In the Words of Rabbi Michael
“When my late wife, Ann, and I started Shomair, there were only 2 things I wanted to accomplish, create Messianic Jewish space in Knoxville that is connected to the greater Messianic move of God taking place worldwide, and to provide an opportunity to celebrate the Lord’s Supper at every occasion. Now, twenty-eight years later, our commitment to these two principles is unwavering. Today we are still ‘Making disciples of Yeshua, following His teachings.’”
On a Saturday night in July of 1997 three people prayed in the back of the auditorium at the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations Conference in Sturbridge, MA. Scott and Sherry Moore prayed with Rabbi Michael for the Lord to open the door of opportunity to fulfill the Messianic vision for Knoxville. Upon returning to Knoxville, Rabbi Michael asked Pastor Barry Culberson if he and a few others could meet at the Knoxville Christian Center on Cedar Bluff Road, and he gladly agreed, because the vision of Shomair, to see Israel saved, matched his own. He opened his building and his heart to the fledgling group. We are eternally grateful to him. Pastor Barry mentored Michael for 13 years before Shomair left KCC. Interestingly the congregation went out on their own in their Bar Mitzvah year.
After a year at Cornerstone Church of God with Pastor Steve McCullough, the congregation purchased the Marble City United Methodist Church. Six years later we sold that building and bought our current building at 3811 Boyds Bridge Pike. Both transactions took place on the same day, December 29, 2017.
Every move of God needs a plan of succession, and Shomair is no exception. In August of 2022, after 25 years of senior leadership, Rabbi Michael and Keith Henschen changed seats, and Keith was set in by Ben Juster as the senior leader of Shomair. Rabbi Michael says, “I love submitting to Keith’s leadership. The layers of agreement between us are amazing. When Keith ministers, I hear him sharing my heart.”
Give thanks to the Lord for all He has done to make the vision for Shomair Yisrael an ongoing reality. The vision was for people who didn’t know each other to form a wonderful assembly of family and friends. God has answered our prayers with the most amazing community, ‘beyond all we could ask or imagine.’ We can’t help but give thanks.
On a Saturday night in July of 1997 three people prayed in the back of the auditorium at the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations Conference in Sturbridge, MA. Scott and Sherry Moore prayed with Rabbi Michael for the Lord to open the door of opportunity to fulfill the Messianic vision for Knoxville. Upon returning to Knoxville, Rabbi Michael asked Pastor Barry Culberson if he and a few others could meet at the Knoxville Christian Center on Cedar Bluff Road, and he gladly agreed, because the vision of Shomair, to see Israel saved, matched his own. He opened his building and his heart to the fledgling group. We are eternally grateful to him. Pastor Barry mentored Michael for 13 years before Shomair left KCC. Interestingly the congregation went out on their own in their Bar Mitzvah year.
After a year at Cornerstone Church of God with Pastor Steve McCullough, the congregation purchased the Marble City United Methodist Church. Six years later we sold that building and bought our current building at 3811 Boyds Bridge Pike. Both transactions took place on the same day, December 29, 2017.
Every move of God needs a plan of succession, and Shomair is no exception. In August of 2022, after 25 years of senior leadership, Rabbi Michael and Keith Henschen changed seats, and Keith was set in by Ben Juster as the senior leader of Shomair. Rabbi Michael says, “I love submitting to Keith’s leadership. The layers of agreement between us are amazing. When Keith ministers, I hear him sharing my heart.”
Give thanks to the Lord for all He has done to make the vision for Shomair Yisrael an ongoing reality. The vision was for people who didn’t know each other to form a wonderful assembly of family and friends. God has answered our prayers with the most amazing community, ‘beyond all we could ask or imagine.’ We can’t help but give thanks.
Old Building
New Building
