In 2013, Will and his family moved to London to plant Redeemer Church. Soon after, a family from Providence Church in Knoxville happened to visit Redeemer while on vacation. They loved their experience, reported back to Providence’s leadership, and soon the two churches were partnering in a warm gospel friendship. 

Will was convinced he would pastor Redeemer for the rest of his life. Several years later though, he was offered a role by Providence to plant a church in downtown Knoxville. Will's wife, Michelle, is American and from the South, and in God’s providence this opportunity intersected perfectly with several life circumstances. After much prayer and consultation, and with sadness at leaving Redeemer but excitement for the future, they accepted! Emmanuel is a non-denominational church, out of Providence church near Karns.

Greater Knoxville has a population of around 1.1 million and Knoxville is one of America’s fastest growing cities. Despite being in the Bible belt, it's experiencing an influx of unreached people from all over the nation and beyond. It represents a thrilling gospel opportunity. As a church plant, we don’t yet have much history! But we do have a God with a track record of thousands of years of love and faithfulness. We’re excited about the future story he has planned for us. Come and be part of it!