Visit
8729 Chapman HwyKnoxville, TN 37920Gathering: Sunday 9:30 AM (Prayer Service)
When to go
Worship and gatherings
- Sunday9:30 AM · Prayer Service
- Sunday10:30 AM · Teaching Service
About
Summary
The Gathering Church is a vibrant, prayer-centered community in Knoxville, TN, rooted in the Christian faith and committed to spiritual growth and service. Founded by Pastor Gene and Karen Wolfenbarger, it emphasizes a lifestyle of prayer, worship, and discipleship. The church fosters a welcoming and genuine atmosphere where members feel loved and challenged to grow deeper in their faith. Learn more.
Details
The Gathering Church is a Christian congregation located at 8729 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN. Founded in 1999 by Pastor Gene and Karen Wolfenbarger, it has grown into a welcoming community centered on prayer, worship, and discipleship. The church emphasizes a deep relationship with God through prayer and biblical teaching, offering Sunday services at 9:30 AM (Prayer Service) and 10:30 AM (Teaching Service). The church is known for its genuine and accepting atmosphere, where members are encouraged to grow in their faith and serve both within the community and beyond. The church offers a range of ministries including children's and youth programs, small groups, and missions. Learn more.
From Faith Near Me
The Gathering Church in Knoxville, TN, offers a welcoming and prayer-centered environment where visitors can expect genuine community and a focus on spiritual growth. First-time guests will notice clear Sunday service times (9:30 AM Prayer Service and 10:30 AM Teaching Service) and a facility designed to support worship, prayer, and family ministries. The church emphasizes biblical teaching, discipleship, and outreach, with a warm atmosphere that encourages both personal faith development and community engagement.
Pros
- Clear Sunday service times with distinct prayer and teaching sessions
- Welcoming atmosphere fostering genuine connections and spiritual growth
- Robust children's and youth ministries (GKids, GStudents)
- Active community outreach including missions and a drive-through food pantry
- Facilities include a House of Prayer, worship space, and teaching library
- Biblically grounded teaching and emphasis on discipleship
Reviews from around the web
Public comments we collected from listing sources. Not written on Faith Near Me.
- Christoforo9 months ago
The core group here is just so genuine, so real. There's no pretense, and gossip is just not entertained on any level--so refreshing. We feel so loved and so sharpened. I'm proud to call this my church now. At the Gathering we don't just …
- Joanne Miles5 years ago
Our family has been going to The Gathering Church for 17 years now. My two children grew up in the Church learning about our wonderful Savior Jesus! The teaching, the prayer room and worship is amazing! …
- Landon Allen5 years ago
My wife and I immediately knew we belonged here after we started attending and engaging regularly. Without the leadership and community of this church, I honestly believe our journeys with The Lord wouldn’t be where they are today. Intellectually, Pastor Gene has taught me so much about The Bible, scripture interpretations, and how to approach passages when studying them. As someone who grew up “in church,” this place truly is different. They don’t get caught up in denominational thinking and just preach the Bible without agenda. The folks there are so welcoming and accepting. I love this church and proudly call it home for where my wife and I are right now.
- Deedi Hailey5 years ago
The Gathering has been my home church for over 17 years. This church family is full of people who are truly trying to love the way that Jesus demonstrated so perfectly. My church, like any other, is not perfect but as I have learned and grown over the years, so has this church. One of my favorite sayings by our leadership is that "none of us have arrived". We are free here to grow, to learn, to make mistakes, to be forgiven, and to be loved while we are taught both the simple and the deeper truths in the Word of God. Many churches advertise that all are welcome; I can say with complete honesty that it is 100% true of The Gathering!
- Aryiah Kambanopoulos5 years ago
We have been attending The Gathering Church for a couple of years. The teaching is spot on. You are treated like family not just a number. The childrens program is loving and caring and our grandson loves it. If you're looking for a home Church stop in. You will be glad you did.
