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• ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

  This is the "church" that cares about everyone but its own members. Wait, let me take that back. It cares about its members to the extent that it wants their money.
  
  The most shameful part of the year occurs during what I call "begging season" (every fall). It lasts for at least an entire month, during which Pastor John Gill sends his goons (his yes-men) to the front of the church to cajole, wheedle, plead, and lay guilt trips on members to provide annual pledges.
  
  Members are even told to go to their banks to have their pledges sent to the church automatically, and for members who are unsure about that process, the church will send one of the goons over to their homes to "help" them) so that Pastor John Gill can once again receive his generous annual raise (each year, over $20,000 alone goes for personal insurance for the pastor, whose total annual compensation package exceeds $100,000).
  
  Then each month there is begging for more money in the form of "Second Mile Gifts," and begging for members to purchase free-trade coffee and chocolate, and begging for members to donate items for the semi-annual yard sale. More begging for the youth trip (billed as a Christian retreat, yet they also went to Disney World, with Pastor John Gill leading the way). More begging at what is called the coffeehouse ("bring your checkbooks!").
  
  The latest financial scam is the "endowment" for which members are encouraged to donate their homes and other financial assets to the church through their wills.
  
  The purpose of the endowment is a mystery because Pastor John Gill and his goons created it in secret and then presented it to the congregation as a done deal (the way that all issues are handled--with a cursory up-or-down vote by members with no discussion possible), but I assume that there is something in it for Pastor John Gill given that he is one of the most self-absorbed people I have ever met. His favorite word is "I." Just listen to him sometime. He is the very definition of a narcissist.
  
  After two years at this "church," I stopped attending shortly after Pastor John Gill fired criticisms at me during an appointment that I had with him in his office for "pastoral care" (no witnesses--Pastor John Gill is a very cautious man when it comes to himself). Some months later, I formally resigned from this "church."
  
  Although Pastor John Gill comes across in public as Mr. Rogers, he is far from it--that's just the persona that he's created to gain people's trust, not to mention their money.
  
  Moreover, this "church" supports liberal politics even when they are wrong, and it criticizes conservative politics even when they are right, making it feel highly cult-like. No independent thinking here.
  
  And if you do not toe the political party line, you will be ostracized by the goons and other members of the church to the point that you will leave, which is exactly what Pastor John Gill wants from you.
  
  Another thing: this "church" claims to embrace inclusiveness. That is a blatant falsehood, unless your definition of inclusiveness solely involves LGBTQ issues and African-American issues.
  
  And women's rights or issues? Forget it. Pastor John Gill does not want to hear about them--hence his angrily and loudly hurling criticisms at me in his office. Pastoral care? I don't think so.
  
  My advice? Find yourself a real church where the sermons are about God and not about the three-week vacation to an exotic Caribbean island that the pastor and his wife took--thanks--as Pastor John Gill explained from the pulpit--to the generosity of a couple who are members of the church and sit in the front row.
  
  So they paid for the goodwill of the pastor, and guess what? They and Pastor John Gill and his wife (his second, due to his divorce from his first) all went on the vacation together, the four of them for three weeks on a white sandy beach because of how very hard Pastor John Gill works and his desperate need for time off from his oh-so-difficult job groveling for money that will support his ritzy lifestyle in Farragut. How very cozy, how very un-Godly.

  Added June 21, 2017 by Cheryl Koski
• ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

  This is an amazing and very welcoming church. Pastor John gives amazing sermons and helps you connect to your god. The youth group is especially fantastic and is my second family away from home. I highly recommend that you come and check out our church sometime. It has shaped me into the person I am today.

  Added April 20, 2017 by Connor Simcox
• ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

  As a member for most of my life I love the church because of how excepting it is. Even if you are from any different background or ethnicity you will be welcomed here. If you have been rejected anywhere else you will be welcomed. It is a safe place for community and sharing that truly embraces the idea of "love your neighbor" If you need help you can get it. This church will not push you to have certain beliefs so even if you are atheist you will not be shunned. We get involved in many progressive acts to improve the world and community; for example, we even have a food pantry on sight that we use to deliver meals to the less fortunate. I have grown up here and would gladly have you come and say hi.

  Added December 27, 2016 by zand999
• ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

  Throughout my life I've been to 4 separate churches and Church of the Savior is genuinely unlike any other. There is a warm and welcoming atmosphere where you feel immediately loved when you walk in. This Church is a beautiful sanctuary for worship and also a place to build relationships with some of the most incredible and friendly people you will ever meet. I am a part of the youth and I couldn't ask for a better group of friends to guide me down my spiritual and personal path. This church fosters acceptance for anyone, no matter what, and for what you believe in, even if you are still trying to figure it out. I would recommend this church to anyone and everyone.

  Added December 21, 2016 by Emily Kersey
• ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

  Church of the Savior is one of the most welcoming, open, and nurturing places I've ever experienced. My experiences at COS have been some of the most valuable and shaping ones of my life and I will be forever thankful for what it has brought me. Pastor John along with the entire congregation are some of the most caring and sincere people I have ever met. At COS real change is made in the community, state, country, and even worldwide through the work that it and its members do. I highly recommend COS for anyone, wether you're looking for spiritual or religious guidance, or nurturing company in a hard time.

  Added September 22, 2016 by Katie Huneycutt