A Gatlinburg Church That Loves Folks
Set on Church Street in the heart of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Roaring Fork Baptist Church is a conservative, Bible-believing congregation whose members live by a simple motto: "We Love Folks." Tucked into the Smoky Mountains and just a short walk from the town's main strip, the church has long been a steady presence for residents and visitors who walk through its doors on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings.
Senior Pastor Dr. Kim David McCroskey extends the welcome personally. He invites first-time guests and longtime neighbors alike to come as they are, to sing the old hymns, and to hear the Gospel of Christ plainly taught. The congregation sees itself as a family, and the building at 215 Church Street functions as a place to worship, learn, serve, and eat together throughout the week.
A Full Sunday from Breakfast to Evening Worship
Sunday at Roaring Fork Baptist starts early. A church breakfast is served at 9:00 am, giving families a chance to gather around the table before the day's activities begin. Sunday School follows at 9:45 am, and the main Sunday Morning Worship Service begins at 10:45 am. After a full morning, the church gathers again for an Evening Worship Service at 6:00 pm, rounding out the day with another opportunity to sing, pray, and hear the Word.
The music program is a central part of the service. The church choir sings every Sunday morning and evening, joined by talented soloists, groups, and ensembles. Music Director Dr. Eddie Lancaster leads the ministry and treats each Sunday as a special day, with three major musical programs presented during the year at Easter, Christmas, and a Summer Concert. The repertoire leans toward the older classic hymns of the faith, though newer Christian songs that speak to the heart also find a place in the rotation.
Wednesday Nights Around the Table
Midweek life at Roaring Fork centers on a shared meal and time in the Word. Dinner is served at 5:30 pm, and at 6:30 pm the church splits into three groups: an Adult Bible Study, a youth Bible class, and a children's class. The Wednesday rhythm is designed to be approachable for working families and for anyone looking for a midweek touchpoint beyond Sunday morning.
Children and the Nursery
Families with young children are well cared for. A well-staffed nursery for ages two and under is available downstairs in room B102 during Sunday morning services. Junior Church, designed for children ages three through eight, meets during the same hours in room B108 and provides an age-appropriate worship experience of its own. Parents are welcome to keep younger children with them in the sanctuary as well.
The Lions' Den Youth Ministry
Roaring Fork's youth program has earned a nickname: the Lions' Den. Led by Associate Pastor Rev. Heath Good, the room houses the church's middle and high school students, who focus on three pillars: the Gospel, fun fellowship, and discipleship. Students gather for biblical teaching, monthly outings, and beach trips, with an emphasis on evangelism and serving as ambassadors of Christ when they go out into the world. The older students are deeply woven into the life of the church, and the program is described as one of the church's greatest ministry groups.
Sheltered Women's Ministry
Women's ministry takes its name from Psalm 91:1 - "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty." The Sheltered Women's Ministry gathers women around Bible study in the spring and fall, quarterly socials, craft events, a Spring and Fall Ladies Brunch, family game nights, the Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child campaign, and Anna's Fellowship, a group for widowed women. The aim is to lead women to Christ and foster bold discipleship through purposeful engagement with God's Word and one another.
The Noel Backpack Ministry
One of the most tangible expressions of the church's motto is the Noel Backpack Ministry, which provides weekend meals to children who ride the church bus. Volunteers meet on Wednesday evenings to assemble backpacks of nutritious, nonperishable food, which are then placed on the bus so children can take them home discreetly. The food pantry bridges the gap between Wednesday evening and Sunday, supplementing meals served on Sunday morning, Wednesday evening, and one Sunday lunch each month. Donations of food or cash are accepted, and the ministry is sustained by a team of volunteers and prayer partners.
Worshiping Together in Person and Online
For those who cannot attend in person, every Sunday morning service is broadcast live on Facebook at 10:45 am Eastern Time, with no account required to view. Previous services - Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday evening - are archived on the church's Facebook page and YouTube channel, making it easy to catch up on past sermons. The church also shares a weekly bulletin and a monthly newsletter online.
What to Expect on a First Visit
First-time guests often wonder what to wear and what the services are like. The church's answer is simple: come as you are. Suits and ties are rare, and comfort is welcomed. Worship blends old hymns with newer songs, the preaching is Bible-centered, and the people are described as loving and warm. Pastors are approachable and happy to meet for personal counsel or prayer, and the church office can be reached at 865-436-8643 or roaringforkbaptist@gmail.com for questions or to learn more before visiting.
Giving and Staying Connected
Roaring Fork Baptist Church is supported through the faithful giving of its members and friends. Contributions can be made in person during services, mailed to the church's PO Box, or given online through a secure PayPal link on the church's giving page, with both one-time and recurring options available. Visitors and members can follow the church on Facebook, watch services on YouTube, and read weekly bulletins and monthly newsletters to stay connected with what's happening at 215 Church Street.