Student Camp at Linden Valley

John Pendleton is the College and Discipleship Pastor for First Baptist Church Jacksonville, in Alabama. Before that, he was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky where he served as a Youth leader and Gospel Community Group leader. John grew up in Mobile, Alabama, and was blessed with Christian parents who faithfully led his family to attend church. His first memory of hearing the Gospel was at five years old during a lesson on The Rich Man and Lazarus from Luke 16. It impressed on him an understanding of sin, its punishment, and the reason for the cross. At twelve years old he made his first public profession of faith and repentance and was baptized shortly after. During high school, John was involved in Christian music which sparked an interest in theology, evangelism, and church ministry. Early in college he felt called to preaching and pastoral ministry, and this calling was affirmed through mentors and local church teaching. After graduating with a Bachelor’s in Philosophy from the University of South Alabama, John obtained his Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2018. John is married to his wife, Baylee, and enjoys reading, music, weightlifting, and spending time with his family in Alabama.

Matt Flanagan has served as the Children & Student Ministry Consultant for the Kentucky Baptist Convention since 2018. He served in student and discipleship pastor positions at four churches for 27 years prior to joining the KBC. Matt is passionate about equipping and encouraging leaders in children and student ministries and helping churches reach and disciple the next generation. Matt graduated from Centre College with a BS in mathematics and physics and a Master’s in Theology from Campbellsville University. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry in Student Ministry from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He married his wife Felicia in 1997, and they are proud parents of Caleb (married to Emma) and Eli. Matt and Felicia are members of the First Cedar Creek Baptist Church in Bardstown. Matt enjoys disc golf, camping, and talking sports.

Matt Flanagan has served as the Children & Student Ministry Consultant for the Kentucky Baptist Convention since 2018. He served in student and discipleship pastor positions at four churches for 27 years prior to joining the KBC. Matt is passionate about equipping and encouraging leaders in children and student ministries and helping churches reach and disciple the next generation. Matt graduated from Centre College with a BS in mathematics and physics and a Master’s in Theology from Campbellsville University. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry in Student Ministry from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He married his wife Felicia in 1997, and they are proud parents of Caleb (married to Emma) and Eli. Matt and Felicia are members of the First Cedar Creek Baptist Church in Bardstown. Matt enjoys disc golf, camping, and talking sports.

Jay serves as the Youth Specialist with the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board. His desire is to help engage people with the Gospel and know the love of Jesus Christ. Jay believes that the message of Jesus changes lives and provides hope. He has worked at churches in Louisiana, Tennessee and travels throughout the U.S. speaking and leading trainings.  He leads Youth Summer Camps and YEC, Youth Evangelism Conference, for Tennessee Baptists.  Jay holds a degree from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He enjoys traveling with his wife Natalee and two children, Caleb and Mary-Clare. Advocating for Special Needs, eating Cajun Cuisine, and travel brings joy to his family. For booking contact [email protected].

Originally from Channahon, IL, Matt Joiner grew up in church but did not become a Christian until he was 20 years old. Shortly after he began following Christ, he felt God calling him to full-time ministry. In 2007 Matt moved to Louisville, KY, where he attended Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, receiving his Master of Divinity in Christian Ministries. During his studies at Southern, Matt became the Student Pastor at a local church and served in that role for 10 years. During his second year at Southern, he married the love of his life, Erin. Matt and Erin have two daughters, Ezra Mae and Ivy Louise, who are an absolute joy and blessing. Matt has also served as a discipleship pastor for 6 years (2017-2023) and has recently planted a church (April 2023). Also, he is back at Southern Seminary in the final stages of completing his D.Ed.Min in Biblical Counseling. He is passionate about Jesus Christ and His Kingdom. He desires to see every Christian do their part for the Great Commission by sharing their faith and making disciples of Jesus Christ for the glory of God.