Meet Mac Shirley of Authentic City Church in Arlington

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mac Shirley.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
It started how every big idea starts – with a normal person living a normal life (only in this case it started in the hearts of two normal people). We began seeking God together, asking the question, “God, what’s next?” We felt God calling us to create a place that encourages everyone (rich, poor, hurting, homeless) to come seek God just as they are (Hebrews 4:16). It has never been about starting another church or doing something new, it has always been about loving people and obeying Jesus. For years God watered this dream He planted in our hearts as He continued to prepare us. He has been faithful in guiding us every step of the way. From stepping away from the security we presently knew and into the obscurity of the unknown, to finding the boldness to stare fear in the face and call him a liar, and accept the pressure that feels like it will crush us when we act in faith. All along reminding ourselves that pressure will only grow our potential.

Has it been a smooth road?
We knew when we started that over eighty percent of church start-ups fail and we know pastors with churches that are struggling to survive or even churches that can’t afford to keep the doors open. We didn’t think it would be easy. Our biggest struggle wasn’t finding people or a compelling reason of WHY, it was finding a place to meet weekly. We started off meeting in my house, but we quickly outgrew that and began to explore other options. In the short term, we have been blessed by the generosity of Pastor Joe Centineo and his congregation to meet in their building on Sunday Nights as we save up money to afford a more permanent place to meet. Small churches struggle with this more than people realize. It’s tough to find a place to meet. Our hope is have a building that is used every day/night of the week by different churches that need help finding a meeting place. We know how much it has helped us in these early days and we want to do the same for others. When the church works together, the impossible begins to happen! And whether you admit it or not, we all love to see the impossible happen.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Authentic City Church – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We want people to know How Much God loves them and to love all the people around them like God does. We believe true love changes everything. Our passion is to empower people to change the world around them and we believe there is no dream too big or step too small. People often think of church to be something that happens once a week on a Sunday, in our case we meet on Sunday Nights at 6:30pm, but church is much more than a weekly meeting. It is our expression of God’s love everyday. There is something real and raw and powerful that is taking place in the lives of people just like you and I; even though it only started a few weeks ago the impact is incredible. Come see for yourself one Sunday Night!

What were you like growing up? Personality wise, interest wise, etc.
Growing up I had a good family around me and positive influences. I struggled with school and learning though. I had to repeat a grade in elementary and was suggested to repeat two grades. My head was in the clouds even then I think. I didn’t see any value in cutting paper projects or adding up numbers (I see the value now though, especially he number things, we need those for sure) I wanted to dream, I wanted to play, didn’t want the structure school provided, so that made the early years a little hard for me. Sometimes it hard for creatives to have too much structure. I was creative not in art like other kids, but in my own mind by the things I could dream up!

I always knew I wanted to do two things: play in the NBA and then retire from sports and be a preacher. Early on I saw how real God was and how much he could change people’s lives. I saw it in my own life in an early age through the power of prayer. My parents and grandparents would pray for me and I would be healed. I specifically remember them laying hands on me and praying I would be healed from struggles with Breathing (an advanced aggressive asthma like condition) and being healed from that was life-changing for an active child that loves to run. I saw this same kind of power from God change other people’s lives too and knew that was worth sharing. So I begin leading others to Jesus even at a young age.

Contact Info:

• Address: 3221 West Pioneer Pkwy. Arlington, TX. 76013
• Website: authenticcity.church
• Email: next@authenticcity.church
• Instagram: @authentic_city_church
• Facebook: Authentic City Church
• Twitter: AuthenticCity_
• Other: Youtube: Authentic City Church

Image Credit:
Victoria Salinas, Abby Shadle, Authentic City Church

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