theologically grounded
As products of the protestant reformation we affirm the five solas. Namely, that the divinely inspired scripture standing alone above human tradition teaches that a person is saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, for the glory of God alone. We also believe that the Second London Confession (1689), the New Hampshire Confession (1853), and the Baptist Faith and Message (2000) provide helpful expositions of God’s Word. We preach the Word, practice believers baptism, understand the Lord’s Supper and Baptism to be symbolic ordinances rather than sacraments, and believe in the perseverance of the saints.
historically rooted
While we’re unapologetically protestant (and specifically baptist, for the record), we recognize the faith we practice is an ancient faith passed down from the apostles and practiced around the world. We are not here to make church “new” or “different.” Gathering together, we are joining in what God has done, is doing, and will do in and through His church on earth.
In a desire to identify ourselves with a long line of faithful men and women of church history, we recite creeds and confessions in our services and practice the Lord’s Supper weekly.
culturally responsive
We desire to address the cultural issues of the day, informing Christian’s how to think biblically and equipping Christian’s to respond rightly.
We do this by committing to host regular pastoral Q&A’s where the public can come and anonymously ask a panel of our pastors what the Bible teaches on any given subject. We are also committed to creating videos and writing accessible articles helping you thrive in Babylon, giving “a defense for the hope that is within you…with gentleness and respect.”
missionally driven
“Missions exists because worship doesn’t.” – John Piper
God desires and deserves the praise of all people. We are here to make disciples of the nations…
starting here in Knoxville. This is our passion and our priority. Our goal is to leverage our own lives to lead others to the Lord while encouraging and equipping you to do the same. We go to gather His people and we gather as His people to go.
As a church we will be devoting a significant amount of time to reaching the students on the campus of the University of Tennessee.
congregationally based
The first Spirit-empowered sermon, brought Spirit-led conviction, which created a Spirit-filled local church. The gospel creates a gathering.
God instituted and designed the local church with qualified leaders, designated servants, and gifted members so that a war torn world would see a picture of heaven.
We prioritize pre-planned participation in Sunday service from the body by people sharing testimonies, reciting creeds and/or confessions together, and a weekly participation in the Lord’s supper.
convictionally unified
We may disagree on matters of conscience but we’re going to keep the main thing the main thing.
A love for one another in a local church that endures minor disagreements is a unique and compelling witness before a polarized, angry world that consistently creates tribes from minor disagreements in person and especially online. We should be able to live with, learn from, and love our brothers and sisters in Christ… “bearing all things, believing all things, hoping all things, and enduring all things.”
spiritually expectant
We believe…
God can change lives as we come together (1 Cor. 14, Acts). God can sustain faith when we come together (Hebrews 10 & 12). God can mend relationships when we come together (1 Cor. 11 & 13, Philemon). God can heal bodies if He chooses to when we come together (Js. 5). God can use us to serve one another in profound ways (1 Cor. 12). God can glorify himself in our witness when we come together (Matt. 5, John 13:35). God is preparing us for heaven together (1 Ptr. 2, Rev. 7)