Tim Bomgardner
Tim Bomgardner is pleased to serve as the Founder and Executive Director of Interyear Fellowship. Tim has been on a long journey of discernment that started in Texas and has wound its way through Oklahoma, college at Point University, Emmanuel Christian Seminary, and serving at World Vision in the South Bronx before returning to East Tennessee to work with Appalachia Service Project. Through this path, Tim has valued service to others, a commitment to spiritual disciplines, and a desire to journey with others along the way. His greatest companion has been his wife, Suzy, since 1999. Three young boys (Oscar, Charlie, and Henry) have been their greatest joy and adventure. You might find them all traveling the region in their camper, Marigold.
Laura Buffington
Laura Buffington serves as a minister at Hopwood Christian Church in Johnson City, Tennessee. She also loves making stuff with her friends. Her latest podcast project is called Withness, an exploration of what it means to practice presence with each other through pain. She's a graduate of Milligan College and Emmanuel Christian Seminary. She cares deeply about the words we use to tell the story of God, ourselves and others. She is especially interested in the work and mission of Interyear because of all the people in her life who were gracious to her through her many years of angst and confusion as a young adult.
Ben Lee
Benjamin Lee is the Associate Minister at Hopwood Christian Church, which is tucked away in northeast Tennessee, near Johnson City. The congregation is situated between Milligan College and Emmanuel Christian Seminary. Ben’s primary work is ministering with the youth of the congregation, which he has been doing now for nearly 20 years. His congregation also encourages him to cultivate and use his gifts across a wide spectrum of activities. This gives him the opportunity to teach an online class called Christ and Culture, which is the capstone course for all Milligan College seniors. He is a regular volunteer chaplain at the local hospital. He also meets with people for spiritual direction. And, he frequently facilitates and coordinates spiritual retreats. Ben has been married to the love of his life Angie since 1998. They have three wonderful boys (Caleb, Morgan and Patrick).
