A Come-As-You-Are Church on Emory Road
Powell Church sits on West Emory Road in the heart of Powell, Tennessee, a community in northern Knox County. The congregation's first words to a visitor are simple and direct: "Come as you are." The welcome is more than a slogan. It describes a church that makes room for "republicans and democrats, newborn babies and great grandparents, and every season of life," held together by what members describe as something greater than any one of them. The motto captures the spirit of a place where grace is offered to the real, unpolished version of every person who walks through the door.
Two Sunday services fill the worship center on the east side of the building at 9:30 and 11:00 AM. Guests step into a lobby staffed by a hospitality team, with coffee and snacks ready, and a guest services area ready to walk families over to children's check-in on the west side. People wear what they find most comfortable - jeans and t-shirts are as common as business casual - and the parking lot fills with everything from pickup trucks to minivans.
Music that Spans Generations
A gifted praise band leads worship every Sunday, carrying most of the musical weight in both services. The team weaves in a wide range of songs and always includes a hymn, giving the service a blended feel that draws from contemporary and traditional streams. A separate choir performs seasonal concerts at Christmas and Easter, adding a fuller sound during the high points of the church calendar. Members who prefer to follow along can catch the Sunday messages on the church's YouTube channel or listen through the Powell Church podcast.
Powell Kids: From the Nursery to the Bubble
Children's ministry is one of the most visible parts of life at Powell Church. The children's area provides age-specific programs at both Sunday services. Infants from six weeks old are cared for in the nursery, toddlers and preschoolers gather in classrooms with activities designed for growing minds and bodies, and elementary-age children meet in what the church calls "the bubble," a dedicated space for a children's worship service crafted just for them.
On Wednesday evenings, the building fills again with energy. Children ages three through fifth grade gather from 6:30 to 8:00 PM for a high-energy evening of snacks, games, worship, Bible stories, and crafts. Nursery care is available during that hour as well, though reservations are required for staffing. Kristie Pittman leads the children's ministry team, with Georgia Kelley directing the church's child care program.
Powell Youth: A Place to Belong
Middle and high school students have their own corner of the church. On Sunday mornings the youth praise band rehearses at 8:30 AM in the traditional sanctuary on the west side of the building, followed by youth worship services at 9:30 and 11:00 AM. After school each Wednesday, students are welcome to drop in for a hangout with snacks, games, and homework time, with a more focused time of worship and devotion beginning at 6:30 PM. Youth Director Dawson Kitts oversees the program, which is built around three goals the students recite themselves: find community, grow closer to God, and make a difference to those around them.
The Food Pantry and Clothes Closet
The Powell Church food pantry is the only church-based pantry in Knox County open every weekday. Running in partnership with Second Harvest, the pantry opens Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 10:00 AM, and on the third Saturday of each month from 9:00 to 11:00 AM. In 2025 the pantry welcomed an average of 256 households each month, serving an average of 822 individuals. Forty-four percent of those households included children, and guests may visit once per month.
Alongside the pantry, the Clothes Closet opens on the Thursday before the third Saturday (5:00 to 6:30 PM) and on the third Saturday itself (9:00 AM to 12:00 PM). In 2025 the closet served 608 shoppers representing 2,297 family members, with 149 first-time visitors, and distributed 217 pairs of new shoes to local elementary school students. Volunteers are welcomed.
Wednesday Nights and Small Groups
Wednesday is the busiest midweek night of the year at Powell Church. Beyond the children's program and youth gathering, the church hosts "Wednesday Night at Powell," a seasonal evening of classes and meetings that runs throughout the year. Small groups meet at other times during the week, and a new members class welcomes those exploring membership. Discipleship Pastor John Gargis oversees the spiritual formation work that ties these gatherings together.
What Powell Church Believes
The congregation affirms the historic Nicene and Apostles' Creeds, statements of faith held in common across major Christian traditions for more than 1,700 years. The mission statement is direct: make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Powell Church teaches that following Jesus transforms families, work, play, and everyday life. The good news is not only about what comes after death but about the Kingdom of God here and now. The church is fully United Methodist in affiliation and polity, and explicitly welcomes all persons to participate in the life of the congregation.
A Staff that Reflects the Mission
Will Shelton serves as Lead Pastor. John Gargis leads discipleship, Eric Carter directs media and communications, and Julie Shoberg serves as church administrator. Jessica Watson leads the praise and worship ministry, Brittany Williams coordinates connections and hospitality, and Brandy Williams serves as ministry coordinator. Together the staff supports a congregation that takes seriously both its call to worship and its call to serve Powell and Knox County well.
Staying Connected
Powell Church keeps a steady stream of communication going with its members and neighbors. Sunday messages are available on YouTube and through the Powell Church podcast. A weekly newsletter goes out by email, and a 40 Days of Prayer devotional resource is available. Visitors can fill out a Connect Card, and a member of the team will follow up directly.