Our graduates are called, transformed, and sent to lead a life of eternal impact, and we love celebrating the life change they get to be a part of through the local church!
INTRODUCING
Jessica Elston
2015 Highlands College Graduate
Jessica Elston is a 2015 Highlands College Graduate living in Knoxville, TN, faithfully serving at Faith Promise Church. She is the central worship pastor and oversees the Sunday experience at each campus. We caught up with Jessica to ask her about what God is doing in her city, her time in Highlands College, and advice for those who feel called to ministry!
What do you love about your role?
I love crafting experiences for people to encounter the living God. Equipping staff and volunteers to steward the gifts God has given them to see more people come to know Him, pastoring people in WHAT is next in their spiritual lives and WHO is next in their sphere to impact with the Gospel.
What do you love about your city?
Many people have been relocating to East Tennessee from the West Coast, diversifying our city and bringing new opportunities to serve those not raised in the Bible Belt. Also, the Smoky Mountains and Dollywood of course!
How did you get connected to Faith Promise?
Justin Bradshaw, a Church of the Highlands pastor, had a relationship with the worship pastor of Faith Promise and thought the church and team would be a great fit for me. I came up for a visit, met some of the team, and started my internship in September 2015, and it became my permanent home. God had Knoxville planned as my first and last stop on the placement journey!
Looking back on almost ten years in ministry what stands out the most?
I believe with everything in me, God placed an assignment on each of His image-bearers. He truly wants each person to find Him, follow Him, and use what He placed in them to make a difference to bring Heaven to Earth. Highlands College set a foundation for the local church being Plan A for God to partner in bringing His Way to the Earth. Until the end, I know that His plan is the local church mobilized to win the world!
As you reflect on your time at HC, what are some of your favorite memories?
My favorite memory is my first semester of Freedom Group. Going through with my worship practicum girls with consistent and wise leaders was life-changing. One of the best group experiences I’ve had to this day! During the Freedom conference, being filled with the Holy Spirit marked me. The significant revelation of His love for me and belief in me removed any insecurities I felt in my calling.
Favorite hobby or way to spend a day off?
I love escape rooms, pickleball, and being in the mountains!
What would you say to encourage a recent graduate?
I would encourage them to read the Word and let it give you confidence in your calling. Don’t overcompensate when you feel insecure, cling to your identity in Christ, and remember that He has called and equipped you.
What advice would you give to current or aspiring students looking to make an impact?
Highlands College will help you actualize the passion and desire you feel to do something impactful for God’s Kingdom. What you are burdened by usually indicates where God will use you for His glory.
Any stories or testimonies that you want to share?
Our vision at Faith Promise is to equip Christ-followers to WIN their world. On Sundays, we celebrate and champion people praying for others, sharing their faith, and serving their sphere of influence Monday through Saturday! Each week, we highlight how someone is taking responsibility for making disciples outside the walls of the building. The testimony is Christ-followers who are being salt and light in the world at a time when we need it most!
We look forward to seeing how Jessica continues to make an eternal impact beyond Highlands College.
We hope you enjoyed getting to know one of our amazing Highlands College alumni. Learn more about Highlands College and how you can get connected to our incredible network of graduates around the world.