Leadership

Elders

Elder, Interim Pastor
I am a native of the mountains of East Tennessee where I grew up in the church. Having heard the stories of the Bible all my life, I still never cease to be amazed at the beauty and goodness of God still to be uncovered within its pages. One of my deepest joys as a teacher of the Bible is helping others to see how the love of Jesus is permeates the story of God from Genesis to Revelation, and how the good news of the gospel is always even better and more beautiful than we thought, no matter how many times we’ve heard it before.
My first passion in ministry was for serving the church through worship leading and music, and while I still love the chance to play and sing about Jesus, I step into the pulpit with the same intention of leading the hearts of God’s people to praise him. I believe all of worship—from singing, praying, the reading and preaching of Scripture, and eating at the Lord’s Table—is an integral part of the way God meets his people in grace and shapes us after his image for the sake of his glory and mission in the world.
After my undergraduate studies in worship ministry and preaching/church leadership at Johnson University (2018)—where I met my wonderful wife, Amanda—I spent my first years of ministry leading worship, before pursuing my M.A. in theological studies at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary(2023). After leading worship at CityChurch while in seminary, I served as pastoral resident at CityChurch throughout 2024, before stepping into the role of interim pastor in November of that year.
taylor@citychurchbristol.org

Elder
I grew up in a pastor's home as the youngest of 5. I can remember from an early age following my older brothers and sister everywhere they went, for better or worse. Now, at 27 years old with a wife and 17 month old son, I see more and more clearly each day that I have always longed to matter, to belong. The gospel of Jesus Christ has given me a place to belong, and in its light I find great company. My desire for the city of Bristol is the exaltation of Jesus, and the restoration of the lost and forgotten. I believe community is one of the primary conduits for experiencing God's grace and mercy.
My wife Melody, son Salem, golden doodle Laney and I live in Bluff City where I work as an electrician.
Contact: lastoftheleuz@gmail.com.

Elder
I am privileged to have grown up in a pastors home. It provided a nurturing and steady soil for my faith to grow. During high school I discovered authors such as Tullian Tchividjian, Steve Brown, CS Lewis, Paul Tripp and John Piper. These great writers and theologians greatly influenced my view of the Gospel. I live in Bristol, TN with my wife Wesley, who helps me own and operate a Tile installation business. We have a very fond heart for children and greatly desire to see the city of Bristol reached with the good news of the gospel, and liberated from the constraints of the typical Bible Belt expectations of performance.
Contact: leuzingermicah@gmail.com.

Contact

Deacons & Staff

Deacon
My name is Cillian and my wife Ariane and I own and operate a restaurant in Abingdon, Va. We moved back to the area from New York City almost three years ago and are happy to call City Church Bristol our home once again.
Ironically/providentially my home church in Ireland is also called City Church and feels very similar to the community here. Because of this I was blessed to feel right at home in Virginia since the day I left Ireland five years ago.

Deacon
Hi! My name is Wesley Leuzinger. I am originally from Bristol, TN, and am so thankful to continue to grow my roots here. I work in Abingdon, VA, as a Children’s Community-Based Mental Health Therapist. My job is challenging and life-giving all the same, like all fruitful things are.
City Church is where I met my husband, Micah Leuzinger, who is one of our Elders. To say City Church is a blessing to me feels like an understatement. City Church has been a friend to me when I have felt too broken to speak or get up in the morning. As much as I love City Church, I love the God who breathes into it all the more.
I am so excited to step into a role where I have the opportunity, with the Holy Spirit as my guide, to love on God’s people in a more tangible way! You can find me setting up for our church service on Sunday morning, singing with the worship team, or walking around downtown Bristol. I would love to meet ya and say welcome!

Deacons
Hello! We are honored to serve as deacons at City Church. For our entire married life, we have longed for a church to call home - where we can share life with people who love Jesus, seek after him, and aim to lay their lives down for His glory. We are beyond grateful that we have found that at City Church Bristol!
I (Lance) grew up living in various locations around the world as a military kid, and landed in Bristol after playing basketball at Emory and Henry College nearby in VA. I met Kayla shortly out of college and now we are married and building a life together in Bristol Tennessee along with our two kids, Derek and Mila. I work as a Day Treatment Specialist and a basketball coach in Abingdon, Virginia.
I (Kayla) grew up right here in Bristol. I work as an occupational therapist in Bristol Virginia. When I’m not at work, my time is spent building a home and family with Lance and our kiddos. I didn’t intend to spend my adult life in my hometown, but it turns out The Lord had different plans. And really, I’m so glad he did. He brought me back here to marry Lance and raise our family. To be able to serve and love on the people of my hometown is such a privilege.
We would love to meet you, hear your story, and walk beside you on your journey!

Deacon
I immigrated from China as a teenager and have lived in the Tri-Cities region since 1987. I came to this area to attend high school and ended up staying. My wife, Vinita and I met at church and have always desired that God is at the center of our family. We’ve been married for 22 years and have 2 sons, 1 daughter, 3 grandsons and 2 granddaughters.
We came to CityChurch looking for a place to build relationships with other believers. Over the years, we have known and experienced God’s grace through His sovereign leading. We are still learning daily to trust Him through prayers and listening to Holy Spirit’s guidance. It’s wonderful for us to be a part of the body of Christ where we can share lives with others through what Jesus has done for us on the cross. We desire to be good stewards of all the blessings that God has given us.

Deacon
Hello! I'm a long time resident of Bristol, TN having graduated from both TN High and King University where I was a member of the Cross-Country team and served as team captain and was also a member of the FCA leadership team during my time there. I graduated from King with a BA in Psychology and a coaching minor. After college I served my community as an Adult Mental Health Case Manager at Frontier Health before earning my Real Estate license.
Currently, Melinda is the Lead Buyer Agent for HBX Realty, a Bristol based real estate company affiliated with Keller Williams.
I have a passion for connecting with others and sharing the intricacies of how God has worked in my life through joys and trials.
Three things that will allow you to know me better is that I am loyal and love my friends and family deeply, I'm a coffee connoisseur and can always tell you where to get the best cup in town, and my dogs are my best friends!

Children’s Ministry Director
My name is Lauren Barker and I am the Director of Children’s Ministries here at City Church Bristol. I have a Bachelor’s of Arts in Youth Ministry from King University and a Master’s of Education from ETSU in Special Education. I have been a volunteer Young Life Leader for 5 years and a Special Education teacher. I have a heart for serving the community of Bristol and connecting others in acts of service in our community. Children are the future to our mission. I am passionate about loving and teaching children about the unconditional love of Jesus while walking through life with them.
lauren@citychurchbristol.org