Mark and Tracy Kirk moved to Knoxville in June of 1997 after hearing the call of God to come here and plant a Bible-teaching church that would minister to and love the people of this community. In the beginning, times were lean, as Mark waited at tables to earn a living for his family while teaching weekly Bible study. Initially, the Bible study began in the clubhouse of a local apartment complex, but it was later moved into a residential home in an affluent area of Knoxville. After meeting in this home for a year and a half and having an average attendance of about 90 people, it was time for another move.