Discipleship

Groups

Upward Knoxville is built around Bible teaching and fellowship—and groups give believers smaller, focused spaces to grow in Christ throughout the week. These are not programs for appearances. They are places for honest discipleship: Scripture, prayer, encouragement, accountability, and real relationships.

Groups supplement the life of the local church; they do not replace gathering with God’s people on the Lord’s Day or faithful membership where you live.

How groups stay connected

Most group life happens through Discord. That keeps men and women connected across busy schedules and distance—inside Knoxville and beyond—without treating online fellowship as a substitute for the church or for in-person meetups when those are planned.

When we gather face to face, we announce it clearly and well in advance. The rhythm is intentional: stay in the Word, pray for one another, and walk together between Sundays—not drift alone until the next service.

Growing intentionally

Upward is still young, and we are adding discipleship spaces slowly—not to look established, but to build what is faithful. The Forge is live for men today. The Foundry, our planned women’s space, is not meeting yet; we are prayerfully seeking leadership before anything launches under that name.

Every group is Christ-centered and Scripture-centered. We welcome believers from different Christian backgrounds and hold to biblical truth with humility—focused on formation, not performance.

Our groups

Read the full vision for each space below, or jump straight to the page that fits you.

The Forge

Live

Men’s ministry

A non-denominational Christian men’s ministry where Scripture is the foundation and brotherhood is the aim. The Forge is more than a Bible study—it is a community of men pursuing godly character, leadership, discipleship, and mutual growth through study, prayer, honest conversation, and accountability. Named for the way God shapes men through heat, pressure, and refinement—not always comfortable, always purposeful.

  • Bible studies, theology, and men’s issues (marriage, fatherhood, purity, leadership)
  • Prayer, daily encouragement, voice chats, and book studies
  • In-person meetups when planned; accountability available upon request
Full vision for The Forge → Join on Discord

The Foundry

Not yet live

Women’s discipleship (forming)

The Foundry is intended to become Upward’s women’s discipleship space—biblical growth, encouragement, prayer, and fellowship among sisters in Christ. We are not meeting under this name yet and there is no dedicated Discord or weekly rhythm until the right leadership is in place.

Like The Forge, it will develop carefully and prayerfully, not for show. If you sense the Lord may be calling you to help lead, or you have questions in good faith, we would be glad to hear from you.

The Foundry →

Looking for a place to grow?

If you are a man seeking fellowship, prayer, accountability, or brothers who will walk with you in the fight of faith, The Forge is open now. If you are exploring Upward more broadly, start with What to Expect or Stay Connected.