How it all started...
In 2000, God took a broken life and turned it into a testimony of grace. Pastor Steve Gillespie had plans for his future that came crashing down, leaving him with nothing but a distant knowledge of God and no real relationship with Him. In that moment of surrender, the Lord stepped in changing Steve’s heart, restoring his life, and calling him into a new story. What began as a personal transformation grew into a burden for the East Tennessee area: a place in need of authentic worship, clear Bible teaching, and bold gospel witness.
Out of that calling, Calvary Lakeway was planted right here in Talbott. A small group of believers gathered with one simple desire, to be a church that worshiped God with all their hearts, taught His Word verse by verse through every book of the Bible, and lived as witnesses first in their homes and then to their neighbors. From living rooms to our current home at 1149 US-11E, the foundation was laid on Colossians 3:16-17: letting the word of Christ dwell in us richly as we worship, teach, and serve in His name.
Out of that calling, Calvary Lakeway was planted right here in Talbott. A small group of believers gathered with one simple desire, to be a church that worshiped God with all their hearts, taught His Word verse by verse through every book of the Bible, and lived as witnesses first in their homes and then to their neighbors. From living rooms to our current home at 1149 US-11E, the foundation was laid on Colossians 3:16-17: letting the word of Christ dwell in us richly as we worship, teach, and serve in His name.
Expanding the vision...
What started as a handful of people hungry for real faith quickly became a growing family. As the gospel took root, lives were changed, families were strengthened, and the vision expanded beyond Sunday mornings. We added a full leadership team Pastor Steve as Senior Pastor, Carter Trigg leading worship and serving as elder, Fernando Ruiz shepherding our youth as elder, and Michelle Elkins and Whitney Rogers pouring into our children’s ministry.
Midweek Bible studies, special series, and community outreach began to flow naturally from our core mission: The Worship, The Word, and The Witness. We’ve watched believers grow deeper in Scripture, families worship together, and the good news reach into our region. Every step has been God’s faithfulness, building a community of authentic disciples who don’t just attend church they live the gospel where they are.
Midweek Bible studies, special series, and community outreach began to flow naturally from our core mission: The Worship, The Word, and The Witness. We’ve watched believers grow deeper in Scripture, families worship together, and the good news reach into our region. Every step has been God’s faithfulness, building a community of authentic disciples who don’t just attend church they live the gospel where they are.
Where we are headed...
We are just getting started. Our vision remains clear: to create a community of authentic believers and to witness a city transformed by the life-changing reality of the gospel. We are pressing forward to see every home, school, and workplace touched by the love of Jesus.
In the days ahead we will continue verse-by-verse teaching through the whole counsel of God, raise up the next generation through vibrant youth and children’s ministry, and extend our witness “to the uttermost parts of the world.” Whether through local outreach, mission partnerships, or new opportunities to serve, Calvary Lakeway exists to glorify God, equip the saints, and make disciples who make disciples.
The best chapters are still being written by the same God who turns messes into messages. Come be part of the story with us.
In the days ahead we will continue verse-by-verse teaching through the whole counsel of God, raise up the next generation through vibrant youth and children’s ministry, and extend our witness “to the uttermost parts of the world.” Whether through local outreach, mission partnerships, or new opportunities to serve, Calvary Lakeway exists to glorify God, equip the saints, and make disciples who make disciples.
The best chapters are still being written by the same God who turns messes into messages. Come be part of the story with us.
