Keith Price – Lead Pastor

Keith is the founding and Lead Pastor of DayStar Church. He was born and reared in the beautiful foothills of the Great Smokey Mountains in Gatlinburg, TN. As Lead Pastor he has a passion for making Jesus famous one life at a time. His desire is to reach people with the Gospel and lead them into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

He came to know the Lord in 1971 while attending Vacation Bible School. He received his call to the ministry in 1977. He also received his license to the ministry that same year. In 1983 he received his ordination to the ministry. He is a graduate of the Institute of Biblical Studies of Forest, VA in 1996. He also graduated from Andersonville Theological Seminary in 2010.

Keith and his wife Roberta have been married for 33 years. They have two children: Craig and Bekah who are grown and married with families of their own. Craig has two children: Landon and Savannah. Bekah and her husband Dwayne have two children: Brevin and Allie.

Michael Merritt – Worship Leader

A Lifelong Journey in Worship:
Michael grew up in the shadows of his father, a Minister and Pioneer Church Planter. Recognizing his interest in music, Michael's father encouraged him to form a band and to practice "pouring out his heart" in song. Soon it became apparent that Michael's life calling was to lead others into worship through music, his writing and artistic expression.

His songs have been recorded by such worship institutions as Worship Together, Hosanna Integrity, EMI Worship, Maranatha Music, Promise Keepers and many more. Michael's own recordings include Songs of Freedom, Exalt, and Fifty-Thousand Feet. He has served in staff positions as Worship Pastor,Worship Arts Resource Minister and Worship Leader in several Churches and Evangelistic Outreach Ministries. He served on staff at New Song Christian Fellowship in Franklin TN as a College / Career Pastor where he developed a ministry (XClaim Ministries) that reached 200 students every week through their Worship Service.

 Michael currently lives in Knoxville TN along with his wife Marcee of 25 years and their two daughters, Lydiah and Natalie.

"I believe we have not even begun to understand all the ways God would like to use music and the arts. I hope to spend my life discovering, exploring and pioneering new places - new faces in worship...

John Mayton – Leadership Team

John and his wife Karen have been married 27 yrs. They have two children; Rachel 21 and Layci 14. John and Karen were born and raised in Roane County. They currently live in Lenoir City.

They are so excited to be a part of DayStar Church and Leadership Team. John and Karen have been with the Church since its inception. They continue to be amazed at how God is working in so many lives. God burdened them to minister wherever and whenever possible. It has been such a blessing for them to grow together in Gods love. Iron sharpens iron. This truth helps them to study Gods Word together and to prepare for the future. Fellowship and encouragement help them to face their challenges each day.

Sammy Arms – Leadership Team

Sammy along with his wife Cathy, were both born and raised in Middle Tennessee. They moved to Knoxville in 1977 and then to Lenoir City in 1991. The Lord called them to the Bus Ministry and Children's Ministry at their local Church in 1993. Two scripture passages they embrace are:
Isaiah 6:8- "Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: 'Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?' Then I said, 'Here am I! Send me'"

They share in the vision of DayStar Church and are part of the Leadership Team to lift high the name of Jesus as He builds a body of believers in the Lenoir City area. They look forward to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with all whom they meet. They both strive to carry out the mission of DayStar Church "making Jesus famous, one life at a time".

Chris and Andria Lawson – Children's Ministries

We are a fun and loving couple that enjoy children for how simple they make life. We believe that children are the life of a church because it is through them that we can understand how God sees us. As parents, we have come to understand a small part of why God is so forgiving of us and how he wants us to come to know him.

Our goal is to share His story and love with children. We want them to learn what being a Christian truly means and what Gods plan is for us. We hope that you will give us a chance to share God’s word with your children and come to have a good time through worship and activities the whole family can enjoy.