Staffing Update
Jonathan Bowers
Youth Ministry Assistant
As we enter an interim period in our youth ministry at Smoke Rise, Jonathan Bowers will increase his part-time work hours as our youth ministry assistant, with expanded support for our youth at special events in their lives, as well as continued presence and support at church each week. Jonathan has a B.S. in Public Relations with a minor in Film Studies from Kennesaw State University. He has been serving as a Youth Assistant since August 2023. Jonathan is also part of a continuing education program through the Candler Foundry, a program of the School of Theology that is specific to working with youth. Jonathan enjoys getting to know our youth as unique individuals and working to provide presence, encouragement, and support.
Kierra Prather
Ministry to Families Intern
We are excited to welcome Kierra Prather to our staff as our Ministry to Families Intern. Kierra has a passion for serving young people and is currently pursuing her Master of Divinity at McAfee School of Theology as she continues to discern her call to ministry. She comes to us with dual bachelor’s degrees in Religion, Philosophy & Social Change, and Environmental Studies from Wesleyan College. In her free time, Kierra enjoys reading, painting, and watching the latest films in theaters. She is excites to be part of the Smoke Rise team in this season of her continued ministry journey and looks forward to deepening her experience by sharing her talents with our Smoke Rise family of faith.
Jeremiah Hamby
Interim Minister of Youth
Rev. Jeremiah Hamby has agreed to serve as a part-time interim minister to youth as our search continues the search for a new full-time youth minister. Jeremiah holds a BS degree in Psychology as well as an MDiv and MA in Religion from Gardner-Webb University. Jeremiah is currently the Assistant Director of Admissions and Communications for Mercer University’s McAfee School of Theology and also serves as a board member for the CBF College and Young Adult Ministry Network. He and his wife, Mariah, both serve as deacons at Smoke Rise. Shortly after joining Smoke Rise, he and Mariah began helping with youth ministry events as needed. Jeremiah describes the students at Smoke Rise as “amazing” and is excited to take up the interim position officially beginning on July 1st.
Jay White
Pastoral Care Assistant
Rev. Dr. Jay White is joining us as a part-time pastoral care assistant, as pastoral care needs continue to expand with our growth in membership. Jay and his wife, Sandy, both serve as deacons at Smoke Rise. Jay holds graduate degrees in business, community counseling, and ministry studies with an M.Div from the Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond and a D.Min. from Virginia Union University in Richmond. Jay says he has “never felt more at home than at Smoke Rise” and that he looks forward to “seeing where God leads Smoke Rise in our shared kingdom work” in the days ahead.