Gloria Dei (pronounced like “day”) is Latin and means “glory to God”. Gloria Dei is a small, strong congregation who loves 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 members, a huge building, an excess of money, or 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 have a wonderful way of bringing the everyday struggles of living in the 21st century into the light of the Bible.

We sing well; we have a wonderful organist, and a powerful choir.

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 or 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.

What do Lutheran Christians believe?

Last year folks at Gloria Dei read and discussed, Reclaiming 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. 

Lutherans believe in the Triune God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the Three in One. Lutherans believe that the Holy Bible is the inspired Word of God and the only authority for faith and life. Lutherans believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died on the cross for the sins of all mankind, being punished in our place, so that all who repent and turn to him in faith might have forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Thus, salvation is by grace alone through faith alone. Lutherans believe that Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, and that he will come again to establish visibly his eternal kingdom in which all who believe in him shall live eternally.

Lutherans do not believe they are the only ones going to heaven. Instead, Lutherans accept Christians of all denominations as their brothers and sisters and strive to work cooperatively with all for the spread of Christ's kingdom. Lutherans have been very active in the ecumenical movement which seeks to bring unity and understanding among all Christians. Lutherans oppose all forms of bigotry and prejudice and accept persons of all races. We respect people of all religious faiths, and seek to live with them in peace and love. We believe in living by Christ's commandments to love one another and to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Come and see for yourself.                 

Read our Vision Statement