About Us

First United Methodist Church is a congregation committed to loving others as we have been loved. With equal emphasis on acceptance, growth, and service, this community believes faith can also be authentic and fun. Our 6 acre property sits on Kingston Pike, along the beautiful Tennessee River. On this site one can find our sanctuary, historic Parish House, the Peacock Riverside Pavilion, and the campus of First Church Preschool. Here and beyond, we aim to be the loving hands and feet of Jesus in our world.

Pictured: Pastor Caleb Pitkin and a few of his closest friends after the Riverside Worship
Service at our 2024 Church Picnic!

Our Vision

Our vision is to grow passionate followers of Jesus Christ committed to making an impact in Knoxville and beyond.

Our Core Values

Acceptance

We value creating an environment that is welcoming and accepting towards one another. We believe we are uniquely created by God and value the diversity each individual has to offer.

Supporting Verse: “Accept one another then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” - Romans 15:7

Authenticity

We are a community of believers striving for an authentic relationship with God and with each other. We are a church where people are welcome to be their authentic selves and do not feel the need to be "fake" or as if they have everything figured out. Be who you are and know that you are welcome.

Supporting Verse: “Therefore each of you should put off falsehood and speak truthfully, for we are all members of one body.” Ephesians 4:25

 

Growth

We foster an environment for people at all places in their spiritual journey. We challenge and expand our personal and spiritual development through learning more about the Bible, each other and the world we live in. We value becoming more Christ-like and in order to do so must grow and evolve.

Supporting Verse: “Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

Fun

We want our experience of growing with God to be enjoyable and fun. One of our goals is for people to leave our church feeling more hopeful and uplifted than before walking through the door.

Supporting Verse: “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” Psalm 100:1-2

Service

We understand part of our purpose as Christians is to make disciples of all nations. We value opportunities to serve others both inside and outside of our church and share the love of Jesus at home and abroad.

Supporting Verse: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10

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Our Team