Knoxville congregation paying it forward at fast food restaurants

"Welcome to Chick-Fil-A," says an attendant at the drive thru window off Clinton Highway. "How can I help you??

For many, the fast food line has become a daily ritual. The drive-thru is quick and convenient, but it can add up especially if you are a regular customer. However, what if your next meal was free? Believe it or not, at the Chick-Fil-A in Powell, it has become almost as common as waffle fries.

"It usually happens once or twice a day," says Sam Schutlz, a Chick-Fil-A employee who often mans the drive thru.

The free meal is not at the company's expense, rather a random customer. It all started with a sermon at Grace Baptist Church in July. Membership Pastor Rob Hammond preached about helping others. He wanted to give the congregation the opportunity so, he challenged them with a program called "Fast Food Friends."

"I drive up to the drive thru window and tell the attendant I want to purchase the meal behind me," says Hammond explaining the 'Fast Food Friends' program.

Then, congregation members ask the attendant to hand the recipient a card with information about Grace Baptist Church.

"It's just a unique way to invite people to church and invite them to Christ and to make a small impact in their life," says Hammond. "Our congregation has really caught on to it."

And, participants with "Fast Food Friends" are showing up at food chains all over town.

"People are usually very surprised that people take time to do that," says Schultz.

Sam admits he was caught off guard the first time he witnessed it.

"I wasn't really expecting somebody to do that."

Now, not only is it common, Schultz has had recipients return the favor.

"That's actually happened twice. They say, 'O.K. Since they were nice enough to do that for me, I'll do it to the person behind me.'"

The church has even heard back from several by email. Grace Baptist hopes this simple drive thru gesture will continue to become an everyday part of the fast food life.