Knoxville, Tennessee, October 7, 2025
News Summary
The Unite US revival movement gathered over 8,000 college students at the University of Tennessee, where around 500 made commitments to Christ and many were baptized. This event highlights a resurgence of spiritual interest among Gen Z students, further fueled by promotional efforts from local coaches and athletes. Elevation Worship led the musical aspect of the event, creating a vibrant atmosphere for worship and community. With the next gathering planned at Grand Canyon University, the movement continues to grow across college campuses nationwide.
Knoxville, Tennessee
Thousands of college students gathered at the University of Tennessee on Tuesday night as part of the Unite US revival movement, attracting more than 8,000 attendees. The event took place at the Food City Center and marked a significant moment for students seeking spiritual connection.
During the gathering, approximately 500 students made decisions for Christ, and hundreds were baptized in portable tanks, celebrated by cheering peers. The event showcased the growing enthusiasm among Gen Z college students for spiritual exploration and faith-based community.
Unite US, a revival movement that originated two years ago at Auburn University, aims to promote salvation, freedom, and community among college students. Starting on September 12, 2023, the movement has expanded to approximately 20 college campuses nationwide, with previous events hosted at the University of Georgia and several upcoming gatherings planned in other states.
Local coaches and athletes played a crucial role in promoting the event, including Tennessee basketball head coach Rick Barnes, who encouraged students to bring friends and worship together. He emphasized the importance of this revival as a time for collective faith and worship of Jesus Christ. Basketball players Nate Ament and Cade Phillips also recorded promotional messages, enhancing the event’s visibility among students.
Elevation Worship, a contemporary Christian music group, led the musical worship during the event, further enhancing the spiritual atmosphere. Unite US projected that “Jesus is moving in Gen Z,” highlighting the tremendous interest in faith and spirituality within this demographic. Recent studies by Barna indicated an increase in commitment to Jesus among Gen Z men, rising from 52% in 2019 to an anticipated 67% by 2025, while women showed an increase from 54% to 61% during the same timeframe. Findings revealed that the typical Gen Z attendee now participates in religious gatherings nearly twice a month, more frequently than any other age group.
Co-organizer Madison (Prewett) Troutt remarked on the increasing spiritual hunger among Gen Z for truth and freedom, making the movement relevant and impactful for today’s youth. The next Unite US gathering is scheduled for November 21 at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, aiming to continue fostering this spiritual revival.
At previous events, guests have shared personal testimonies about their faith during baptisms, discussing their struggles and commitment. The inaugural Unite US event at Auburn University attracted around 5,000 attendees, resulting in 200 spontaneous baptisms in a nearby lake. This compelling momentum reflects a modern-day miracle in college campuses nationwide, according to Unite US founder Tonya Prewett.
Event Highlights
- More than 8,000 students attended the Unite US revival event at the University of Tennessee.
- Approximately 500 students made decisions for Christ during the gathering.
- Hundreds were baptized in portable tanks, supported by enthusiastic peers.
- Local players and coaches, including Tennessee basketball coach Rick Barnes, promoted the event.
- The next Unite US gathering is set for November 21 at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix.
Reasons for Growth
- Increased commitment to Jesus among Gen Z is evidenced by Barna studies.
- The typical Gen Z attendee participates in religious gatherings nearly twice a month.
- Co-organizers emphasize a growing spiritual hunger for truth among Gen Z.
Background Context
The Unite US movement began at Auburn University in September 2023, where it garnered immediate interest with 5,000 attendees and spontaneous baptisms. Since then, it has quickly spread to multiple campuses nationwide, helping students express their faith and build supportive communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many students attended the Unite US revival at the University of Tennessee?
More than 8,000 attendees were present at the event.
2. What decisions were made by students during the event?
Approximately 500 students made decisions for Christ during the gathering.
3. How many students were baptized?
Hundreds of students were baptized in portable tanks.
4. When is the next Unite US gathering scheduled?
The next Unite US gathering is scheduled for November 21 at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix.
5. What is the goal of the Unite US movement?
The movement aims to promote salvation, freedom, and community among college students.
6. Where did Unite US originated?
The Unite US revival movement originated two years ago at Auburn University.
7. What is the expected trend in Gen Z’s commitment to Jesus according to recent studies?
Barna studies indicate that the commitment to Jesus among Gen Z men increased from 52% in 2019 to 67% by 2025, while among women, it rose from 54% to 61%.
Key Features of Unite US Movement
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| First Event Location | Auburn University |
| Date of First Event | September 12, 2023 |
| Initial Attendance | 5,000 |
| Spontaneous Baptisms at First Event | 200 |
| Current Expansion | 20 college campuses nationwide |
| Next Scheduled Gathering | November 21 at Grand Canyon University |
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Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
