Lead Pastor
In 2004, Pastor Steve and Kelley felt the call of God to move from their pastorate of 14 years in Milwaukee, WI and plant CTR Church. Founded upon the vision of Matthew 16, Christ the Rock Church is now celebrating 14 years of successful ministry.
With over 38 years of ministry, Pastor Steve and Kelley have served in various positions, specializing in Pastoral restoration and ministry development. Pastor Steve studied at Northwest Bible College, the Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and most recently, at the Pentecostal Theological Seminary. Kelly studied at Lee University and Northwest Bible College.
Pastor Steve and Kelley recently celebrated the addition of a new title, Grandparents, with the birth of their grandson, Emmanuel, Jr.
In addition to their Pastoral responsibilities, Pastor Steve also heads up Reclamation Ministries, a ministry dedicated to the purpose of leading people in the Last Days outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and in the renewal of the leadership of the Body of Christ! To find out more about Reclamation Ministries, please visit that website by CLICKING HERE!
You can contact Pastors Steve and Kelley Gardner at: PastorSteve@CtrCog.com
Worship Director
Brittany is passionate about the worship of the Lord Jesus Christ! She is a gifted singer and leader! She plays the keyboard and writes music herself. She is dedicated to ushering people into the presence of the Lord! Early in her life, her gifting and calling was evident as she was always singing and loved worshipping the Lord. She directs the Praise Team and Choir of Knoxville is One, an Inter-Denominational, Church, and Cultural ministry here in Knoxville!
Contact Brittany at: BrittanyM@CtrCog.com
Evangelism & Outreach Pastor
Pastor Jerry and Diane serve the Lord with a heart of compassion for those who are struggling in life. Sister Diane works full time with Mission of Hope here is Knoxville Tennessee. Pastor Jerry also volunteers with Mission of Hope. Together, they serve CTR as our Liason to Local Missions Projects, as we partner with Mission of Hope!
Contact Pastor Jerry and Diane at: PastorJerry@CtrCog.com
Associate Pastor and Hispanic Ministries Pastor
Pastor Mario Viera Rodríguez and his wife, Sister Ruth Agosto are the Associate Pastors of Christ the Rock Church of God. They have served the Lord for many years as pastors, evangelists, and teachers in Puerto Rico. His love for souls and the teaching of the word of God is tireless. He is a Spanish teacher and he studied at the Missionary Bible Institute of the Fuente de Salvacion Misionera Council, staying as a professor for 28 years until his transfer to Knoxville, TN."We are only servants of the Most High God, to Him be all the glory.
Contact Pastors Mario and Ruth at: PastorMario@CtrCog.com
Children's Director
Katelynn Doan has been involved in Children's Ministry for many years! Growing up in the Church, and in Children's Ministries, her gifting and calling from God was recognized early, and she was used to be a Children's Church helper. Now, Katelynn serves full time as the Children's Pastor of CTR!
Contact Katelynn at: KatelynnD@CtrCog.com
Youth Pastor
Pastor Rob and Leah Rupnow have seved the Lord in Youth Ministry for many years! Pastor Rob was brought up under the ministry of Pastor Steve Gardner in Wisconsin, and Leah is the Daughter of a Pastor, growing up in ministry! Together, they have a wonderful gifting and calling from the Lord to minister to the Youth of CTR and the Community!
Contact Pastors Rob and Leah at: PastorRob@CtrCog.com
What We Believe
Vision Statement:
Christ the Rock Church of God is a church that is formulated and exists upon the foundation of Jesus Christ as described in Matthew 16:13-19. Our church is made up of Followers of Jesus, who are committed to advancing the Kingdom of God, and living life in such a manner so as to honor the Lord Jesus Christ!
Mission Statement:
Because the life of a Follower of Jesus is a formative process, the following “keys” will be how we will fulfill the Vision the Lord has given us:
With these items in place, we seek to fulfill the vision the Lord has given us, and to become that Church Jesus described in Matthew 16 as a “Christ-Exalting; Holy Spirit-Empowered force; “that the gates of hell cannot resist” for the city of Knoxville and its surrounding communities!
Christ the Rock Church of God began September 12, 2004 in the living room of our Pastors, Steve and Kelley Gardner. Shortly thereafter, we moved into the Disabled American Veteran's building in Fountain City. In 2006, the Lord blessed us with a new building!
In 2006, we moved into our new building at 4306 Washington Pike in Knoxville Tennessee! Since that time, we have been seeking ways to reach our community with the love and power of the Lord Jesus Christ and His message!
Now, the Lord has blessed us with yet another New Building! A bigger and better building, located at 7321 Bell Road, Knoxville, TN. 37918. This is truly a WONDERFUL BLESSING from the Lord to Christ the Rock Church of God! Come and begin to be a part of making OUR history YOUR history........YOU ARE WELCOME AT CTR!