Faith formation and leadership development are the lifeblood of the faith community at St. John's Lutheran Church.  For nearly 120 years, this inner city regional congregation has continued to be a growing fellowship of believers, with a commitment to raise up leaders.  St. John's has encouraged involvement with urban ministries through partnerships with other congregations and community organizations who share our heart for the city of Knoxville.  An inclusive membership from throughout Knox County and the East Tennessee area make up a diverse congregation of committed disciples. 

St. John's Lutheran Church's Vision 2012 sets out a bold vision for the future with a focus on co-led ministry teams.  This is a plan that will grow and mature over time through the prayerful discernment of this Christian community.  The primary role of leadership in this plan is to create an empowered team building environment, and to equip others to do ministry.

Co-led small group teams focus on spiritual growth experiences while emphasizing relationships and service opportunities according to a person's particular life stage.  It is all about people, their God-given gifts, and developing new leaders.  The attitude is simple:  Whatever it takes, if a person has an idea, find a way to help them make it happen, and then help them partner with someone else to nourish the ideas as co-leaders of a small group team.

God has challenged the congregation of St. John's Lutheran Church to use their God-given gifts in a multitude of ways through  active lay-led ministries and retreat ministries, such as Via de Cristo and Teens Encounter Christ (TEC). 

In the last thirteen years, six members of St. John's Lutheran Church have completed seminary and have become ordained ministers and are now serving congregations around the country.  Currently, five additional members are enrolled in seminary.