“Rethinking Philanthropy: Community Transformation with Dignity” presented by Chris Battle and Adam Woldt

Much of our American culture stems from the Enlightenment, a 16th century philosophical shift in thinking in which the axiom, “I think therefore I am”, laid a foundation for a culture and society centered around the individual and one’s own rational, intellectual pursuit. By the early 20th century, this self-motivated world view seeped into even our pursuit of generosity and justice, shifting the practice of philanthropy away from community driven solutions towards caring for individual needs. In 2024, Americans gave nearly $592.5 billion, a record setting philanthropic year. Nevertheless, the needs of the poor, the disenfranchised, and the average working man or woman continue to be harder than ever to meet.

Why, despite such incredible generosity, do the problems facing our community keep soaring? Perhaps, as is our belief, the problem lies not in the solutions we’re trying, but the very worldview by which we seek the answer.

At Battlefield Farm & Gardens, one of our core beliefs stems from the South African Zulu word, “Ubuntu”, which means “I am because we are.” Community is not a byproduct of social change, it’s the heart of it! Lasting transformation occurs not when individual needs are met, but when community takes root, grows together over time, and begins to bear fruit from a sense of belonging to and with one another. Realizing this value, we’re engaged in a battle to fight food insecurity through community. Together, we believe food deserts can become food oases, and food insecurity can become abundance for all.

Join us on Thursday, May 14, and be enlightened and inspired! Chris Battle and Adam Woldt will share their impactful story of community come to life through the vision of the Battlefield Farm & Gardens and The One-Five grocery store right here in our backyard. Needs are being met, deserts are being transformed into gardens, literally and spiritually. But most of all, people are being changed through the power of community. Oh, how beautiful life is, when we work as one!

Meet Our Speakers: Chris Battle and Adam Woldt

Chris Battle is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio. He is a 1983 graduate of Morehouse College. He also holds a Master of Divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, as well as a Master of Arts in Hebrew Bible from Cincinnati Bible College.

Chris has pastored congregations in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Hackensack, New Jersey, and Cincinnati, Ohio, and currently serves as Senior Pastor of Fern Street Baptist Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.

In 2018, his life’s trajectory shifted with the founding of Battlefield Farm & Gardens, a community-centered initiative committed to transforming a food desert into a food oasis. The work includes community gardens, farmers market, a Veggie Van, and the launch of an affordable mobile grocery store—The One Five—which operates on a simple principle: a nickel over cost. The long-term vision is the establishment of an affordable brick-and-mortar grocery store serving Knoxville’s 37915 zip code.

Chris and his wife, Tomma, are raising 19… or maybe 20 children—but who’s counting?

Adam Woldt grew up living all over the U.S., but mostly claims Omaha, Nebraska, as his hometown. He graduated with a Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis in 2017 and moved shortly thereafter to Knoxville, where he currently serves as the pastor of The Point.

The whole of Adam’s adult life has been oriented toward the underserved and disenfranchised, often filled with imaginative vision for the unique intersection of ministry and business. Chris and Adam’s friendship and partnership began in 2023 through their shared desire to provide affordable, accessible food to East Knoxville. Prior to serving as the Treasurer for Battlefield Farm & Gardens, Adam served for two years on the school board of Paideia Academy Knoxville.

Though delighting in his work with Battlefield Farm & Gardens, Adam’s greatest delight is his role as husband to Laura and dad to their three children: Elijah (11), Eden (9), and Ezra (5).

Presenting Sponsor:
   

Coffee, full breakfast, and TLC served.