The nightclub is the brainchild of seven young Black men who wanted to combat the decline in church attendance, especially among Black Protestant congregations.
The club’s goal is to help young adults experience a Christian community outside of the church walls. The club exclusively features Christian music, and there is a strict code of conduct that prohibits twerking, drinking and smoking.
Since its first pop-up event in November 2023, The Cove has held monthly events, reaching a diverse group of young adults from different backgrounds.
The founders of The Cove, who include musicians and a social media guru, wanted to bring a safe, authentic and engaging experience to their generation.
During the club’s events, participants are guided through the evening of engagement and connection with God and each other. Carlton Batts Jr., one of the founders and often the emcee, asks the entire group questions that divide attendees into groups and reveal the diversity represented.
The club features food trucks in the parking lot that offer a variety of food options, and vendors sell sports drinks, bottled water and soda instead of alcohol.
The feedback for The Cove has been mostly positive, but the founders have also faced criticism on TikTok from some who believe that dancing and worship should not go together, or that it is a sin. Despite the criticism, the founders embrace the attention, good or bad, as the words “Christian” and “nightclub” are sure to start a lot of conversation.