- Becky DeBerry5 years ago
We live in Florida and we consider The Gathering our Tennessee church home when we visit. We always feel loved and welcomed. We love the biblical teaching and enjoy staying engaged through their prayer room and online accessibility! Definitely a place to visit if near by or visiting the area on vacation. A place that is genuine and where the focus is on the Father ❤️
- Robin Smith4 years ago
I love being a part of this loving body of believers! This church has a vision to truly bring the kingdom of God to rule and reign in our own lives first and then spread to our community by being empowered by the Holy Spirit. The worship is anointed & Spirit-filled and the teaching is deep, Biblically sound doctrine. If you're looking for a place to grow and serve with people who believe in taking the love of the Father outside the walls of the building, this is your church! Through the love and unity, you will know that true followers of Jesus worship here.
- Eunice Dehaven5 years ago
The Gathering has been our church home since we moved to Knoxville 2 years ago. We have been so blessed to find a Spirit filled body of believers. The worship is passionate, the teaching is sound. We have felt loved and accepted, but also challenged to grow deeper in the Lord since we arrived.
- Mary Maness-Cook5 years ago
The Gathering has been my home church for 14 years. It has a friendly, diverse congregation. Our church is missions-oriented (home & foreign), we have an active House of Prayer, and Pastor Gene's sermons are biblical blessings.
- Nick Parker5 years ago
I’ve been a member for over 12 years. Love the people, the staff and the “welcome all” atmosphere. Appreciate Pastor Gene Wolfenbarger’s willingness to embrace the full countenance of scripture even in the face of “religion/tradition”.
- Tim Kelman5 years ago
This is a great church. I started coming when I moved to Knoxville 3 years ago. I've grown more here than in the last several years of my life. Solid teaching, great hearts. The Spirit is present here. Come check it out!
- Paula Byler11 months ago
I have been going for 2 months the people are very loving and they don't judge you and you can wear your blue jeans. They accept you the Way You are
- Angel Sullivan5 years ago
Love The Gathering Church. My husband and I have raised our children up in this church and we have made lifelong friends that we consider our family. JESUS is why we attend, why we serve and why we are so grateful to Him for directing us to this church.
- EJ5 years ago
This is such a wonderful church. Warm, welcoming. My family went one time after we moved to TN (& had tried several churches) and haven’t ever stopped going. Biblical teaching. Jesus loving.
- Sarah Floyd3 years ago
They are so nice here. They give out free food in the parking lot Thursdays from about 10pm until 1pm. You stay in your car the entire time and you drive through the line and answer a few questions like " your name, is it your first time, ( …
- David May5 years ago
God led us here 19 years ago. The Gathering has become our home and its people our family. Great teaching and a loving atmosphere.
- Melanie Sims5 years ago
If your looking for an authentic bunch of people - you've found it! There's great unity here and genuine love for everyone that walks through the doors. Practical teaching, dedicated and encouraging community for young and old alike.
- Grace Parker5 years ago
EVERYONE is welcome! This place feels like home and everyone is family. The Children’s ministry is so intentional on raising up children to be leaders! Perfect for young people
- Katherine Gilde4 years ago
Very friendly and welcoming. Stresses the importance of reaching out to others and tell them about the Gospel through testimony, scripture, and kindness.
- Amanda Akers5 years ago
A warm and inviting church that loves people and loves Jesus! The worship is amazing and the preaching is authentic and deep. We love this church!!!
Services and facilities
Services
- Gkids (Children'S Ministry)
- Gstudents (Youth Ministry)
- Small Groups
- Discipleship
- Prayer & Fasting
- Missions
- House Of Prayer
- Food Panney (Drive-Through, Thursdays 10 Pm - 1 Pm)
Facilities
- House Of Prayer
- Worship Space
- Children'S Area
- Teaching Library
Events and programs
Fruit of the Spirit
Sunday Mornings at 10:30 AM
Dive into foundational teachings from Galatians 5:25.
Dinner Parties
Sunday Nights
Build connections and fellowship over shared meals.
First Fast
First Sunday of Every Month
Join us in fasting and prayer for our community.
Connect
- Contact page
- Open contact page

