The Way Church | Oakland & Baneberry, TN

About Us

Who We Are

About The Way Church

The Way Church is a Christ-centered family with two campuses — one in Oakland, gathering in a building with roots stretching back nearly 170 years, and one in Baneberry at 704 Harrison Ferry Road, gathering in what was once the local country club, now transformed into a place of worship, prayer, and community. Rooted in God's Word and led by the Holy Spirit, the church exists to help people encounter Jesus, grow as disciples, and live out their faith in everyday life.

From young families to lifelong believers, people from across the lake area come together at both locations to find hope, healing, and authentic relationships that feel like home. Through Sunday worship, Bible teaching, and intentional discipleship, The Way Church seeks to strengthen homes, raise up the next generation, and equip believers to stand firm in a shifting world. The heart of this church extends beyond its walls, partnering with ministries like Out of the Wilderness to serve communities in times of crisis with both spiritual encouragement and practical help.

Whether you are looking for a place to belong, a fresh start in your walk with God, or a way to make a difference for others, The Way Church welcomes you to journey with us — at either campus — as we follow Jesus—the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Church Leadership

Pastor Owen Caudill – Lead Pastor

Owen Caudill serves as the Lead Pastor of The Way Church, where he is dedicated to preaching God’s Word with clarity, compassion, and a heart to see lives changed by Jesus Christ. His ministry journey began as an open-air preacher while serving in law enforcement, a season that shaped his passion for reaching people from every walk of life with the hope of the Gospel.

Owen leads The Way Church with a shepherd’s heart and a commitment to discipleship. His desire is to help people grow in their faith, strengthen families, and build a church community that is authentic, Christ-centered, and welcoming to all—especially young families seeking a place to belong.

In addition to his pastoral role, Owen also is the Founder and President of the Out of the Wilderness Ministries outreach program.He helps by directing relief efforts that bring both spiritual encouragement and practical assistance to communities impacted by crises. His work in disaster response reflects the mission of The Way Church: sharing Christ’s love in both word and action.

Owen is married to Misty Caudill, who works with a nonprofit healthcare foundation and partners with him in ministry. Together, they are blessed with three sons. Owen’s heart is to faithfully serve God, support those in need, and lead The Way Church in pointing people to Jesus—the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Fred Dotson- Associate Pastor

In August of 1984, Fred Dotson experienced the transforming light of salvation through Jesus Christ, who delivered him from a life of addiction and depression. In 1985, he married his beautiful wife, Susan, beginning a journey of faith and partnership that has been a tremendous blessing. Together, they have grown in the love of a Christ-centered marriage and are the proud parents of five children and eighteen grandchildren.

Fred’s call to ministry came in 2005, and since that time he has devoted his life to serving Christ through preaching the gospel, teaching, and participating in mission work across three countries.

Today, he is grateful and excited for the new ministry God has given him at The Way Church, where he serves as Associate Pastor. His passion is to share the hope and freedom found in Christ and to help others discover their God-given purpose and calling.

Deacon Samuel

Samuel Wolfe has been a faithful member of The Way Fellowship since the church’s early beginnings. He and his wife, Madeline, are blessed with two sons and are grateful to call The Way Fellowship their church family.

He has a deep passion for encouraging and equipping men to become godly husbands, loving fathers, and faithful leaders of their families. His desire is to serve others with humility, point people to Christ through both word and example, and help strengthen families as they grow together in faith.

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does The Way Church offer?

The Way Church offers weekly worship services, Bible study, and age-specific ministry opportunities designed to help individuals and families grow in their relationship with Jesus.
Weekly services
•Sunday Worship Service at 11:00 AM at 704 Harrison Ferry Road in Baneberry, featuring preaching from God’s Word and passionate, Christ-centered worship.

•Special Sundays and events may include fellowship breakfasts, baptism services, and seasonal gatherings that create space for connection and spiritual growth.

Midweek discipleship
•Wednesday Night Bible Study at 6:30 PM, providing verse-by-verse teaching, discussion, and prayer in a smaller, more relational setting.

•Occasional classes or study series focused on practical Christian living and strengthening faith for everyday life.

Family and community ministry
•Ministry for children and youth that helps the next generation learn Scripture, encounter Jesus, and build godly friendships in a safe environment.

•Outreach and service opportunities—both local and, through partnerships, in crisis-affected areas—so the church family can share Christ’s love in tangible ways.

How can I contribute to The Way Church or its community services?

Contributions can be made in various ways, including volunteering your time, donating resources, or providing financial support. Each contribution goes directly towards supporting our missions and community outreach efforts.

What makes The Way Church unique in Baneberry , TN?

The Way Church is unique in Baneberry because it combines bold, Bible-preaching faith with a strong family atmosphere and a heart for serving a hurting world.
A transformed place with a clear mission
Meeting at the former Baneberry country club on Harrison Ferry Road, The Way Church has turned a once recreational space into a vibrant house of worship and community. This story of God repurposing a local landmark reflects the church’s mission: seeing lives, families, and even spaces redeemed and used for His glory.

Uncompromised preaching and real community
The church is known locally for standing firmly on the Word of God while remaining warm and welcoming to people from every walk of life. Services emphasize clear preaching, heartfelt worship, and genuine relationships that extend beyond Sunday, helping people grow as disciples together.

Family-first environment
The Way Church intentionally prioritizes young families, offering a setting where parents, kids, and teens can worship, learn Scripture, and serve side by side. Guests often describe it as a place that “feels like family,” not just a place to attend.

Heart for crisis response and outreach
Through connection with ministries like Out of the Wilderness, the church actively participates in disaster relief and practical support for communities in need, tying local worship to hands-on mission work. This blend of strong doctrine and compassionate action gives The Way Church a distinct role in the Baneberry and lake-area community.

Real faith. Strong families. Uncompromised Gospel