ANNOUNCEMENTS
Valley Grove calls Holbrook as pastor
Baptist and Reflector
KNOXVILLE — Valley Grove Baptist Church in South Knoxville announced the calling of Evan Holbrook as its 30th senior pastor. Holbrook will preach his first sermon Jan. 11, 2026, bringing fresh vision and energy to a congregation with deep roots.
Holbrook grew up in Livingston, Texas, before entering full-time ministry. Over the past 18 years, he has served in churches in Houston and Tennessee. Most recently, as lead student pastor at First Baptist, Cleveland, he oversaw a ministry building a culture where teenagers engaged with church and mission work.
“My family and I are humbled, thankful and blessed to be called to Valley Grove Baptist Church,” Holbrook said. “God is in the details, and I believe he has brought us here at such a time as this to share Jesus Christ in every home from Seymour to the ends of the earth.”
Holbrook holds a Bachelor of Arts in business administration and Christianity from Houston Baptist University and a Master of Divinity from Liberty University. He and his wife, Kristen, also a Liberty University graduate, have four children: Carden, Lincoln, Klaiborne and Carroway. The family is relocating to the Seymour/South Knoxville community.
Jordan Easley, Holbrook’s current senior pastor, praised his abilities. “Evan has demonstrated exceptional leadership and has grown tremendously as a preacher and communicator,” Easley said. “His ability to connect with students and congregants alike has fostered a vibrant and growing community within our church.” B&R
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