Bishop Brian Cole has announced the appointment of the Rev. Gordon Brewer as the next Archdeacon. The Ven. Gordon Brewer currently serves at St. Paul’s, Kingsport, and has been an active member of parish and diocesan ministry. We’re excited for his joining the leadership of the diocese! Below is his biography to get to know him a little bit more.
Gordon has been a deacon in the Diocese of East Tennessee since 2009. Gordon began his journey in the Episcopal Church at St. Paul’s when he moved to Kingsport, TN in 1991. He has one daughter, Rebecca, who lives in Chattanooga and is a kindergarten teacher.
Gordon’s ministry and work in the world is as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Shortly after being ordained as a deacon, Gordon served as the Executive Coordinator for Episcopal Appalachian Ministries from 2010 to 2016. Gordon received his Bachelor's degree (BA) in Psychology from Mars Hill University and holds a Master’s degree (MEd) in Counseling with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy from East Tennessee State University. He is in private practice and the owner of Kingsport Counseling Associates. Gordon also hosts two podcasts, the Practice of Therapy Podcast and the Kindness and Compassion Podcast.
Gordon previously served as deacon at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church (formerly St. Christophers) and is active in the Diocese of East Tennessee currently serving on the Commission on Ministry and is the Co-Chair of that committee working alongside the Bishop helping people discern their call to ordained ministry. He was assigned as deacon to St. Paul’s Kingsport in 2024 and appointed as Archdeacon in the Diocese in October of 2026.
Gordon grew up in Cary, NC and was the son of a Baptist Pastor. Like many that come to the Episcopal Church, Gordon was drawn to the rich history, liturgical tradition, and a theology rooted in emphasis on the balance of reason and scripture. Also the Episcopal Church’s openness to diversity and welcoming of ALL people regardless of their background or orientation. Gordon is an avid hiker and enjoys flyfishing, sourdough bread making, cooking, puttering in the yard, backpacking in the mountains, spending time with his daughter and traveling. Gordon enjoys a good bourbon and the occasional cigar.