The mission of this podcast is to highlight the beauty and diversity of God’s Church – both in Chattanooga and the Church at large.

Tony Walliser has what he calls a “small-church-pastor heart” despite being the senior pastor of one of Chattanooga’s largest churches. During his twenty-six years on staff, Tony has seen Silverdale Baptist Church grow into four venues and thousands of members. But Silverdale’s current discipleship initiative is not for the sake of adding to those numbers. Listen to this episode to find out why Silverdale is starting home churches, how Tony came to Christ and how God has dealt with his insecurities, and what three things make up the backbone of Silverdale’s culture.

Note: this podcast was recorded earlier in 2021.


About Adam Whitescarver

Adam is passionate about seeing God’s people possess vibrant prayer lives to help them make a difference in the sphere of influence God has given them. In ministry since 2001, Adam enjoys his family, teaching, singing, and reading a myriad of subjects. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in North GA with their four children.


Jump Through the Conversation:

• [1:51] Tony’s early years and introduction to the gospel
• [6:52] Church location, service times, connection information
• [8:23] Background on Silverdale
• [11:44] On staying at Silverdale for so long
  • Tony’s “small-church-pastor heart”
  • Tony on realizing when he’s taking on a yoke that isn’t his
• [16:20] How God has addressed Tony’s insecurities
  • Childhood insecurity: “there’s nothing that you have to say that anybody wants to hear”
  • God’s promise to Tony from Exodus
• [23:52] Missions and worship, growing, and serving as Silverdale’s emphases 
• [34:53] Information about Oaks Coffee House
• [36:30] Silverdale’s prayer culture
• [42:37] Silverdale’s current focus on discipleship through a home church model
• [51:53] Exhortation to be doers of the Word
• [53:48] Tony’s vision for Chattanooga to be a “city on a hill” 

Links and Resources:

• A Beautiful Church website
• Chattanooga House of Prayer website
• Give today
• Silverdale Baptist Church website

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