Along the Journey > About Us

Arden Taylor

Pastor Arden is the founder and president of Along the Journey. In over 25 years of ministry he has served churches as Youth Pastor, Minister of Education, Church Administrator, Associate Pastor, and Senior Pastor. He has preached in several foreign countries, raised the funds to construct Baptist churches in Nicaragua, authored one book and co-authored of a second book. He has consulted with some 150 churches over the years developing strategies for church growth, and has been a frequent speaker at regional, state, and national conferences. Arden graduated in Religious Education from the Southern Baptist Convention’s Seminary External Education Division where he was recognized as the Student of the Year.

Dianne Taylor

Dianne is Along the Journey’s secretary and Pastor Arden’s wife of over 35 years.

They have three beautiful daughters and eight grandchildren. She is LPN with a background in Pediatrics.

Dianne has been the practice manager for various Physicians offices. Dianne has the gift of service and loves children and preschool ministries.

John Douglas

John is a lifelong Southern Baptist and has served as a Sunday School teacher, deacon, various committees, etc. He retired as a vice president from Eastman Chemical Company after 34 years, and work as a business consultant for 13 years. He has also served as a city alderman, President of the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce, and President of the United Way. John, married to Bette, has 29 other direct family members.

Audrey Harless

Audrey is a native of Pittsburg, PA. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Milligan College and is presently pursuing a Master’s degree in Christian Counseling from Liberty University. She serves in the youth ministry and benevolent ministry of her church.

Danny Maples

Danny has been Pastor Arden’s best friend since high school where they were teammates in two different sports. He graduated from Carson Newman College with a BS degree in Education. While there he was an All American catcher in baseball and was selected “Male Athlete of the Year.” He furthered his education with a Masters Degree in Administration and Supervision in Education from Southeastern Louisiana University as a graduate assistant baseball coach. He taught and coached baseball for ten years at the high school level where one of his teams was State AA runner up. For the last 20 years he has worked for Clayton Homes. He is married to Carol and they have two sons.

Jaren Nave

Jaren graduated with a BS in Religion from Liberty University where she worked for Dr. Elmer Towns, Dean of Religion. She has a love for women’s ministry and has been a frequent speaker at women’s events. While teaching a youth Bible study class, Jaren has also mentored several adolescent girls. She is the former administrator of a preschool weekday program that attracted regional appeal with over 100 enrollees. She is a jogger who has won several events in her age group, is married to Jason and has two sons.

Adam O'Dell

Adam accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age in life. Since that time he has desired to accomplish the calling God has placed on his life. Working and serving with the ministry of Along the Journey to facilitate God's servant to teach and minister to His sheep is part of that calling. Part of Adam’s testimony says, “Christ did not ask us for a day or even a season of our life. He calls us to give all of our life and to follow Him, to take a Journey.”

Adam teaches Sunday School, is involved in Habitat for Humanity, Kari’s Heart Foundation, and is a graduate in business management from Carson Newman College. Adam is married to Laura and they have two beautiful daughters.

Beth Street

Beth graduated from Virginia Intermont College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management. She worked for the County government before becoming a stay-at-home mother. She currently manages a family owned business. She loves to lead women’s Bible study and has a passion for encouraging women in their walk with the Lord. She is married to Stephen and they have two sons.