Fellowship, Work, and the Way of Jesus

We exists to see ordinary people shaped by the Word of God, strengthened through fellowship, and sent into everyday life to follow Jesus and make disciples.

“Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it…”

Jeremiah 6:16

We believe the ancient path is not escape from the world, but faithful obedience within it: Scripture, prayer, family, work, hospitality, fellowship, witness, and disciple-making.

Matthew 28:18-20 • 2 Timothy 2:2 • Matthew 6:33

Christ at work in an ordinary household

Jay first encountered God in a jail cell and later committed his life to Christ while living in a homeless shelter. It was not a polished beginning. His life was marked by brokenness, uncertainty, and more questions than answers. Yet in the midst of those circumstances, God began a work that continues to this day.

What started as a simple surrender to Christ slowly grew into a lifelong pursuit of following Him. Like yeast working through dough, Christ began transforming every area of life—work, marriage, family, church, prayer, hospitality, stewardship, and mission. Over time, faith ceased to be a compartment of life and became the foundation for all of it.

Today, Jay and his wife Jessie are raising three children with a commitment to do things differently than the generations before them. Their desire is to seek first the Kingdom of God, raise their children in the way they should go, and help others discover the joy and purpose of wholehearted obedience to Christ.

For more than a decade, they have invested in Bible studies, discipleship, mentoring, hospitality, and the local church. Together, they have walked alongside men, couples, and families who desire to grow deeper in their faith and live more intentionally for the Kingdom of God.

Their conviction is simple: ordinary people, fully surrendered to Christ, can become generation changers. Through the power of God’s Word, the work of the Holy Spirit, and faithful obedience in everyday life, lives, families, churches, and communities can be transformed.

Their desire is to help people encounter Christ, be formed by His Word, and faithfully pass that faith to the next generation.

A dedicated craftsman working with wood in a dimly lit workshop, highlighted by a beam of light.

One-on-One and Small Group Discipleship

For those who desire to follow Jesus more deeply, Avodah offers intentional discipleship in very small settings, usually one-on-one or groups of three or fewer.

Surrender

Learning to bring the whole life before Christ.

Scripture

Growing in the Word through study, meditation, and obedience.

Prayer

Building rhythms of dependence, confession, and worship.

Witness

Practicing faithful presence and clear Gospel witness.

Maturity

Walking the path of 2 Peter 1:5-10 toward love.

Multiplication

Becoming the kind of disciple who can help disciple others.

A captivating view of a historic church tower in Scotland, highlighting its gothic architecture.

Committed to the Church

We are not a replacement for the local church. We are members of many local fellowships around Middle Tennessee.

Our commitment is to Christ and His Church. We want to strengthen believers, encourage families, and help ordinary people live faithfully in the places God has planted them. Where there are gaps, we do not point fingers. We serve, teach, disciple, and help fill the gap.