No twerking, no drinking, no smoking—these are the guiding principles of The Cove, a novel Christian nightclub in Nashville, Tennessee. Conceived by seven young Black men, the venue emerged as a response to the post-pandemic decline in church attendance, particularly within Black Protestant congregations…CONTINUE READING
The brainchild of musicians, a social media expert, and like-minded individuals seeking to address the diminishing sense of community outside traditional church settings, The Cove aims to provide a safe, genuine, and engaging experience for the Christ-loving Gen Zers. Eric Diggs, the 24-year-old CEO, shared with the Associated Press (AP) that the club originated from a collective yearning for community beyond the church walls, acknowledging the challenges of finding recreational activities aligned with their values.
The club’s monthly events, exclusively featuring Christian music, also strive to create an environment for young adults disenchanted with religion to experience Christian community. Since its inaugural pop-up event in November 2023, The Cove has consistently hosted diverse monthly gatherings, attracting young adults from various backgrounds and styles.
Founders, such as Aaron Dews, expressed surprise at the broad spectrum of attendees, emphasizing the unifying power of their shared vision. Each event is orchestrated to foster engagement and connection, both with God and among participants. Carlton Batts Jr., a founder and frequent emcee, employs group-dividing questions to break down cliques and encourage comfort on the dance floor.
The ambiance is enhanced by a holy energy, as attendees revel in the absence of alcohol. Food trucks outside the venue offer a variety of options, from bottled water and sports drinks to soda, catering to the needs of the clubbers.
While The Cove has garnered predominantly positive feedback, its founders have not escaped criticism on platforms like TikTok, where some argue that dancing and worship are incompatible or even deemed sinful. Jordan Diggs, however, welcomes the discourse, recognizing that the juxtaposition of the words “Christian” and “nightclub” sparks valuable conversations.
