aspects of the church, including Finances, Building and Grounds, and assisting the various church ministry teams. In his spare time, he enjoys Golf as well as Biking and pickleball with Anne. They also love their role as Papaw and Nana to Grandson James.
Our Mission
We seek to develop passionate followers of Christ who will reach the world.
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