Leadership

Todd has spent the last 30 years leading students in their relationship with Jesus and investing in their lives individually. Over the last 16 years he has also led the larger congregation of West Lonsdale via teaching on Sundays and working with the church in different areas of missions. Todd has been married to his wife, Leeanne, for 28 years, after meeting her in the church nursery almost 48 years ago. They have 4 amazing kids and one average son-in-law. Kortney, their oldest, is a member of the Praise Team. Rylee coordinates the nursery. Dalton is part of the Media Team. And Dylan sits next to his pretty girlfriend during worship. Todd's son-in-law, Jonathan, doesn't really do anything but attend. (As of the writting of this bio it is actually a widely known and accepted fact that Jonathan is an outstanding young man whom Todd is very fond of and is an active part of West Lonsdale.)

I love my life! God has been so good to me. He has given me a family that I love and adore. They are my best friends. He has allowed me to be a part of so many lives. I have seen children born, been there when they gave their lives to Jesus and am now getting to perform their weddings. What could be better than that! He has also blessed me with the opportunity to be a part of a wonderful congregation for such a long time. I am excited about what God is doing at West Lonsdale and where He is leading us. God can lead me blindfolded or eyes wide open, I don't care. Wherever He leads me, I will go!
"And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son." 1 John 5:11

Jeff leads the Worship Ministry and manages the day-to-day administrative aspects of the church. He is joined by his wife, Jina, who plays piano in the Praise Team, and their boys, Daniel and Nathan.

I look back with awe at what God has done in my life. He has given me the privilege to serve him in dear congregations in Tennessee and Kentucky. Serving here at West Lonsdale, I've learned what family can really be. And just when I thought He couldn't bless me more, He introduced me to Jina. His light shines brightly through her, filling my world with love and joy. She and our boys have filled my life beyond my dreams.
Having grown up in Knoxville, I’ve always bled orange. Since I’ve known my Savior, my heart beats with the rhythm of praise. I long to sing with the saints and angels and to lead others to the presence of God through song. My favorite song is Amazing Grace, while my favorite lyric is the second verse of It Is Well With My Soul. "My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought! My sin, not in part but the whole, is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more. Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul!”

Nita joined our church staff in March, 2020. She manages the church finances as well as the IT needs of the church including app and website construction and maintenance, and live streaming. She's also the very proud mother of Anthony, who is a Hollywood stuntman. 

Having been born and raised at WLBC, Sammi spent her first years as a recipient of care at the Center. Later, she would join the staff as a part-time caregiver while in school. After several years working as a Social Worker with at-risk families at Helen Ross McNabb, she returned to the Center in 2022 as Director. Sammi and her husband, Elliot have two daughters: Ellie and Charlotte.