Summer '25 Speakers


  • week ONE :: Jeremiah Nichols

    Jeremiah cannot wait to be at TVR this summer. A few things to know about him: first, he may be bald now, but he used to have a massive afro. He is allergic to peanut butter, cats, and Monday mornings. If you see him walking around camp, you will probably find him birdwatching or playing disc golf. Jeremiah has lived many places but he calls Memphis, Tennessee home. That’s where he met his wife at college in a free food line. Today, they have four kids who all do cool stuff. Jeremiah has been a pastor for 12 years, and he now serves as the Teaching Pastor at The Grove Church in Spruce Pine, NC.

  • week Two :: William 'duce' branch

    Duce was raised by his father in New York City, where his passion for urban ministry began.  Through his career as the Christian hip-hop artist, "The Ambassador," and a fervent love for the Gospel, Duce has reached out to the hip-hop and urban community for over two decades. He is currently involved in leadership with Imago Dei Church in Raleigh, NC, and is pursuing a PhD through Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he also serves as Assistant Professor of Preaching and Bible in the College at Southeastern. Duce has spoken at camp several times in the last few years and it has always been a blessing. Duce is married to Missie and they have five beautiful children.

  • week Three :: ricky lee

    Ricky Lee is the Pastor for Discipleship and Care at Grace Community Church in Angier, North Carolina. He and his wife April met at TVR and served on staff for about a decade before the Lord led them to Grace. Ricky is one of the most relatable people you will ever meet, and his humble leadership and dynamic teaching truly open a door for him to be able to share the Word of God in a way that makes people want to listen. Ricky and April have five precious, full-of-life children.

  • Week five :: Ben Price

    Ben is the Associate/Youth Pastor at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Banner Elk, NC. He and his wife Liz met at TVR where she grew up and he worked for many years as a staff member. Ben graduated from Appalachian State University and loves to study and teach the Word of God. Ben and Liz have four awesome kids - Laurel, Judge, Willow, and Miles. The whole family loves the outdoors, hiking, and adventuring. They all love TVR - three of the kids have worked there on summer staff and the last one can't wait! 

  • week Six :: Brady Nemmers

    Brady Nemmers currently serves as lead teaching pastor at Keystone Community Church in Ada, Michigan. He is passionate about communicating the story of God in a way that is relevant, engaging and applicable. Brady has been a part of the ministry of TVR for many years. He and his wife Sarah Anne have four boys (Carter, Parker, Colton, and Wilson) and two dogs (Hazel and Gus). 

  • week Seven :: Josh Hayes

    Josh is the Pastor at Greenway Baptist Church in Boone, NC. He enjoys playing disc golf, hunting, fishing, and cutting grass (yes, it's true!). He loves to spend time with his family outdoors and enjoying a good read-aloud together on rainy days. Josh and his wife Carrie have five kids (Ryan, Scott, Josie, Caleb, and Micah) and are celebrating being just a short ways from saying goodbye to car seats forever! Josh loves to teach the Word of God and see people of all ages get excited about growing in their walks with Christ. He is excited to be at TVR this summer! 

  • week Eight :: Steve Nelson

    Steven is originally from Wilmington, NC, and his family has lived in High Point, NC for the past nine years. He loves playing putt-putt, ping-pong, cornhole and basketball. Steven has been connected to TVR since 2007, when he met his wife, Jessica, who grew up in Plumtree! For over 20 years, he has served in student, young adult, sports and camp ministryHe is passionate about encouraging and equipping students to boldly live out their full potential in Christ, empowering them to make a lasting Kingdom impact wherever they are called. Steven and Jessica have been married since 2009 and have three children (Avery, Sully, and Addy) and a new puppy named Judah. Together, they love "stacking the stands" for students and pointing them to Jesus!