Staff
Mitchell Young
Lead Pastor
Mitchell is a life long resident of Hawkins County and has had the privilege of calling Hope Community Church his home for most of his life. In High School, God began dealing with his heart and he began to pursue his ministry calling. Mitchell is married to his amazing wife Bailey and they have an energetic Golden Doodle named “Crouton”.
Mitchell obtained his Master of Divinity (M.Div) from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and loves all things theology. On his days off you can find him hunting, spending time outdoors, reading books, and drinking coffee. Mitchell considers it a privilege and honor to shepherd and serve Hope Community Church.
Mitchell obtained his Master of Divinity (M.Div) from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and loves all things theology. On his days off you can find him hunting, spending time outdoors, reading books, and drinking coffee. Mitchell considers it a privilege and honor to shepherd and serve Hope Community Church.
Chris Fraser
Hope Students Pastor
Chris began attending Hope Community Church in 2005 and joined the staff shortly after. Through many seasons of ministry and life, God has strengthened his faith, deepened his trust in Christ, and formed his heart for shepherding others. He believes lasting ministry is built on faithfulness, humility, and steady dependence on the Lord. What began as a place to serve has become a place he deeply loves and faithfully calls home.
Chris walks closely with middle and high school students as they grow in their faith. He is passionate about helping them understand what they believe, why they believe it, and how it anchors them in every season of life. His desire is to see students develop a resilient faith rooted in Scripture and lived out with humility and courage.
Chris and his wife, Alaina, have been married since 2001. They are the parents of Tori and Isla and are grateful to be grandparents. As a family, they are thankful to invest in the next generation and to be part of what God is doing at Hope and in the community.
Chris walks closely with middle and high school students as they grow in their faith. He is passionate about helping them understand what they believe, why they believe it, and how it anchors them in every season of life. His desire is to see students develop a resilient faith rooted in Scripture and lived out with humility and courage.
Chris and his wife, Alaina, have been married since 2001. They are the parents of Tori and Isla and are grateful to be grandparents. As a family, they are thankful to invest in the next generation and to be part of what God is doing at Hope and in the community.
Daniel Thurman
Hope Kids Director
Daniel is a lifelong Rogersville resident of Hawkins County. He met his wife back in high school and is now 15 years married, they’re raising four amazing kids—Carter, Justin, Reed, and Parker. Outside of Church you will find Daniel coaching Basketball and Softball. Their Family loves spending time at the gym and ballfields, enjoying movie nights, and relaxing together on the porch.
For nearly four years, the Thurman’s have called Hope Community Church their home. After praying for a place to grow and serve, God led them there through a personal invitation. Hope has become a place where their faith and family continue to thrive.
Growing up, Daniel was a PK (Pastor's Kid). Seeing the ins and outs of ministry at a young age. He and his wife have served in children’s ministry previously and even drove a church van to allow children without means to attend church service. Now Daniel feels called to invest in the next generation.
His heart is to help Kids know Jesus personally, find their identity in Him, and build a faith that lasts. Daniel is thankful for the chance to serve the youth of Hawkins County and is excited to see all that God has in store.
For nearly four years, the Thurman’s have called Hope Community Church their home. After praying for a place to grow and serve, God led them there through a personal invitation. Hope has become a place where their faith and family continue to thrive.
Growing up, Daniel was a PK (Pastor's Kid). Seeing the ins and outs of ministry at a young age. He and his wife have served in children’s ministry previously and even drove a church van to allow children without means to attend church service. Now Daniel feels called to invest in the next generation.
His heart is to help Kids know Jesus personally, find their identity in Him, and build a faith that lasts. Daniel is thankful for the chance to serve the youth of Hawkins County and is excited to see all that God has in store.
Austin Dillard
Ministry Support Associate
Austin first started attending Hope Community Church in 2009 when he was 14 years old, and over the years God has used this church to deeply shape his faith and life. What started as a place to attended has become a place he calls home.
Today, he has the joy of attending with his wife, Mandy, and their two kids, Lucy and Jack. He's incredibly thankful for how Jesus has used Hope Community Church to bless him and his family, and doesn't take it lightly that he gets to serve on staff. It’s a privilege to be part of what God is doing here and to walk alongside others as He continues to work in powerful ways in our church and community.
Austin also serves as the Director of Camp Hope of East Tennessee, a free Christian summer camp started by Hope Community Church in 2012, where kids experience the love of Jesus in a fun and safe environment. Learn more about Camp Hope here.
Today, he has the joy of attending with his wife, Mandy, and their two kids, Lucy and Jack. He's incredibly thankful for how Jesus has used Hope Community Church to bless him and his family, and doesn't take it lightly that he gets to serve on staff. It’s a privilege to be part of what God is doing here and to walk alongside others as He continues to work in powerful ways in our church and community.
Austin also serves as the Director of Camp Hope of East Tennessee, a free Christian summer camp started by Hope Community Church in 2012, where kids experience the love of Jesus in a fun and safe environment. Learn more about Camp Hope here.
