Launching a new initiative in an unfamiliar city can be challenging. But for Nate and McKayla Gay, founders of Devo Church in Denver, Colorado, careful planning, supportive mentorship, and clarity of vision—provided in part by their partnership with the Association of Related Churches (ARC)—made their ambitious goals achievable, even in a city with unique challenges.
Finding the Right City: Why Denver?
From the beginning, Nate and McKayla knew they wanted to build something meaningful in a major urban center. After extensive research and reflection, Denver stood out. During a focused preparation period, they developed a deep appreciation for the city and recognized its distinct character.
Denver is vibrant yet complex. Its population, as Nate discovered, includes many who don’t typically engage with local churches. Over 90% of Denver’s population doesn’t identify as actively churchgoing, which presented both a significant challenge and an opportunity to serve the community meaningfully.
Creating Connections in a New Community
Entering a city where they knew almost no one meant that Nate and McKayla had to prioritize relationship-building. With guidance from the Association of Related Churches, they learned effective strategies to engage people who might have had little or no interest in traditional church activities. Their approach was simple and authentic: They aimed to position themselves as willing partners in community-building, collaborating openly with other established local organizations.
Their genuine efforts quickly resonated. From the outset, Devo Church became a place where people felt welcomed regardless of their background or previous experiences.
Impacting Lives Through Authentic Community
One powerful story from Devo Church’s launch illustrates the deep impact of genuine connection. On their very first Sunday, a member of a local gang attended their service; soon after, he decided to change his life. Choosing to leave behind gang involvement, this individual made a profound personal decision to pursue a new path, beginning a positive transformation that was celebrated privately yet powerfully within the community.
For Nate and McKayla, stories like this exemplify the motivation behind their efforts—they strive to create real opportunities for individuals to experience personal growth and transformation.
A Foundation Built on Clarity and Collaboration
When Nate and McKayla felt ready to begin their new project, one of their first decisions—after gaining support from their mentors—was to reach out to ARC. Their prior experiences with the Association of Related Churches had already shaped much of their journey: They both had initially connected with ARC churches during pivotal times in their lives. This history made ARC a natural choice as a key partner in their new endeavor.
Working closely with the Association of Related Churches, the couple gained clarity on crucial logistical details like creating timelines, building volunteer teams, and developing effective local outreach. ARC’s structured but adaptable roadmap provided essential support, helping them tailor their approach to Denver’s urban landscape.
Adapting to Unique City Dynamics
The Association of Related Churches’ coaching particularly supported Devo Church in addressing specific challenges unique to Denver. Nate and McKayla worked alongside their ARC coach to continually refine their approach, addressing potential blind spots and ensuring their strategies resonated within their community.
This careful adaptation allowed Devo Church to more effectively reach people who might otherwise have felt disconnected or uninterested.
Looking Ahead: Continued Impact in Denver
Nate and McKayla’s experience planting Devo Church underscores a crucial insight about starting any new project: Success comes not just from ambition but also from clarity, adaptability, and genuine community engagement. Through their ongoing partnership with the Association of Related Churches, Devo Church continues to establish itself as a place of meaningful community connection and positive change in Denver.
About the Association of Related Churches (ARC):
The Association of Related Churches (ARC) 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 Christ. ARC’s operational approach revolves around empowering and equipping church leaders, thus helping them foster the widespread dissemination of Christ’s life-changing message. Established in 2000, the Association of Related Churches has evolved into a worldwide entity and has played a pivotal role in facilitating the establishment of over 1,100 new churches globally.
