Meet the Koinonia Staff

REV. DR. MIKA EDMONDSON | LEAD PASTOR

Mika and his wife, Dr. Christina Edmondson along with their two daughters and Mika's mother, have relocated from Grand Rapids, Michigan where Mika served as founding Pastor of New City Fellowship, an Orthodox Presbyterian congregation.

Mika earned his Doctorate at Calvin Theological Seminary, with his dissertation entitled Unearned Suffering is Redemptive: The Roots and Implications of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Redemptive Suffering Theodicy. Mika was the first African American to receive a Ph.D. from Calvin, where he also contributed as an Adjunct Professor. He earned his Master of Divinity degree from Vanderbilt Divinity School, and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics at Hampton University. Mika has also authored several theological publications and has guest-lectured at many distinguished institutes and conferences.

  • In Mika’s words, “We are gospel-centered first and are deliberately pursuing cross-cultural accessibility because of our gospel-centeredness and commitment. We seek to be accessible to God’s diverse people in our worship, our walk together, and our witness for the sake of the gospel. Our desire to be cross-culturally accessible simply flows from our conviction that a true church of Jesus Christ will desire and pursue the things that he desires and pursues. There are a host of scriptures that reveal God’s gospel determination to unite a diversity of people in Christ for the sake of his glory and worship (see Gen.12:1-3, 22:18, Acts 17:26, 27, Ephesians 2:11-22, Rev. 5:9; 7:9). This new work will be multi-culturally accessible toward the end of enabling and expecting ALL the people whom our God would call to FULLY participate in our communion in the worship of God and mutual edification.”

    Feel free to reach out by email at info@koinonianashville.com with any pastoral needs, meetings, and questions. Please indicate if this is a confidential need. To set up a general meeting, Pastor’s office hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 2pm.

DR. CHRISTINA EDMONDSON | COFOUNDER AND ELDER OF LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND STRATEGY

Dr. Christina Edmondson is an NAACP Image Award-nominated author, co-host of the award-winning Truth’s Table podcast, sought-after emotional health and faith speaker, and organizational consultant.

Known for humor, wisdom, and empathy in communication, however, it is often Dr. Edmondson’s strategic work behind the scenes that has earned her the reputation of an emotionally intelligent truth teller and change-maker within higher education, corporate, faith-based, and entertainment spaces.

  • Dr. Edmondson is well-studied in the Social Sciences with degrees from Hampton University, the University of Rochester, and Tennessee State University. She has taught and administrated at universities and seminaries. Formerly serving as an Administrative Dean of Intercultural Student Development at Calvin University.

    Dr. Edmondson’s work has been featured in multiple news outlets and books including most recently two co-authored works, Truth’s Table: Black Women's Musings on Life, Love and Liberation, and InterVarsity Press’s 2023 Justice Award book of the year, Faithful Anti-racism. Dr. Edmondson lives in Tennessee with her family and enjoys serving her community and the local church.

LEAH TOUSSAINT | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MINISTRIES

Leah Toussaint is a disciple of Jesus Christ, seeker of His character, will, and promises through holy scripture.

Leah’s work and service history includes social services for individuals with unique needs, public health advocacy, corporate training, program/ministry development and coordination and bible education of all ages. Her education in biology, sociology and public health were additional building blocks on the foundation of scripture and holy advocacy for the marginalized and oppressed (a calling handed down from missionary parents).

  • From an early age Leah served the local church in multiple positions and ministries including the following:

    ·       Missions/Outreach/Community Engagement

    ·       Youth Ministry

    ·       Biblical Instruction

    ·       Choir Director and Praise Team

    ·       Women’s Ministry Director

    ·       Young Adult/College Ministry

    ·       Intercession and Prayer Team

    Ps. 90:16-17 (the prayer of Moses) says, “May Your work be shown to Your servants, and Your splendor to their children. May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish for us the work of our hands—yes, establish the work of our hands!” This is the desire and aim for Leah Toussaint as she serves the Body of the Lord Jesus Christ.

    Leah’s meeting hours are Wednesday and Thursday from 10 am to 2 pm. Contact her at ltoussaint@koinonianashville.com to set up a meeting or ask questions.

CODY BALFOUR | DIRECTOR OF FAMILY LIFE

Cody is a native of Tulsa and a descendant of great grandparents who were directly impacted by the infamous Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, in Greenwood. At 15 years old, after spending years with his father incarcerated since his infancy, Jesus graciously saved Cody as he was walking home from a party. That changed his life forever. Cody earned a Bachelors in Pastoral Ministry and Theological Studies from Welch College. He is directly connected with the impact of mass incarceration on women and people of color in the United States. His true passion is teaching God’s word and listening to the vulnerable in our society. He believes that justice is the core element of our salvation, seeing that God seeks to make the world right and begins with those made in His image (Romans 3:21-26). Cody’s mission as Director of Family Life is to show how Jesus redefines family (Matt 12:46-50).

Cody’s office hours are Tuesday-Friday from 10 am to 6 pm. Reach out with any questions or meeting inquiries at cbalfour@koinonianashville.com.

BRIAN SEAY | WORSHIP DIRECTOR

Brian is proudly from Birmingham, AL, a city rich in history and where his family marched in the Civil Rights Movement. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Business and an MFA in Recording Arts & Technologies. Today, he has the privilege of being a Professor at Belmont University, and leads the Gospel & R&B Ensemble, Voxology. His passion for working with people is evident through years of leading vocal groups at various universities and churches.

“I love the ability of the power of music to connect communities and glorify the name of Jesus. I eagerly look forward to witnessing how God will work through our worship community in the Bordeaux area, not only to bring glory to His name but also to empower His people.”

With questions regarding Sunday worship or music ministries, contact Brian at bseay@koinonianashville.com.

ALEXANDRIA JAIMES | PATHWAY COORDINATOR

Alexandria is from Mobile, AL and graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor's in Psychology and has a masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Auburn University Montgomery. She relocated to Middle Tennessee in January 2015 where she held many administrative roles across industries. Through those experiences, Alexandria became aware of how especially important care and concern for others are for the flourishing of a community. 

“I'm humbled and excited to serve as Pathway Coordinator for our Koinonia community. Care, connection, and belonging are core to who we are as image bearers. I'm looking forward to helping facilitate our navigation of the Koinonia Pathway: Worship, Connect, and Serve.”

With questions regarding Connect Group Ministries or Membership, contact Alexandria at ajaimes@koinonianashville.com.

NORMAN ENNALS | PRODUCTION MANAGER

From Atlantic City, NJ, Norman has a Master in New Media Journalism, B.S. in Media Communications, and Associate degrees in Radio and Television Broadcasting and in Sound Engineering. He has been working in church media for the past 25yrs teaching media teams how to partner with the church’s vision, helping to edify and make clear God’s Word.

“I am excited to bring my relationship with Christ and love for His people to Koinonia along with the skills I have developed to reach one common goal: spread the Gospel.”

Interested in volunteering in church media? Contact Norman at nennals@koinonianashville.com.