We are a fellowship of believers practicing the ways of Jesus to advance the Kingdom of God
Join Us For Worship
Sundays at 9:00am
1907 Ebenezer Rd, Knoxville, TN 37922
The Kennedys
The Kennedy family–Brandon and Beth, along with their three daughters, Ellie, Abby, and Pressley—is following God’s call to plant a new life-giving church that will love, serve, and inspire the city and surrounding communities of Knoxville, TN.
Why Christ Fellowship?
The origin of Christ Fellowship is not an original idea or name. Instead, it is a picture of a historical, theological reality deeply rooted in the New Testament that depicts the true nature and beauty of the church. The church was not man’s idea; it was Jesus’ idea. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus declares,
“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
Here, Jesus establishes the church as His own, indicating its divine origin and purpose. Paul explains in Ephesians 5:23 that Christ is the head of the church, reminding everyone that the church isn’t the result of entrepreneurial vision or human ingenuity. Instead, Christ is the head of a living organism who leads his new covenant people (Col. 1:18; Eph 3:20-22), providing life and true flourishing in Him (John 15:5), and protecting His people against all odds to fulfill the advancement of the Kingdom of God.
Furthermore, in 1 Corinthians 12:27, Paul writes,
"Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it."
This imagery of the church as the body of Christ stresses the intimate connection between Christ and his followers, highlighting the unique picture that the church is a ‘fellowship of differents’ and mutual dependence. Viewing the church as Christ's Fellowship underscores its communal nature, where believers are bound together by their shared faith in Christ despite their differences. As a result, this fellowship is a visible manifestation of Christ’s presence as the community of Jesus, who practice His ways where they live, work, play, and eat in the spirit of the Great Commandment to advance the Kingdom of God.
Therefore, we pray that our name, “Christ Fellowship,” will capture and shape our identity, vision, and mission as a church. That Christ Fellowship embodies the truth of the Gospel, the centrality of Christ in the church’s life, and reimagines the fellowship of believers found in Acts 2:42-47. We seek to glorify God by practicing the ways of Jesus to advance the Kingdom of God.
Our Mission
For Christ
Christ Fellowship exists solely for Jesus, the head of our church. We are not here for ourselves but for Him. Our purpose is to worship, love, trust, and obey Him. We aim to know Him and make Him known by practicing the ways of Jesus.
For the Church
Christ Fellowship exists to fulfill Jesus’ vision for His church. As members of His body, saved by His grace, we are committed to loving, encouraging, and nurturing the church community. We aim to foster growth, maturity, and service within the body of Christ.
Inspired by 1 Corinthians 12:27, which portrays believers as individual members of Christ’s body, we embrace the diversity and unity inherent in the church. We are dedicated to building up both the local and global church, securing a vibrant future for the fellowship of believers.
For Knoxville
Christ Fellowship extends beyond its walls, striving to make a meaningful impact in our city. Through partnerships with local organizations and programs addressing community needs, we aim to share God’s love and serve Knoxville. It is our desire to see lives transformed, seek the peace of our city, and contribute to its renewal.
For the Kingdom
Christ Fellowship exists for the Kingdom of God. Therefore, it must embody the life of Jesus, guided by the Spirit, as a unified community, becoming the visible manifestation of Christ.
This entails a dedication to local and global church planting, a steadfast commitment to fulfilling the Great Commission, and a culture of contagious generosity that reflects God’s abundant grace.
Our Values
CHRIST CENTERED
Founded on Jesus’ teachings and committed to advancing His kingdom.
KINGDOM FOCUSED
Intentional efforts focused on strategic initiatives to serve our city through redemptive kingdom ventures, marketplace leaders, local schools, and neighbors.
FAMILY ORIENTED
A critical ministry will be to come alongside all generations to encourage and equip the whole family.
DISCIPLES MULTIPLIED
Modeling the early church, a critical value of Christ Fellowship will be to prioritize making and multiplying disciples to reach a changing world.
THE CHURCH GATHERED
Expressed through various forms throughout the week, we gather as a reflection of Jesus’ greater heavenly gathering and an embassy of Christ’s kingdom here on earth.
Meet Our Lead Pastor
Brandon and his wife Beth have been married for 13 years. They are very proud parents of their triplet daughters, Ellie, Pressley, and Abby. Brandon grew up in Sevierville, TN, and will always have a deep love for the mountain life. Football and golf are his favorite sports, and he is a huge Dallas Cowboys fan. As a family, they love attending UT sporting events, hiking, skiing, and being outside.
Brandon received a Master’s of Divinity and a Doctorate of Executive Leadership from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. Brandon’s passion is to equip and mobilize Christ-centered leaders in the home, church, marketplace, and the world.
In addition to leading Christ Fellowship, Brandon coaches other pastors/ church leaders for Leadership Pathway and serves as the Board Chair for the University of Tennessee FCA. After spending the last 11 years at Shoreline Church, Brandon and Beth became increasingly aware of God’s call to step out in faith to plant a new church in the spring of 2023. Per The Lord’s prompting and through discussions with the Elders of Shoreline Church, they affirmed this calling and Shoreline graciously became Christ Fellowship’s primary sending church.
Meet Our Pastor of Spiritual Formation and Care
Devin Phillips is a Knoxville native who grew up on the east side of town. He graduated from the University of Tennessee and earned his Master's of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. Devin has a deep passion for discipleship and will serve Christ Fellowship as the Pastor of Spiritual Formation and Care.
Devin and his wife Lauren (an Auburn fan) have been married for 11 years. They have three children who split their collegiate alliances: James, Mary Haisten, and Ella. Beyond his role as a pastor, Devin enjoys golfing, UT sports, learning something new, or watching a good movie.
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We covet your prayers! Please pray for wisdom, resources, open doors, and the transformation of lives as we launch this ministry.
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Your financial gifts will help us establish a strong foundation and reach our community effectively. You can make checks payable to Christ Fellowship Knoxville and mail them to 9635 Westland Dr. Knoxville, TN 37922.
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Become part of the core team or a team of strategic volunteers! We need people with a heart for Jesus to serve in various ministries, from worship, family ministries, bible studies, and our For Knoxville initiatives.