Caleb Penwell
Lead Minister
Hello, my name is Caleb, and I serve as the preaching minister at Southside. God blessed me with the opportunity to accept this ministry in October 2025. I am passionate about this calling and humbled to know that God is the foundation and head of this work. Only He can make Southside all it needs to be for His kingdom, and I invite you to join me in prayerful dependence on Him as we seek to accomplish His will here.
On a personal note, I am married to a wonderful, godly woman named Memorey. We have been married since December 13, 2001, and I am truly blessed. Together, we have six amazing children—five daughters: Noel, Abby, Jubi, Journey, and Meadow, and one son, Gabriel.
My interests include hobby farming, grilling, strategy board games, and especially college football. Go Vols!
On a personal note, I am married to a wonderful, godly woman named Memorey. We have been married since December 13, 2001, and I am truly blessed. Together, we have six amazing children—five daughters: Noel, Abby, Jubi, Journey, and Meadow, and one son, Gabriel.
My interests include hobby farming, grilling, strategy board games, and especially college football. Go Vols!
Travis & Dayla Hurley
Student Ministry Directors
Travis and Dayla have served as youth directors here at Southside for over 17 years. One of the many joys they've experienced together in this role is seeing students take their next steps toward Jesus year after year. When not engaging in student ministry, Travis enjoys watching TN Football and kayaking with the family. Dayla enjoys reading books and being outdoors. They've been married for 25 years, have 3 children together and pretty much assume the student ministry kids as their own as well! Their investment and enthusiasm for the next generation are evident in the life of our church here at Southside.
Tim & Cassie Franklin
Childrens Ministry Directors
Tim and Cassie have been serving in the role of Children's Ministry Directors here at Southside for the past 7 years, but have been serving our kids in different capacities for over 12 years. Their care, attention, and understanding of children's needs on a regular basis has been so invaluable to our church! They've been married 11 years, have two children together, and when they aren't out running their kids to different sporting events or activities they enjoy being homebodies! They enjoy Mexican food, any and all kinds of cookies, and Petros unsweet tea. We're so blessed having them minister with us at Southside!
Makenna Smith
Worship Director
Makenna Smith has grown up around music ministry and has been blessed to watch her family faithfully serve throughout her life. She spent part of her childhood at Southside, where she witnessed the ministry’s growth and development firsthand. Makenna has also been interning at First Christian Church of Johnson City, continuing to deepen her knowledge, faith, and love for the Lord.
Her passion for ministry centers on using music to draw people closer to God and create an environment where worship feels authentic and inviting. Outside of music ministry, Makenna enjoys playing sports, watching TV, and spending time with friends. She’s also a big fan of sweet tea, and her favorite place to eat is Chick‑fil‑A.
Makenna is excited to be part of the ministry and looks forward to seeing how God continues to work through music and the church community.
Her passion for ministry centers on using music to draw people closer to God and create an environment where worship feels authentic and inviting. Outside of music ministry, Makenna enjoys playing sports, watching TV, and spending time with friends. She’s also a big fan of sweet tea, and her favorite place to eat is Chick‑fil‑A.
Makenna is excited to be part of the ministry and looks forward to seeing how God continues to work through music and the church community.