Today we’d like to introduce you to Doug Wekenman.
Hi Doug, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My friends and I got serious about our faith in college. Ever since then, we dreamed of one day starting a church. We spent a year doing international mission work together in various third-world countries and then worked at different churches to learn as much as possible. I started working as a Young Adult’s Pastor at Red Rocks Church in Denver in 2014. It became clear that our dream would go much further if we aligned it with the vision of Red Rocks. We visited several amazing cities, but none of them stuck out as much as Austin, Texas. There is a reason Austin is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. It is an incredible place full of inspiring people, delicious food, and fantastic live music. After just one visit, we knew it was the perfect city for Red Rocks Church! Then on January 6th, 2019, when we launched Red Rocks Austin in a small set-up/tear-down venue on North Lamar.
The church grew quickly, even through a pandemic. We outgrew the original venue, and our new home is now on the corner of 35 and 183. About 1200 people come every Sunday. We believe every human being is made to experience God, find family, discover purpose, and make a difference. And we exist to make heaven more crowded by helping as many people as possible do just that.
Austin is growing quickly. I think a lot of people are moving here looking for something, and I believe the answer is Jesus.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
No, it’s been anything but a smooth road. We picked one heck of a time to start a church. Little did we know one year into our journey that we would face a global pandemic, national division, racial tension, and economic difficulties. It’s been challenging, but we’ve learned to pastor people through the tough stuff, and it’s made us better leaders!
We made a decision to see every obstacle as an opportunity to get stronger. We believe as the world gets darker, the church should shine brighter. Our goal is to stand out like a city on a hill, preaching hope and the message of Jesus with humility and confidence.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m the Lead Pastor of Red Rocks Austin and the Teaching Pastor for all of Red Rocks Church. I have the honor of leading and directing a growing staff, amazing volunteers, and the most generous and encouraging congregation I could ever ask for. My favorite part is that I get to lead this movement with my best friends.
I preach messages a few times a month in Austin and Denver. Through media and technology, the online reach of Red Rocks Church is growing, and it’s a privilege to be part of it. I don’t take it lightly!
There are churches on every corner in the Bible belt, but I believe God is doing something new and fresh through Red Rocks. Countless people who grew up wanting nothing to do with God have found a relationship with Jesus at Red Rocks. Those with “church hurt” have found healing. One thing we say all the time: “Just because you tried religion, doesn’t mean you tried Jesus. Come and experience what God thinks about you.”
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Our church has been steadily growing. We’ve added a few additional Sunday services and will continue to do so as needed. You never know if opportunities will come knocking for future locations.
Contact Info:
- Website: redrocksaustin.com
- Instagram: @redrocksaustin
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/redrocksaustin/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RedRocksAustin
Image Credits
Jacob Phillips Red Rocks Austin Creative Team
