Battlefield Farm & Gardens is an urban farm in, Knoxville, TN that exemplifies what a fresh expression of church can be. Its mission is to transform “the community’s relationship to land and food in East Knoxville’s underserved communities.”
Battlefield Farm & Gardens is a community garden that provides both physical and spiritual nourishment. What started as a small garden adjacent to Tabernacle Baptist Church has grown into a symbol of resilience and hope, addressing the needs of underserved East Knoxville residents living in food deserts.
Battlefield Farm’s mission is deeply rooted in addressing food disparity, particularly in neighborhoods with limited access to fresh, healthy produce. Through partnerships with local organizations, the farm distributes vegetables to families in public housing and sells at local markets like the Eastside Sunday Market. The farm also serves as a gathering space where members of the community can participate in hands-on farming while engaging in non-traditional spiritual practices.
“This space is not just about growing food but about growing community, providing an alternative form of fellowship that transcends traditional church walls.”
– Pastor Chris Battle
Battlefield Farm & Gardens doesn’t just grow and share food, it embodies a transformative approach to both community building and spiritual outreach. Battle has found that by intertwining food justice with faith, he connects with people who he would not otherwise.
“People, when they come to the garden, they’ll have conversations with you,” Battle said in an interview with NPR. “But you tell ’em you’re a pastor, the conversation changes. They hide their liquor. They quit cussin’. I mean, everything changes. But you tell ’em you’re a farmer and they start tellin’ you what color their thumb is. And I’m like, wow. Developing relationships with people in the garden. And it’s not happenin’ in the church. People are running away from the church.”
As the farm continues to grow, it stands as a testament to the power of finding new ways to bring the church closer to people and addressing basic human needs.
“I’m doing something that’s meeting a significant need in our community. I think it’s literally saving people’s lives.”
– Pastor Chris Battle
Snapshot of a Fresh Expression of Church
What is the Fresh Expression called?
Battlefield Farm & Gardens
Where is it?
Knoxville, TN
Who is it for?
It is primarily for the underserved communities of East Knoxville, particularly those living in food deserts, where access to fresh food is limited. It also serves people who are disillusioned with traditional church settings.
What do they do?
At Battlefield Farm, they grow vegetables and sell them at a farmer’s market. They also collect unsold produce and deliver it to people in public housing. It offers a community-oriented spiritual experience, combining church services with hands-on farming. They have 50 raised garden beds, a chicken coop, and a compost pile. The congregation works together on tending the farm and gardening.
Who is the Pioneer?
Pastor Chris Battle is a former senior pastor who transitioned from leading traditional church services to founding Battlefield Farm & Gardens. In 2018, he started the urban farm to combat food insecurity in underserved communities while fostering a unique blend of faith and farming.
Where can I learn more?
Battlefield Farm & Gardens
As attendance dips, churches change to stay relevant for a new wave of worshippers – NPR
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