Rural Faith Leaders Roundtable

Tuesday, July 7
9:30 am to 11 am
Bridgewater Place
Knoxville, TN

As part of the East Tennessee Faith & Community Summit, TN Department of Human Services Commissioner Clarence H. Carter and Governor's Faith-Based and Community Initiative Executive Director Lance Villio is inviting pastors and faith leaders serving rural Tennessee to a roundtable discussion focused on the work faith communities do every day across East Tennessee.

Over the past year, the Governor's Faith-Based and Community Initiative has partnered with UT SWORPS on research confirming what many faith leaders already know firsthand: rural churches are often the primary source of support, connection, and practical assistance for individuals and families. Whether the need is food insecurity, housing, transportation, family crisis, or social isolation, churches are frequently the first place people turn.

Commissioner Carter believes it is critical that state leaders hear directly from those doing this work. This roundtable is a listening session intended to inform future collaboration and ensure the perspectives of rural faith leaders are represented in ongoing conversations about community well-being.

☑️  The realities facing rural communities today.
☑️   The faith community's role as an essential community support system.
☑️   Emerging challenges and opportunities across rural Tennessee.
☑️  How government, philanthropy, business, and faith communities can better work together to serve Tennesseans.

☑️  Space is intentionally limited to encourage meaningful dialogue.
☑️  Pastors are welcome to invite fellow faith leaders from their area. 
☑️  The East Tennessee Faith & Community Summit will begin at noon in the same building.
☑️  You are invited to attend both the Roundtable and the Summit.