Gloria Dei (pronounced like “day”) is Latin and means “glory to God”. Gloria Dei is a small, strong congregation of people who love Jesus and work to grow as His followers. We seek to be a people who, with God’s help, give glory to God. Although we do not have lots of people; we do not have a huge building; we do not have an excess of money; and we do not have a lot of committee meetings (though we usually find ways to get things done with input from all), we do always have enough of everything, for in God’s Kingdom there is always an abundance.

Our worship at Gloria Dei is warm and meaningful. We come together, in the presence of God, to experience transformation in our lives, which can only be brought about by God’s love and mercy. We sing well; we have a wonderful organist, and a small but powerful choir.

Our pastor is warm and open and has a wonderful way of bringing the everyday struggles of living in the 21st century into the light of the Bible. You will also notice that he has a good sense of humor!

We are a people of resurrection and hope. We believe the resurrection happens every time someone wrestling with alcohol becomes sober. Hope happens every time a couple puts a faltering marriage back together. Resurrection happens every time a youth discovers the purpose for his/her life. It happens every time a child has a new insight or a new discovery. The resurrection happens every time two people, after long resentment and bitterness, forgive each other.

If you worship with us, you can expect to be greeted warmly. We will assist you to get through our liturgy, which can be confusing at first. We will welcome you to the Lord’s table.

We will be enriched by your presence. We will not single you out or even demand you sign our guest book (though you can if you wish).

We have a very open view of church membership, and believe the most important thing is for us to know that all people are more than members of this or that church -- indeed, all people are sons and daughters of God.

One of our newer programs is the Blessing of the Pets service, held in early October around the feast of Saint Frances. To the left is Sophie, and to the right is Bubba, who were blessed and are indeed a blessing!

What do Lutheran Christians believe?

Last year folks at Gloria Dei read and discussed, Reclaming the “L” Word Renewing the Church from Its Lutheran Core by Pastor Kelly A. Freyer. We agree with the five guiding principals that Pastor Freyer and her congregation concluded were at the core of what it means to be a Lutheran:

1. Jesus is Lord

2. Everyone is Welcome

3. Love Changes People

4. Everybody Has Something to Offer

5. The World Needs What We have

We are located in South Knoxville on Chapman Highway. We are between McDonald’s and Ye Olde Steakhouse; look for the tall bell tower. In an interesting way, our location puts us between the old and the new, which fits. We seek to reach out to the needs of those living around us, and often work with other faith communities in the process.

We do not seek to become a “mega-church”, but seek to remain a small, strong congregation. We don’t measure our worth by our size, but rather by God’s love for us and for all. Come and see for yourself.

Gloria Dei’s Vision Statement

God has a plan for Gloria Dei.

We will grow in our caring, sharing, giving, and loving, with hope and joy.

To become part of this plan, each of us will reach out and use our spiritual gifts in active total ministry.

Helping out at Second Harvest