Share on Facebook
In early September, Noah and Maddy Herrin launched Way Church in Nashville, Tennessee, the first church launched with ARC (Association of Related Churches) by Gen Zers. According to the Herrins, their church will follow Jesus in a committed community with a missionary mindset.
As the current youngest generation that can make their own choices about church membership and participation, Gen Z is one that is important to many ARC church communities. At the same time, it's a generation that is significantly different than the ones before it.
The dynamics of Gen Z, the challenges they face, and the things that make them tick are considerably different than Baby Boomers and Gen X. As such, there are different hurdles the Herrins had to overcome to launch their church as Gen Zers themselves.
A Desire for Authenticity
Before deciding to launch their church, the Herrins traveled across the country for a few years, speaking at youth conferences and young adult conferences. Part of the reason they did this was to share the benefits of ministry with this cohort but also to figure out what they wanted.
While there are many polarizing things about Gen Z, above all, Noah Herrin says there's one thing that generation desires the most: Authenticity.
Gen Z has a "deep, deep desire for realness and for them to be challenged," he says.
No matter what that generation is doing -- whether it's ministry-related or not -- they want to be challenged. They respond to challenges, which actually goes against some of the stereotypes that exist about them.
Churches that want to connect with Gen Zers need to be led by those who challenge people from that generation. If they do, they'll show you the amazing things they can accomplish.
Define Discipleship
The Herrins also say that many Gen Zers know the word discipleship, but they don't know what it really means. In order to actually disciple, then, ARC church leaders have to be able to define that first.
To be able to count a disciple, Noah Herrin says they first have to define it, then celebrate it and, hopefully, create a culture around it. This follows something that Pastor Chris Hodges of Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, Alabama, says -- that what you count and what you celebrate matters.
Reach the Next Generation
As Gen Zers themselves, the Herrins know how important it is to reach the younger part of their own generation. By reaching kids when they're in middle school, for instance, ARC churches can reach the next generation.
In fact, being an ARC church that's known for next-gen ministry is a highlight for the church. That fits in perfectly with the fact that they want to be known for evangelism, for reaching people, as well as being known for spiritual formation.
By reaching the youngest members of the community now, ARC churches can make a big difference among Gen Zers for a lifetime.
About ARC (Association of Related Churches)
ARC (Association of Related Churches) represents a collaborative network comprising independent congregations from various denominations, networks, and backgrounds. Its primary mission is to provide essential support and resources to church planters and pastors, enabling them to effectively share the teachings of Jesus. ARC's operational approach revolves around empowering and equipping church leaders, fostering the widespread dissemination of the life-changing message of Jesus. Established in 2000, ARC has evolved into a worldwide entity and has played a pivotal role in facilitating the establishment of over 1,000 new churches.
