About Us
“But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.” Jude 20-21
Our Mission
Trinity Baptist Church exists to foster a loving community that engages all people with the truth of the gospel and passionately exalts God in worship, service, and daily life.
We summarize this in the Three E’s: Exalt. Engage. Equip.
Exalt God in Biblical Worship
At Trinity we long to know the heart of God more through Jesus, the only way to the Father. We seek to do this in everything we do, but especially as we demonstrate our faith through obedience in worship, both corporate and as a lifestyle. We preach, sing, and pursue God together for His glory (1 Cor. 10:31). We live this part of our mission out in our Worship Ministry. If this is all new to you, and you want to know more about God and how to know Him and be saved for eternity, click here to learn more.
Engage the World with the Gospel
At Trinity we seek to fulfill the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20) by taking the gospel to the lost whether they be across the street or across the world. We seek to accomplish this through speaking the gospel, giving, praying, and supporting those in ministry leadership at home and abroad. We also seek to do this by living out the gospel daily in front of one another in everyday life and in community as believers and in our communities. Do you feel something lacking in your life? Perhaps its a fellowship of believers together with you can experience gospel-living as we serve one another and minister to the basic needs around us, both physical and spiritual.
We live this part of our mission out in our Men’s Ministry, Women’s Ministry, church events, partner support, serving, giving, and church Deacons.
Equip Believers for Ministry
At Trinity we desire to see the church growing and building itself up in love (Eph. 4:16). We seek to accomplish this through teaching and discipleship but also through fellowship. Confused about what to believe in this world today? We’ll help you discover the objective truth of God’s Word and join with you in growing in the knowledge of our amazing and gracious God.
We live this part of our mission out in our Equip Ministry, Adult Small Groups, Children’s Ministry, Youth Ministry, Men’s Ministry, Women’s Ministry, and church Elders.
Ministerial & Support Staff
Mark Harrod
Pastor
Mark has served as the Senior Pastor of Trinity Baptist Church since October 1995. His passions are the proclamation and teaching of God’s Word; and helping people grow as followers of Jesus Christ. He is a graduate of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Carson-Newman University. Mark and his wife, Jodie, have three children: Sue Ellen (Gabe), Emma, and Samuel, and three grandchildren: Kimble, Alma, and Pax.
Contact Pastor Mark at mharrod@trinity3e.org.
Chris McDonald
worship minister
Chris came to Trinity in August of 2020. He previously served in the worship ministry in churches in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Florida. Originally from Knoxville, Chris has a passion for music, but a greater passion for leading others in biblical, Christ-centered worship and learning what a lifestyle of worship really means. He received his Bachelor of Music degree from Carson-Newman University and his Master of Church Music degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Chris and his wife, Hope, have five children: Jem, Collin, Nathaniel, Marilla, and Rebecca.
Contact Chris at cmcdonald@trinity3e.org.
Michael Bates
Student Minister
Michael has served at Trinity since 1994. He has been in the Student Ministry since 1988. He is a graduate of Carson-Newman College with BA focused on Religion. He also graduated with a Master of Divinity from Emmanuel School of Religion. Michael married his high school sweetheart, Sarah, they have three sons: Isaac, Israel, and Ian.
Contact Michael at mbates@trinity3e.org.
Samantha Hodge
Director of Children & Family Ministries
Samantha grew up at Trinity and loves serving our children. She began leading our children’s ministry in August of 2025. She also manages a local homeschool co-op that Trinity hosts throughout the school year. She is married to Justin and has five wonderful children.
Contact Samantha at shodge@trinity3e.org.
Tony Maden
Church Administrator
Tony began serving Trinity Baptist Church as Church Administrator in March, 2007. Tony has also served as Church Treasurer since 1995. He is a graduate of Tusculum College and lives in Johnson City with his mother, Elizabeth Maden.
Contact Tony at tmaden@trinity3e.org.
Julie Russell
Pianist
Julie has been pianist at Trinity since June of 2005. Prior to that, she served as the organist of First Baptist Jonesborough for 30 years. Julie is a lifelong native of Jonesborough.
Candi Sells
Administrative Assistant
Candi grew up in Johnson City, but lived in the New York/Connecticut area for over 15 years. She returned to Johnson City in 2022 and has attended Trinity since that time. A graduate of ETSU, Candi has 20+ years in business and leadership development. She and her husband, Ronnie, reside in Johnson City.
Contact Candi at csells@trinity3e.org.