THE PASSION.
THE CALL.
THE JOURNEY.
“Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work.”
— Oswald Chambers
Husband, Father, and Papa
Gene and Karen Wolfenbarger make their home in Seymour, Tennessee, where they treasure time spent with their two sons, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren.
The family enjoys relaxing on the back porch with extended family and friends, playing golf, and traveling together. He and Karen also share a love for travel—whether visiting family in Texas or exploring new places.
Family remains at the heart of everything Gene and Karen do, and in recent years, their grandchildren have become their greatest joy and highest priority.
Teacher & Pastor
Gene Wolfenbarger is the Founder and Lead Pastor of The Gathering Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. In 1990, he earned his B.A. in Biblical Studies from Criswell Bible College in Dallas, Texas. Shortly after, he began a decade of itinerant evangelism—traveling across the country to preach the Gospel and encourage the Body of Christ.
On November 18, 1999, Gene returned to his boyhood home in East Tennessee with a clear calling from the Lord: to plant a new church, which would become The Gathering. Over the years, he has witnessed the life-changing power of God’s Word in countless lives—a testimony to the faithfulness of our Savior.
The Gathering Church
The Gathering Church is a Christ-centered community committed to living in the presence of Jesus. We believe in a God whose love, mercy, and grace know no end—and who welcomes all who seek Him. Our calling as a church is simple yet profound: to respond to the love we’ve so freely received through Christ by loving Him and others with all our hearts.
Entrepreneur
The entrepreneurial spirit has always been a part of Gene’s DNA. Over the years, he has launched numerous ventures—some soaring successes, others valuable learning experiences.
At the core of his entrepreneurial drive is a desire to help others and give to causes that matter most to him. This passion is more than ambition—it’s a calling. Gene firmly believes that God has placed within him the vision, determination, and creativity to build things that make a difference. Every idea, opportunity, and every setback has been part of a greater purpose. This God-given drive continues to fuel his efforts and guide him on a path of purpose. Below are the companies that each show a piece of Gene’s heart and his story.
Below are the companies that each show a piece of Gene’s heart and story.
The Lord’s Child
Many years ago, the Lord spoke clearly to my heart: “Learn to serve the poor.” Jesus reminds us that whatever we do for “the least of these,” we are doing unto Him (Matthew 25:40). The Lord’s Child was founded in 2006 out of The Gathering Church under the leadership of Pastor Gene, born from a conviction to serve families in practical ways during back-to-school time and at Christmas. What began as clothing, supplies, and gifts grew into a movement of compassion that continues today. In 2016, Director David May was instrumental in leading TLC into a new chapter—one focused on fighting food insecurity in our community. Today, The Lord’s Child is not only helping families locally but also reaching across borders to bring hope and provision to orphanages around the world.
Smoky Mtn. Labradors represents the culmination of decades of experience with hunting, showing, and breeding exceptional dogs. For more than 13 years, Gene has devoted his expertise exclusively to the English Labrador, refining bloodlines that embody the breed’s hallmark qualities of strength, beauty, and gentle temperament. Through selective breeding and consistent success, Smoky Mtn. Labradors has built a reputation for producing English Labradors of distinction and cherished companions. Through this love, we have been able to help build a school and an orphanage that supports nearly 400 children daily with food, shelter, and education. So when you purchase your Labrador, you're purchasing more than a puppy. You're helping build a better future for those around the world.
Smoky Mtn. Labradors
Walk In The Light
COMING SOON
Walk In The Light is a publishing company dedicated to creating books and resources that inspire, encourage, and equip people to grow in their faith. Our mission is simple: to share truth and practical wisdom that helps you live in the light of God’s Word every day. Through biblically grounded teaching and uplifting materials, we aim to guide readers on their journey of spiritual growth.
The Prayer.com
COMING SOON
Gene believes deeply in the power of prayer and often points to the Lord’s Prayer as the greatest prayer in Scripture. When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, this is the model He gave—and Gene has embraced it as a daily guide in his own walk with God. Over the years, he has witnessed firsthand how praying this prayer can release God’s power and transform a life. Out of this conviction, ThePrayer.com was created to bring hope to those who are hurting and to introduce them to the life-changing presence of God.
Fun Facts
Favorite hobby
Golf. In his spare time, you will find him enjoying a round of golf. Pebble Beach Gold is his favorite course.
Favorite Scripture
There is a long list of favorite scriptures.
Greatest Passion
His heart is devoted to prayer and to serving others—with a special focus on the poor, both near and far.
Peaceful Place
Downstairs in his favorite chair, early in the morning, when the house is still.
Background
His early years were spent in Texas but his boyhood and teenage years were shaped by the hills of East Tennessee.
Personality
Energetic, direct and passionate.
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