OUR LEADERSHIP

Zach was born and raised in Southeast Texas. He was brought up in the local church from birth, and eventually by God's grace, Zach made a profession of faith at a young age. After moving to East Tennessee and graduating from high school there, Zach saw his faith grow significantly during his college years at Middle Tennessee State University, where he would receive a Bachelor's degree in Audio Production. 

Not only did his relationship with the Lord grow, but so did the desire to consider and pursue ministry as a vocation. During his early twenties and a handful of pivotal experiences, it became clear that he was called to local church ministry. The most life-changing of these experiences was meeting the woman who would become his wife, Hannah. After meeting on the first day of school, then dating throughout college, they were married in 2013.

After completing a two-year pastoral ministry internship, Zach has been serving in full-time pastoral ministry since 2017, serving first in the Austin, TX area (2017-2021) before coming back to the Knoxville, TN area. Zach became the Pastor at MBC in May of 2024.

Zach is nearing the end of his pursuit of a Master of Divinity (M.Div) degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He spent seven years serving as a Staff Writer to Gospel-Centered Discipleship (2017-2023), and has also recently written at his personal blog, Him We Proclaim. He enjoys not only writing sermons and Bible study curriculum, but also about matters related to theology and the Christian life.

Zach and Hannah are immeasurably blessed to share life with their four children: Nora, Haddon, Owen, and Zoe. Their greatest enjoyment is getting to spend time together as a family. He also enjoys reading with a good cup of coffee, watching his Texas Longhorns, listening to vinyl records, and barbecuing.

Mason grew up with his two older brothers on a farm in Corryton, TN. Though he did not grow up in church, he would later come to faith on a Wednesday night youth service at fifteen years old.

After graduating from Gibbs High School, Mason went on to receive an A.S. Degree from Pellissippi St. Community College, and then a B.A. Degree in Religion and Archaeology from Carson-Newman University, graduating with Honors. Mason is currently in pursuit of an M.Div from Carson-Newman University. During his time in higher education, Mason has worked in a local fitness club, as well as serving as the Student Director at Richland Baptist Church. This role provided Mason with opportunities for preaching, teaching, and leading the student ministry.

Mason's heart for the church is rooted in discipleship. He aspires to pour into young people so that they too may become radical in their faith in Jesus. Mason believes that young people are not merely future of the church, but a part of the church right now. His desire is to empower many people to use the gifts God has given them for the advance of His kingdom.