2018
Pastor Troy Bartley
Pastor Troy and Phyllis Bartley have faithfully served churches all across our Appalachian Assemblies of God Network for over 50 years. In their retirement years, they continue to be a great resource of support and prayer for the pastoral staff of TFA! We honor their faithfulness to the church as well as the kingdom of God. Pastor Troy also served the Appalachian Assemblies of God as D-CAP, now known as Network Youth Director. Their compassion for people and love for all things of God are contagious, infectious, and a great example for the next generation to follow.
Favorite Bible Verse: Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24
2018
Pastor Jimi Watson
Jimi and Traci Watson have served Tazewell First Assembly as Lead Pastors since July 2009. Before becoming a Lead Pastor, he spent 18½ years in youth ministry, serving almost every role imaginable, eventually serving as the Youth and Christian Education Director for the Appalachian Assemblies of God Ministry Network. Traci grew up as a Pastor’s daughter, involved in all ministries within the local church from Missionettes – now Girl’s Ministries – to youth, and leading praise and worship.
Jimi is a fourth-generation Pentecostal preacher, and both were called at a young age to serve the body of Christ through full-time ministry. Serving God’s people has been not only a vocational calling for their family but also a lifestyle, with both of their adult children also serving in ministry.
Jimi is heavily involved in our local community, volunteering with Tazewell High School Athletics as a radio announcer for football and PA announcer for all girls’ and boys’ home basketball games. He feels it vitally important to be actively involved in the local community by pastoring not only the church within a community but also the community where the church resides.
Outside of the church they both enjoy spending time together, with their family and especially their granddaughter — Kennedi Grace.
Jimi’s favorite verse: “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you.” 2 Timothy 1:5
Traci’s favorite verse: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
2018
Pastor Hannah Watson
Pastor Hannah Watson grew up here at Tazewell First Assembly. She is one of the many students we have discipled to follow the call of ministry. Pastor Hannah joined our ministry team in June of 2022. She is a graduate of Southeastern University with a bachelor’s degree in Children, Youth, and Family Ministries and is an ordained pastor within the Assemblies of God. Pastor Hannah believes the most important thing in life is to spend time and make memories with the ones that matter the most, and for her that is family. Because of this, she believes in the importance of Christ at the center of every family. As our Next Generations Pastor, she strives every week to help encourage and equip families from the cradle to high school graduation with that very purpose. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends and going on spontaneous adventures.
Favorite Scriptures:
“Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay.” Hebrews 10:35-37
“She is clothed in strength and dignity and laughs without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25