Elders
The New Testament is clear about those who have the responsibility of rule, oversight, and care of the church. These men are called elders, overseers, and bishops. All three different titles are used to refer to the same spiritual office of leadership in the church and are interchangeable. Christ is the head of the church and that He mediates His rule in the church through the loving shepherding of qualified elders (pastors). (Acts 6:2-6; Acts 15:1-35; Acts 20:17-18, 28-31; Galatians 1:6-9; 1 Thess. 5:12; 1 Timothy 1:3-7, 3:1-7, 5:17; 2 Timothy 4:2 ; Titus 1:5-16; Hebrews 13:7, 17; 1 Peter 5:1-4) For further reading, please read Alexander Strauch’s key work, Biblical Eldership.
The elders would all say that Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology is one of the most important books to read aside from the Bible. For more reading recommendations, head over to the list.
Ronnie Batchelor
Ronnie Batchelor came to Basswood Church as pastor in 2003. Among the many, many kindnesses that God has shown Ronnie is Bridget, his wife of 30 years, and their three adult children — Caleb, Katie and Lauren. Ronnie and Bridget are looking forward to meeting their first grandchild, a little girl, as Caleb and his wife Leah are expecting in July, 2019. Ronnie and Bridget enjoy hiking, college athletics and time spent with family and friends. Ronnie owes a particular theological debt to J.I. Packer, Wayne Grudem, John Piper and John Newton. Prior to coming to Knoxville, Ronnie pastored churches in Florida and Iowa.
“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
2 Corinthians 5:21
Matthew Hudson
Having served churches in Alabama, Texas, and Virginia, the Hudson family came to the Knoxville area in October 2008 from Houston, TX after completing an internship at Grace family Baptist Church with Dr. Voddie Baucham. Matt, his wife Emily, and their children Hannah, Josh, Caroline, Sarah Kate, Evie, Annabelle, Clara, and Joseph love visiting the Smokies and playing with their dogs Fletcher & Lily. Matt also really loves good coffee, Mexican food, disc golf, and UT football.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2