Our Pastor
The vision for Heart and Soul began in Pastor Austin’s heart back in 2010, as a college freshman with a God-sized dream. After five years serving at his dad’s church, SoulQuest, the call came loud and clear: it was time to launch something new. In the thick of the 2020 global pandemic, Austin and his wife Sara took a leap of faith, uprooting their lives to plant a life-giving church in Knoxville. On September 20, 2020, the vision became a reality—proof that bold faith thrives even in wild times.4 and a half years into this journey, God provided a permanent home at 1101 Corridor Park Boulevard. We are just getting started!
Austin and Sara’s story started back in college, where they met and fell in love, tying the knot in 2014. Now, they’re raising their three kiddos—Cash, Kobe, and Sadie—while leading a movement that’s all about filling Heaven.
MEET THE STAFF
Our Directors
Annie Hayes – Director of Sunday Programming
Annie’s the mastermind behind our Sunday vibe, orchestrating the feeling from the parking lot to the auditorium. From Guest Services to Next Steps, she leads our Sunday Programming Coordinators with a passion for creating spaces where people feel welcomed and alive.
Tryston Hayes – Worship Pastor
Tryston’s the mastermind behind our Production and Worship teams, crafting moments that lead us to glorify God with all our heart. He sets the tone for everything that happens in the auditorium.
Their Story
Annie and Tryston have been all-in with Heart and Soul since before day one—as Worship Leaders, anchoring our Launch Team, and jumping into whatever needed doing. They’re the kind of people who don’t just serve; they pour everything into building this family. Together, they have a daughter, Anderson, and a son, Leeland. They help lead the charge to fill Heaven, one Sunday at a time.
Johnny Williams – Director of Kids Ministry
Ask any kid on Sunday mornings who their favorite person at church is and it's likely they’ll say Johnny! After years of leading Heart and Soul Kids alongside his wife Faith as volunteers, Johnny came on staff in January 2026 to lead kids ministry on a full-time basis.
His Story
Johnny and Faith are originally from West TN where they first met Pastor Austin and Sara and SoulQuest, Austin’s dad’s church. When Pastor Austin let them know about Heart and Soul, Johnny was one of the first to commit to moving his family across the state to help start the church. Since then, they have been some of the cornerstones within Heart and Soul, serving in just about every area at the church.
Kara Anderson – Director of Non-Sunday Programming
Kara’s the glue behind getting everyone connected at Heart and Soul. As Director of Non-Sunday Programming, she leads our Parties, Outreach, and Care and Prayer teams with a knack for turning strangers into friends and friends into family. If there’s a way to help someone take their next step with Jesus or find their place, people, or purpose, Kara’s on it.
Her Story
Kara’s been a leader at Heart and Soul since before we had our first service—she was on the Launch Team and has led worship with passion. Heart and Soul is where she met her husband, Zachary Anderson. Together, they’re a powerhouse duo who’ve served in every corner of this church—from worship to outreach and everything in between. With Kara and Zachary, you can’t help but have a good time.
Are you a Pastor?
Are you a pastor creeping around the website? It’s okay, we do it too ✌️
We’d love to share any resources or systems that we have with you and your team. Our team is available to connect with your team to get you anything we have. Any way we can be of use or of help to you is our pleasure. We don’t know everything, but what we do know is that we’d love to share if it would be helpful for the Kingdom!