Share:

"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." - Matthew 18:20‍

When it comes to laying the foundations of a church, is there a secret ingredient? If you ask Noah Herrin, who, alongside his wife, Maddy, planted Way Church in Nashville, Tennessee, he'll tell you it's all about prioritizing community. This and more were covered in the latest episode of the 'Believe Again' podcast. Noah discussed the innovative strategies that made Way Church a standing-room-only success from the start.‍

The Journey Begins with a Vision‍

When the Herrins moved to Nashville, they noticed a craving for community in the city. They crafted their church planting strategy around this need. This approach is reminiscent of the early church, where fellowship and breaking bread together were central to growth and unity, reflecting the spirit of Acts 2:42, "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."‍

The Strategy: Dinner Parties Over Mission Statements‍

The Herrins' strategy didn't focus on mission statements first but on building a solid community. They realized that creating a space where people could connect on a personal level would naturally lead to a shared vision. This was evident during their dinner parties, where over 25 people at each event in various parts of the city came together to share a meal, play games, and discuss the practical steps of joining the launch team. These gatherings fostered a sense of belonging and commitment that would be the bedrock of their burgeoning church.‍

Cultivating a Lasting Community‍

The Herrins' approach proved fruitful. With 80 % of their launch team members coming from these dinner parties, they demonstrated the power of personal connection in church planting. As they look to the future, the same principle holds. Before rolling out community groups, they're hosting another round of dinner parties to integrate new believers into the Way Church family.‍

The Takeaway‍

The success of Way Church is a powerful reminder that church planting is as much about the people as it is about the preaching. By focusing on the relational aspect of ministry, Noah and Maddy  have cultivated a thriving community that continues to grow and impact lives.

Don't miss out on the full story of how Noah and Maddy Herrin turned a vision into a vibrant community. Watch the 'Believe Again' podcast episode with Noah Herrin on YouTube or listen to it on your preferred podcast platform. Dive into their journey, draw inspiration from their faith, and perhaps find guidance for your own calling. The story of Way Church is more than a lesson in church planting—it's a masterclass in community building.

The Believe Again podcast is powered by Parble. Parable helps you place every dollar on mission by providing church accounting, bookkeeping, and strategic services so you can tell the most incredible story of all — even with your ministry's money. Go to liveyourparable.com and click "Let's Chat" to see how Parable can help stay focused on the mission. Get 25% off your onboarding fees when you enter the promo code of "Believe Again.

Each episode is also sponsored by Live Design Group. LIVE Design Group is an architectural and interior design firm working with growing organizations who are focused on creating places that bring people together. Our highly interactive LIVE Design Process lets you explore your options as the design evolves, in real time. https://www.livedesigngroup.com/