Leadership

P.R. Anderson's bio

Mike, originally from West Virginia, married Nashville native Carol in 1988. They have two grown children, Sam and Sara. From 2000–2004, they served on a mission team in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Mike became an elder at Tusculum in 2019, and both he and Carol are active in the Spanish Ministry and ESL programs. Carol has served as a Clinical Social Worker at the Tennessee Children’s Home for over 15 years.

Mike is passionate about people connecting with people. He believes a healthy church thrives on strong relationships—within the congregation and with its neighbors. He loves meeting people from all walks of life, trying new foods, hearing their stories, and seeing how their lives fit into God’s larger story.

At Tusculum, Mike sees a place full of grace, real people, and authentic relationships—a multi-generational church with room at the table for everyone.

Earl grew up in West Virginia and graduated from Martinsburg Senior High before earning a B.A. in Speech and teaching certification from Lipscomb University. He later completed an M.Ed. at Tennessee State University. Earl spent 41 years in education, primarily teaching high school, and also served as a coach and athletic director for 20 years. He met his wife, Beth, at Lipscomb, and they married in 1977. They have two sons and seven grandchildren. Earl and his family began attending Tusculum in 1996. The warmth and friendliness of this church family have kept them here ever since. Earl says, "If you’re looking for a church home, we’d love to welcome you. Our members are active in many ministries, and there’s a place for you to use your gifts, too."

“Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you…” —Mark 5:19, NKJV

Rick Hatcher began attending Tusculum in 1982. He met his wife Teresa, who grew up at Tusculum, in 1984. They married in 1986 and raised two sons at Tusculum. Teresa passed away unexpectedly on Christmas Day of 2023.

Rick believes Tusculum is a great place to heal because it is a church who accepts people wherever they are in life. He says, "We love and give grace and space to heal." His prayer for himself is that God will use the pain of his loss to bring God glory. 

Gerald Merritt has been a devoted member of the Tusculum Church of Christ for over 45 years. He has served faithfully as an elder for six years and, prior to that, as a deacon for many years. Gerald is married to Pamela, and together they have shared over 45 years of marriage. They have two sons, one daughter, and three beloved grandchildren. Gerald spent over 40 years working in the aerospace industry, following an earlier career with the railroad. Known for his love of golf and the outdoors, Gerald is also passionate about spending time with family and friends. He finds joy in connecting with others, especially through meaningful conversations about life and faith. His steady leadership and warm presence continue to be a blessing to the Tusculum church family.

Jeff's bio.

Sam Peebles grew up in Houston, Texas, where his family worshiped at Bammel Road Church of Christ and his father served as an elder. After attending Abilene Christian and graduating from Lipscomb with a degree in Biology, Sam married his wife Kim in 1990. The two earned graduate degrees in Physical Therapy and Pharmacy, respectively, before moving to Nashville in 1995 and making Tusculum their church home. After a brief season visiting other congregations, they returned, realizing Tusculum was where they belonged. Sam and Kim live in Crieve Hall and are the proud adoptive parents of their son Adam, a student at Nashville Christian School. Sam has a passion for ministering to shut-ins and encouraging new members, and he feels called to help others grow spiritually and use their gifts for God’s Kingdom. His favorite Scripture is Romans 8:28, trusting that in all things, God works for good for those who love Him.

Greg grew up in Memphis but has called Middle Tennessee home since 1986. A graduate of Harding University, Greg met his wife Janée in Nashville, both recognizing each other as fellow Harding students. Upon graduation they married and started a family while worshipping at Una Church of Christ. Greg has spent most of his career in corporate marketing. He’s had the opportunity to work in the faith-based community through publishing, retail and nonprofits. Greg and Janée have a son and a daughter, both married, with two grandchildren and more on the way. Greg loves Vols football, golf, playing guitar and cruising the Caribbean. He wants to see the Tusculum family grow in faith, joy and love for one another.

Richard is originally from West Tennessee and came to Nashville initially to attend David Lipscomb College and prepare for pharmacy school. He received a BS degree in pharmacy as well as a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from UT Memphis. Upon graduation Richard and his wife Lauren moved to Reidsville, NC, to help with a new church plant and Richard served as a faculty member at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine. In 2007 Richard was recruited back to Nashville to serve as a department chair in the new Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy and has been at Tusculum since that time.

He has three grown children and 11 grandchildren. Richard loves reading, writing, and music. He plays piano and guitar and enjoys songwriting. He loves reading history and ancient languages, especially Hebrew and Greek. His first book was a study of biblical prayer entitled, “The Secret Place of Thunder.”
Richard loves that Tusculum is a very well balanced church. He says, "There is a great mixing of younger and elderly people, who love each other and make an effort to get along well, despite some inevitable differences in preferences and practices. We truly have 'the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.'"