Our Story

“We will not hide them from their children but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.  He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments.”

Doug Banister, a Northwestern University journalism graduate, earned his Master of Divinity from Talbot School of Theology and a Doctor of Ministry from Gordon Conwell Divinity School. He planted Fellowship Church in 1987, leading it for 15 years before transitioning to lead Venture 297 in Knoxville. Later, he helped plant All Souls Church, where he served as senior pastor for 18 years. Doug and his wife, Sandi, live in Knoxville and have four children.

Rick Dunn, originally from Sweetwater, TN, studied Christian Education at Bryan College and later completed his MA and PhD in Education at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He served as a professor before moving into local church ministry, joining Fellowship Church full-time in 1998. Rick led Fellowship as Senior Pastor from 2002 to 2024 and now leads the White Horse Leadership Initiative. He and his wife, Teresa, live in Knoxville with their family, including three grandchildren.

Born in Fairhope, AL, and raised in Maryville, TN, R.D. McClenagan graduated from Furman University with a degree in Political Science. He earned his Master’s in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary in 2012. After serving as a pastor at Door Creek Church in Madison, WI, he joined Fellowship Church in 2016. R.D. became Senior Pastor in 2024. He and his wife, Emily, have three daughters and reside in Knoxville.

Friendship Sparks a Vision
In the mid-1980s, a friendship between Gary and Debbie Chesney, Jack and Kathy Tarr, and Doug and Sandi Banister planted the seed for what would become Fellowship Church. In 1986, Heights Evangelical Free Church in California sent the Tarrs as lay church planters to Knoxville. The Banisters joined the following year, and a group of 25 began gathering in a home Bible study. By October 1987, Fellowship Evangelical Free Church was officially incorporated, meeting first in the Christian Academy of Knoxville’s library before moving to Farragut Middle School.

Building a Foundation
From the start, Fellowship Church focused on teaching the Bible verse by verse. Early studies in books like 1 Timothy and Galatians established a foundation of New Testament principles, spiritual growth, and freedom in Christ. A deep dive into Romans 5-8 over two years brought transformative understanding about living in the power of Christ.

Growth and a Permanent Home
As Fellowship grew, the need for a permanent space became clear. In 1990, God miraculously provided 16 acres on Middlebrook Pike. By 1994, the congregation moved into a new building, which expanded in 1997 to accommodate the growth of our spiritual community.

Seasons of Transition and Renewal
Leadership transitions and challenges marked Fellowship’s journey but were always met with God’s faithfulness. In 2002, Rick Dunn became Senior Pastor, ushering in new seasons of growth. Initiatives like "The Season to Engage" and "The Surge Initiative" renewed the church’s focus on disciple-making, church planting, and reaching the next generation.

A New Chapter
In 2024, Fellowship entered another new season of leadership as RD McClenagan was called as Lead Pastor. RD cast a vision for Fellowship to be a place where God’s power, presence, and Word are central to everything. He leads Fellowship to pursue daily expectancy, asking God to form our people into His likeness and join in His mission with hearts full of compassion.

Looking Ahead
As we step into the future, we remain grounded in God’s faithfulness and committed to the mission He has given us. Together, we look forward to seeing how Jesus will continue to lead His church, transform lives, and glorify His name through Fellowship.

We invite you to join this story as we follow Christ, seeking to grow in truth, love, and service for His Kingdom.