Ministry Spotlight: May 2026
1,800 REASONS TO CELEBRATE
This year’s Emerald Youth Prayer Breakfast, held on May 1, was filled with celebration, reflection, and hope for the future of our city’s children and youth.
Supporters, community leaders, and young people from across Knoxville gathered at the Knoxville Expo Center to hear stories of impact and transformation happening through the ministry every day.
From powerful testimonies of high schoolers to moments of laughter and connection with younger children, about 1,800 guests were reminded of what is possible when our city comes together to invest in its young people.
Watch quick highlights or enjoy the entire program.
One of the most exciting moments of the Prayer Breakfast was the announcement of Emerald Youth’s continued vision and growth in East Knoxville.
As we look ahead, we are grateful for the opportunity to deepen relationships, expand programs, and create even more spaces where young people and their families can thrive and experience the love of Christ.
Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, sponsored, prayed for, and supported this special morning!
HONORING THE CLASS OF ‘26
We recently had the privilege of honoring an incredible group of graduating seniors for all they have accomplished.
The Emerald Youth Senior Celebration took place May 12 at Jackson Terminal in the Old City and highlighted how these incredible students have grown academically, personally, and spiritually.
“If I could go back, I would have started at Emerald as soon as I possibly could, and I hope and pray that every single high school student has the opportunity to be in a program like Emerald. I know for sure I am a better person coming out Emerald than I was going in,” South-Doyle High School senior Zoey Jacobs shared with the nearly 150 guests in attendance.
Throughout their journeys, these young women and men participated in mentoring relationships, athletics, discipleship opportunities, leadership development, after-school programs, and countless meaningful moments that helped shape who they are becoming.
As we honored each senior, we reflected on the dedication, integrity, and growth they have shown over the years.
The evening included the always-special cord presentation ceremony, when each graduate received a green, yellow, and white cord placed on them by their family or friends, followed by a time of prayer for the entire group.
While graduation marks the end of one chapter, it also opens the door to exciting new opportunities ahead.
THE POWER OF GIVING
Charitable giving, including bequests in your will, is one of the most meaningful ways that donors and their families express their values, support the causes they care about, and create a lasting impact.
While generosity often begins with personal motivation, turning philanthropic intent into effective giving can require guidance from the donor’s professional advisors.
An important role of professional advisors is helping donors articulate their charitable objectives clearly so that the best charitable strategies are pursued. Identifying and clarifying a donor’s goals starts with asking targeted questions.
Learn more in Part Three of our series, “The Role of Professional Advisors in Guiding Donors.”
EMERALD YOUTH UNIVERSITY
Spring has been full of energy and learning through Emerald Youth University (EYU).
EYU brought together staff members for a season of learning, growth, and preparation ahead of summer ministry.
During EYU, staff participated in classes, discussions, team-building activities, and hands-on experiences designed to strengthen leadership skills and deepen their understanding of what it means to serve and support young people well.
From kickball games and community-building moments to thoughtful conversations during a ministry tour, EYU created opportunities for staff to connect with each other while preparing for the important work to come this summer.
EYU also included our May All Staff gathering full of food, fun, and encouragement, with Bishop Evans Kariuki from Eternal Life Harvest Center bringing the message.
We are grateful for the leaders dedicating their summer to walking alongside young people and helping create safe, encouraging, and Christ-centered spaces for young people throughout our city neighborhoods.
Do you want to join our team as a staff member or volunteer? Here are some upcoming volunteer opportunities:
Summer tutors
Wednesday night meal teams
Small group leaders
Worship leaders
Swim coaches
Middle school volleyball coaches
Flag football coaches
Learn more about getting connected with us!
IN THE POOL & MORE
It has been an exciting season for Emerald Youth Sports, with opportunities for young athletes to grow both on and off the field ... and in the pool!
One recent highlight was two days of hugely successful free swim lessons, where hundreds of youth learned important water safety skills and gained confidence in the pool just in time for summer.
The Free Swim Lesson Days were held April 25 and May 9 in East Knoxville at our indoor pool, located at the Dr. E.V. Davidson Community Center. These experiences not only provide fun and exercise, but also equip young people and families with skills that can help keep them safe throughout the summer months and beyond.
Looking ahead, summer sports opportunities are quickly approaching, including the Performance Training Combine, tennis, girls flag football, AAU track and Elston Turner’s annual basketball camp.
Check out all we’re offering as we help young athletes develop discipline and leadership in Christ-centered environments this summer.
IT’S A WRAP AT EA
Emerald Academy scholars, teachers, and families are celebrating several important milestones together.
Scholars recently wrapped up TNReady testing after weeks of preparation and hard work, and we are incredibly proud of the focus and perseverance they demonstrated throughout the testing season.
Across classrooms, scholars continue to grow academically while being encouraged and supported by teachers who care deeply about their success.
Some of our scholars even got to ride in style and celebrate big!
A trip to Main Event, complete with a limo ride, celebrated first through eighth grade scholars who met their Accelerated Reader goals of 100,000 words or more – some even reached reading 1,000,000 words. What an amazing accomplishment!
There has also been plenty to celebrate outside the classroom.
Emerald Academy’s baseball team recently earned a championship title, and Signing Night gave incoming Emerald Academy scholars and families the opportunity to celebrate the important next steps in their academic journey.
We also loved recognizing our incredible teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week earlier this month.
