At New Providence Missionary Baptist Church, we are blessed with a pastoral team that leads with humility, wisdom, and a heart for God’s people. Pastor Rick, Pastor Kevin, and Pastor Chris serve side by side, each bringing unique gifts and callings, yet united in their shared mission to glorify Christ and shepherd His church.

Together, they faithfully guide our congregation through prayer, preaching, teaching, and serving—modeling what it means to love God and love others. Their partnership reflects the truth that ministry is never done alone but as part of the body of Christ working together.

As you get to know each of them, you’ll see their deep love for the Lord, their commitment to the Word, and their passion for seeing lives transformed by the gospel.

Pastor Rick Atkins

Pastor Rick Atkins was ordained into the ministry in 1977 and has faithfully served as the pastor of New Providence Missionary Baptist Church since 1998. A native of the area, Pastor Rick grew up just a few miles from where the church now stands, deeply rooted in a legacy of faith. Raised in a pastor’s home, he witnessed firsthand the calling of ministry through his father, who served as pastor of New Providence in the 1950s, among other congregations. This rich spiritual heritage has shaped Pastor Rick’s lifelong commitment to the church and its mission. With decades of pastoral experience and a deep love for his community, Pastor Rick is devoted to passionately proclaiming the uncompromising truth of the Gospel, guiding others in faith, and leading with integrity, humility, and purpose.

Youth Pastor Kevin Ervin

Pastor Kevin was born and raised in Tellico Plains, TN, where he grew up surrounded by a loving family and church community who taught him the ways of the Lord from an early age. He gave his life to Christ as a young boy and has been faithfully walking with Him ever since. After graduating from Tellico Plains High School in 2003, Kevin went on to attend Chattanooga State Community College, earning his Associate’s Degree in Engineering and Technology in 2014.

Kevin has a deep heart for the next generation and a passion for helping students grow in their relationship with Jesus. With a desire to see young people discover their God-given purpose, he leads our youth ministry with energy, authenticity, and a Christ-centered focus. Since joining New Providence in 2008 and stepping into the role of Youth Pastor in 2014, Kevin has been faithfully investing in students through weekly gatherings, small groups, sports, and simply doing life together. His goal is to create a safe and welcoming environment where teens can ask honest questions, build lasting friendships, and grow in their faith.

Outside of ministry, Kevin is active in the community, coaching high school football, playing rec-league basketball, and enjoying time with his family. He married his wife, Jessica, in 2007, and together they are raising two wonderful sons, Reece and Ramsey. The Ervin family is grateful to call New Providence their church home and faith family.

Above all, Kevin’s prayer is that every student who walks through the doors of New Providence will know they are deeply loved by God and equipped to live boldly for Him.

Missions Pastor Chris Hollinghead

Pastor Chris Hollinghead has faithfully served New Providence Missionary Baptist Church in several roles over the years, leaving a lasting mark on our congregation and community. Many remember him as our Youth Pastor, where his passion for discipling students and pointing them to Christ helped shape the faith of a generation. His years of service in youth ministry laid the groundwork for what has become a lifelong calling to equip others to live boldly for the Lord.

Today, Pastor Chris serves as our Missions Pastor, where his heart for outreach and compassion for others shine through in powerful ways. He has been one of the key leaders and driving forces behind the vision and founding of our Mission Center, which continues to serve as a vital resource for meeting both the spiritual and physical needs of individuals and families in Tellico Plains and beyond. His leadership, vision, and tireless dedication have made the Mission Center not just a building, but a true extension of the gospel at work in our community.

Chris’s ministry reflects his deep belief that the church is called to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Whether organizing mission projects, equipping volunteers, or leading teams to serve locally and globally, he continually inspires others to step into God’s mission with courage and faith.

Above all, Pastor Chris desires to see people encounter the life-changing love of Christ and discover their God-given purpose. His legacy of faith, leadership, and service continues to influence not only our church but also the lives of countless individuals who have been touched by his ministry.