East Tennessee Pastor Sets Out to Run 500 Miles

Seeks to Celebrate the Reformation Anniversary and  Support Bridge City Community’s Ministry in Chattanooga

Those who know Pastor Brian Truog probably weren’t surprised to learn of his latest endeavor. A running enthusiast, Pastor Brian has launched a “500 for the 500th Run” with a dual purpose: to mark the 500th anniversary of the Reformation and to raise money for Bridge City Community Church in nearby Chattanooga. If this sounds a little familiar, it’s because Pastor Brian has run a marathon in support of Bridge City Community Church in the past. This time around, he’s put a different twist on the run. His goal is to run and log a combined 500 miles, which matches up nicely with this year’s 500th anniversary of the Reformation.

Brian Truog is actually the pastor of Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church in Loudon, Tennessee. It is remarkable that he’s using his passion for running to create awareness and support for a ministry in a neighboring community. That ministry—Bridge City Community Church—worships in and serves an inner-city neighborhood with many struggling families and at-risk youth. Since this LCMS ministry began just a few short years ago, Pastor Josh Woodrow and Bridge City’s members have made great strides in connecting with the community, in many ways becoming part of the neighborhood “family.” Through his latest running endeavor, Pastor Brian hopes to highlight and encourage support for this inspiring ministry.

Pastor Brian began logging runs in mid-January. His progress is shared regularly on his event Facebook page: Pastor Brian’s Church Plant Run. As of the end of January, he was 34 miles into the challenge. If you’d like to follow his progress and, of course, share support for Bridge City Community Church, visit and “like” the Facebook page. We look forward to checking back in with Pastor Brian as he takes on this amazing challenge!